Baptism & First Holy Communion

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Why in Roman Catholic Church, the First Holy Communion may only be received several years after the baptism, eventhough they are baptised as infants?
Why can’t they receive it when they understand the meaning of it? Thanks.
 
vince2paul said:
Why in Roman Catholic Church, the First Holy Communion may only be received several years after the baptism, eventhough they are baptised as infants?
Why can’t they receive it when they understand the meaning of it? Thanks.
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“they can understand the meaning of it” is generally the definition of “age of reason” or “catechetical age”, when, in the Latin rite, children may be prepared for and receive first communion, so I am not sure I understand the question. On the Eastern forum are several discussions on the practice in those churches of conferring complete sacramental initiation for infants at baptism, and the arguments in favor of it.
 
That is a tricky one because children develop understanding at different ages. Where I live First Communion and confirmation are at 8-9 years old. I would not consider that many children have a true understanding at that age and would prefer it to be a lot older. My eldest daughter has not yet done hers and she is 12. She now understands and *wants *to do her First Communion and confirmation. My youngest child does not understand but is ‘on fire for God’. She is going to the Catholic School so will probably do hers at 8 or 9. I don’t know the right answer but I wish it was organised to take into account different children and their different understanding/relationships with God.
 
vince2paul said:
Why in Roman Catholic Church, the First Holy Communion may only be received several years after the baptism, eventhough they are baptised as infants?
Why can’t they receive it when they understand the meaning of it? Thanks.
Click to expand...
They do generally receive First Holy Communion when they are at the Age of Reason and are able to understand what they are receiving.
 
Also, there are sometimes special times where children who are close to death can receive their First Holy Communion and Confirmation before they pass.

A good for instance is a little girl in my Archdiocese. Her uncle, my parish’s Deacon has been giving her drops of the Blood of Christ every week since her First Communion. The Bishop is also allowing her to become Confirmed within a couple of weeks. I pray that she makes it that much longer before she leaves this earth.
 
The Eastern Rite of the Catholic Church practices Chrismation. In Chrismation, Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation are administered in one Liturgy. As stated, the practice in the Roman Rite is to baptize at infancy. This Baptism removes the stain of Original Sin. First Holy Communion is administered, at the attainment of the “use of reason” Age of reason is achieved at both Civil(in most cases) and Canon Law, at age seven. Confirmation is administered at an age (usually 12-13) in which the recipient is deemed to have matured in the Faith. The point has been attained, where the Confirmant understands, and can defend the Faith.
 
Thanks for all the replies. If you have anymore info, just post it here. 😃
 
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