Crisis in my faith

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Hello, I am a Catholic from the Philippines. I am 17 years old and I was just wondering about this.

I have gone through Confirmation without having a First Communion. I know it’s a bit of a shock, I also feel the same way. It all happened when I was 13 years old. My family never did take me to my First Communion when I was at the proper age and I was neglected of it. I was also unaware of such when I was young. Although, my local religion teacher told me that it was okay to go and have Confirmation even without First Communion. Of course, I thought it was okay but I knew that was wrong. Anyway, right now realizing this, I feel as though I have made a grave sin against God. I felt depressed and hopeless. I know that God loves each and every one of us know matter what the sin is but I think that event was a great big sin I made.

I need enlightenment, please. What should I do?

Hoping for a positive answer. Thank you and God bless!
 
Lanz10 said:
Hello, I am a Catholic from the Philippines. I am 17 years old and I was just wondering about this.

I have gone through Confirmation without having a First Communion. I know it’s a bit of a shock, I also feel the same way. It all happened when I was 13 years old. My family never did take me to my First Communion when I was at the proper age and I was neglected of it. I was also unaware of such when I was young. Although, my local religion teacher told me that it was okay to go and have Confirmation even without First Communion. Of course, I thought it was okay but I knew that was wrong. Anyway, right now realizing this, I feel as though I have made a grave sin against God. I felt depressed and hopeless. I know that God loves each and every one of us know matter what the sin is but I think that event was a great big sin I made.

I need enlightenment, please. What should I do?

Hoping for a positive answer. Thank you and God bless!
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The ancient order of the Christian initiation is Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and this is the order of initiation of adults today. Confirmation of infants is delayed normally (for the Latin Catholic, not the eastern Catholic), until the age of reason.
 
Oh, I see. But, I’m a Roman Catholic from the East (Philippines) and we also follow that order but in our custom, a ceremony for First Communion is held. So to sum it up, is it really okay that I did not partake in that ceremony but am confirmed anyway?
 
Lanz10 said:
What should I do?
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You mentioned that you did not have a “first” Comminion. Have you ever received Eucharist? If so, you have technically had your first Communion.

It’s probably best to speak to a priest about this. If you think you may have sinned gravely, go to confession and your confessor can help you discern whether your sin was grave or if you have even sinned at all.

Be at peace and you will be in my prayers.
 
If you did not know, especially if due to following the guidance of parents and pastors as a child, you’re guilty of no sin. I wouldn’t fret about that. I would still speak to a priest to determine if anything further needs to be done.
 
Thank you for all your answers to my question. Although, I’m still not at peace yet but I’m sure I’ll find a way through God’s help! Thank you and God Bless
 
Lanz10 said:
Oh, I see. But, I’m a Roman Catholic from the East (Philippines) and we also follow that order but in our custom, a ceremony for First Communion is held. So to sum it up, is it really okay that I did not partake in that ceremony but am confirmed anyway?
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Since you had the use of reason, the following canon law applies. You do not have to have one before the other. But the sacrament of Penance should be before reception of either if there were any mortal sins.

Canon law (CIC):

Can. 889 §1. Every baptized person not yet confirmed and only such a person is capable of receiving confirmation.
§2. To receive confirmation licitly outside the danger of death requires that a person who has the use of reason be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew the baptismal promises.

Can. 890 The faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the proper time. Parents and pastors of souls, especially pastors of parishes, are to take care that the faithful are properly instructed to receive the sacrament and come to it at the appropriate time.

Can. 891 The sacrament of confirmation is to be conferred on the faithful at about the age of discretion unless the conference of bishops has determined another age, or there is danger of death, or in the judgment of the minister a grave cause suggests otherwise.

Can. 913 §1. The administration of the Most Holy Eucharist to children requires that they have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and are able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion.
 
Lanz10 said:
Oh, I see. But, I’m a Roman Catholic from the East (Philippines) and we also follow that order but in our custom, a ceremony for First Communion is held. So to sum it up, is it really okay that I did not partake in that ceremony but am confirmed anyway?
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This is something which should have been checked by the parish priest (or person responsible for sacramental programmes) so if you really want to blame someone, blame them! 😃

Ultimately, if you were baptised and went through the confirmation ceremony, then you’re confirmed. Still, there’s no “right” order - mistakes can and do happen but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be fixed or that you’ve sinned! Probably the easiest way to sort this out is to go and talk to your priest - make it his problem!
 
I agree with the other posters…this is not your fault at all. The “usual” order of the sacraments is Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and some parishes have restored this practice for young people. Some have Confirmation later on after First Communion (i.e. I was Confirmed at age fourteen, in Grade 9. Some Churches have the Sacraments in one big year with Penance, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Others have Penance and Eucharist in Grade 2 or 3).

I would speak with your parish priest and see about having a First Communion organized for you…you might need more instruction etc. But it is certainly not a sin or your fault.
 
I think I’m getting it now. I followed the correct order of taking the sacraments. So, the first communion may or may not be necessary anymore because I’m confirmed making me eligible for taking in the Eucharist. So it’s okay. Thanks for your help, everyone!
God bless you all! 🙂
 
Lanz10 said:
I think I’m getting it now. I followed the correct order of taking the sacraments. So, the first communion may or may not be necessary anymore because I’m confirmed making me eligible for taking in the Eucharist. So it’s okay. Thanks for your help, everyone!
God bless you all! 🙂
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Preparation for First Communion includes learning about the sacrament of Penance. If you know about that sacrament then you should know what is required before reception of the Eucharist.
 
Lanz10 said:
I think I’m getting it now. I followed the correct order of taking the sacraments. So, the first communion may or may not be necessary anymore because I’m confirmed making me eligible for taking in the Eucharist. So it’s okay. Thanks for your help, everyone!
God bless you all! 🙂
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I would speak to a parish priest…there might be some additional preparation before Eucharist, and reconciliation/penance is recommended before first communion.
 
Yes, confession is needed before partaking in the Eucharist.
Here’s my last question. Do I still need to do a First Communion ceremony to compensate the one I missed?
I’ll get to our local parish priest as soon as possible.
 
Lanz10 said:
Yes, confession is needed before partaking in the Eucharist.
Here’s my last question. Do I still need to do a First Communion ceremony to compensate the one I missed?
I’ll get to our local parish priest as soon as possible.
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I think what is most important is not about the ceremony, but the preparation. For this there is RCIA.

Adults Baptized Catholic but have not received First Communion.
The RCIA is also for adults who were baptized in the Catholic faith, but did not grow up practicing this faith or receiving regular formation or additional sacraments. While already a part of the full communion of the Catholic Church due to their Catholic baptism, these men and women seek to complete their sacraments of initiation with the celebration of Confirmation and Eucharist.
 
Oh, I don’t think there is an RCIA here in where I’m at. Is the Sacrament of the Eucharist similar to the everyday proceedings of the mass where we partake on the body and blood of Jesus after confessing our sins or is it The First Communion? Or both? Because before, I have already receive the body and blood after my Confirmation but without having done a specific ceremony for such. Os that a good thing? Because my friend from church said it was okay.
 
Lanz10 said:
Oh, I don’t think there is an RCIA here in where I’m at. Is the Sacrament of the Eucharist similar to the everyday proceedings of the mass where we partake on the body and blood of Jesus after confessing our sins or is it The First Communion? Or both? Because before, I have already receive the body and blood after my Confirmation but without having done a specific ceremony for such. Os that a good thing? Because my friend from church said it was okay.
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Most important is to receive the Holy Communion worthily, which includes accepting that what is received in the entire Christ: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. It is the Real Presence of Christ that appears to be bread and wine.

Baltimore Catechism LESSON 26 - The Holy Eucharist
343. What is the Holy Eucharist?

The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice. In the Holy Eucharist, under the appearances of bread and wine, the Lord Christ is contained, offered, and received.

(a) The whole Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist. We use the words “really, truly, and substantially” to describe Christ’s presence in the Holy Eucharist in order to distinguish Our Lord’s teaching from that of mere men who falsely teach that the Holy Eucharist is only a sign or figure of Christ, or that He is present only by His power.

(b) All Christians, with but few minor exceptions, held the true doctrine of the Real Presence from the time of Christ until the Protestant Revolution in the sixteenth century.

(c) The word “Eucharist” means “Thanksgiving.”
 
Lanz10 said:
Hello, I am a Catholic from the Philippines. I am 17 years old and I was just wondering about this.

I have gone through Confirmation without having a First Communion. I know it’s a bit of a shock, I also feel the same way. It all happened when I was 13 years old. My family never did take me to my First Communion when I was at the proper age and I was neglected of it. I was also unaware of such when I was young. Although, my local religion teacher told me that it was okay to go and have Confirmation even without First Communion. Of course, I thought it was okay but I knew that was wrong. Anyway, right now realizing this, I feel as though I have made a grave sin against God. I felt depressed and hopeless. I know that God loves each and every one of us know matter what the sin is but I think that event was a great big sin I made.

I need enlightenment, please. What should I do?

Hoping for a positive answer. Thank you and God bless!
Click to expand...
First, trust what those who know your situation have told you. Your pastor and your religion teacher are there to help you in your understanding of the faith. If you don’t trust what they tell you in this, how can you trust what they tell you in anything?

Second, in the Philippines, up until (and throughout) the 1970’s, it was common for infants and young children to receive confirmation, either at their baptisms or shortly after. Ask some adults who are in their late 40s or older and I suspect you will find quite a few who were confirmed in infancy. It is perfectly legitimate to be confirmed before First Communion, even if it isn’t the way it currently happens in your community.
Is the Sacrament of the Eucharist similar to the everyday proceedings of the mass where we partake on the body and blood of Jesus after confessing our sins or is it The First Communion? Or both? Because before, I have already receive the body and blood after my Confirmation but without having done a specific ceremony for such. Os that a good thing? Because my friend from church said it was okay.
Click to expand...
Yes, the Sacrament of the Eucharist is the same thing as Holy Communion. The First Communion is simply the first time you have received the Body and Blood of Jesus. It often happens at a special ceremony, but that First Communion is the same Eucharist, the same Jesus, that you receive every time. You don’t have to have a specific ceremony. It sounds like you are working hard to learn the faith. Stay close to those who are teaching you and trust them to guide you in the right direction.
 
Yes, thank you. I have been looking in to the answers and have found out that it’s really okay. So, I can take the Eucharist in every mass so long as I confess my sins to my priest. I’m so relieved that what I did was not wrong.
Still feel a little guilty though I did not take the First Communion ceremony, but as long as I do things the right way, everything will be fine.
 
The normal procedure is Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation; we are always very conscious about this order in the Catholic Church all over the world with proper documentations.

In any case, if there has been abnormal phenomenon in your case, God is always in control, never mind. Please, go to the priest in charge of where you received the Confirmation, he will explain the situation to the Bishop who will dispense you.

Thanks.

Fr. David
 
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