3 year old at Mass

[ConstantineTG]

I dont think that young should receive communion, they arent at the age of reason and wont really understand what the Eucharist is. Only those who believe it is the Body of Christ should receive it. I dont know a 3 year-old that understands what it is. Toddlers dont have much religious sophistication, most would only receive it because they think its a mere piece of bread and want to do what everyone else is doing. I think allowing that to happen is abusing the Blessed Sacrament honestly.

Nonsense! This is not the traditional way of the Church. From the earliest of days of the Church, children are given Communion regardless of age. Where is it in Scripture or in the teachings of the Early Fathers that Communion is to be denied to those who cannot perceive it intellectually?

And let me ask you this, do we as adults even perceive the truth of the Eucharist?

 

[babochka]

I dont think that young should receive communion, they arent at the age of reason and wont really understand what the Eucharist is. Only those who believe it is the Body of Christ should receive it. I dont know a 3 year-old that understands what it is. Toddlers dont have much religious sophistication, most would only receive it because they think its a mere piece of bread and want to do what everyone else is doing. I think allowing that to happen is abusing the Blessed Sacrament honestly.

Can the same thing not be said of Baptism?

Really, I’m not sure many adults truly understand The Eucharist.

 

[johnnyjones]

Can the same thing not be said of Baptism?

Really, I’m not sure many adults truly understand The Eucharist.

Great answer about adults as well. I actually had a good chuckle over that.
I wish my daughter who WAS baptised as an infant would have received communion rights at that time. I was not yet back to the Catholic faith at that time and never followed up years later with her first communion. Her mother is Atheist to boot so that didn’t help. My daughter lives with her mother and her schedule is full-even Saturdays. So, no current chance for her to get classes to make her communion.

I think communion at baptism would keep folks stronger in the faith, and may prevent some of what I dealt with. I know I’m not the only one. From a spititual standpoint baptism and communion just go together.

 

[MHT32]

Nonsense! This is not the traditional way of the Church. From the earliest of days of the Church, children are given Communion regardless of age. Where is it in Scripture or in the teachings of the Early Fathers that Communion is to be denied to those who cannot perceive it intellectually?

And let me ask you this, do we as adults even perceive the truth of the Eucharist?

The point Im trying to get across is that I personally dont think people who arent mature enough to understand that it is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ we are receiving, then they shouldnt receive it. However, I would agree there are a lot of adults who dont know it is what the Church teaches it is. I am just complying with what the Latin Church teaches, and my opinion is based off of that. I didnt mean to start an argument or anything, Im just giving my opinion on why I think the Latin Church teaches you have to be a certain age. I agree with the Latin Church but from my understanding the Latin Church’s tradition differs from others.

 

[syarr]

you might consider carrying an animal cracker in your pocket. After he is blessed and you have received communion pull it out of your pocket and give it to him to eat while you walk away. It’s just an idea to pacify him till he is old enough to understand.

I would not recommend feeding him a “replacement host” because it will also delay the understanding of the Real Presence in the Eucharist, maybe even forever.
And this is the understanding your son needs. I’ve always been surprised how much little kids can understand. For an eager little soul, you should nurture his desire to know God especially during Mass.
My kids are 7, 5 and negative-one-week. In my experience, a 3-year-old should be able to

1. understand and accept that no means no from a parent/responsible adult
2. there are many things meant just for older people, and many things meant just for kids.

Then you can gauge how much deeper your child is able to understand an explanation of Communion and that a miracle takes place on the altar through God’s power at every Mass. I like the other advice of a little prayer, and going up for a blessing.

 

[Franklin33]

When my child was 3 yrs old, I simply didnt go up to recieve. But I then went to Mass again that same day at night when I could leave him at home and then I went up to recieve since I didnt have my child with me then.

 

[Vico]

The point Im trying to get across is that I personally dont think people who arent mature enough to understand that it is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ we are receiving, then they shouldnt receive it. However, I would agree there are a lot of adults who dont know it is what the Church teaches it is. I am just complying with what the Latin Church teaches, and my opinion is based off of that. I didnt mean to start an argument or anything, Im just giving my opinion on why I think the Latin Church teaches you have to be a certain age. I agree with the Latin Church but from my understanding the Latin Church’s tradition differs from others.

The proper order is Baptism, Chrismation or Confirmation, and then Eucharist. (Restored order.) The difference with eastern and Latin churches is how the Holy Spirit nurtures without the need for understanding vs the need to understand first (age of discretion). The east emphasizes the nurturing of the Holy Spirit foremost. So both views are valid per their own traditions.