First Communion/Confession

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Hello,

I’d like to ask the catechists out there about the requirements for first communion/confession for children at the 5th/6th grade level. What would you say (what does the Church teach?) are the basics of what is absolutely required for these first sacraments in this age group.

Also, if perhaps there is a good example of an exam for first communion online somewhere that would be good too. Thanks.
 
Hi. You might want to try asking at this site too: catechistconnection.net/forum/

That age group is older that what I’ve seen for these sacraments. Usually they happens around 2nd grade. At my parish I don’t think there are any written tests, but the kids do talk with the priest and they have several retreats they go to with their parents. As far as I know, as long as they are aware of the true nature of the Eucharist and they respect it and as long as they are aware of the true nature of man and they realize the need for confessing sins they would be ready. I don’t teach that grade and I don’t have kids in that grade so take what I said with a grain of salk 🙂
 
All 3 of my kids began learning the Catechism at this age bc we converted to Catholicism in '04. :amen:

My DRE made a program that captured the essentials. I did not feel it was enough then so I have been going over the Baltimore Catechism with the St. Joseph series as an additional tool. It is a complete lesson but easy to follow and understand and makes sense to young kids and teens. They have made a transition to “I am converting for mom” to “I really love my faith.” My 14 y/o DS is now planning on being a priest/chaplian in the Air Force. He says it is bc he learned his faith and feels the call, especially when he prays the rosary. 👍

Pax Vobiscum
 
Our program requires that children who will be receiving the Sacraments of First Confession and First Communion be able to answer the first 50 questions from the CCC. My younger daughter is through the first 25 and will do the next in April. The test is given orally. She must also know the 10 commandments and the Act of Contrition.

The eight graders are tested on the first 100 questions, on paper. They must also know how to say a full Rosary, have been in CCD for the three years prior and completed so many hours of community service (I’m not sure how many).

I think these are a good start.
 
netmil(name removed by moderator) said:
Our program requires that children who will be receiving the Sacraments of First Confession and First Communion be able to answer the first 50 questions from the CCC. My younger daughter is through the first 25 and will do the next in April. The test is given orally. She must also know the 10 commandments and the Act of Contrition.

The eight graders are tested on the first 100 questions, on paper. They must also know how to say a full Rosary, have been in CCD for the three years prior and completed so many hours of community service (I’m not sure how many).

I think these are a good start.
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Can we relocte to your parish?? I could only dream of such a program!!!

Pax Vobiscum
 
Ruben said:
Hello,

I’d like to ask the catechists out there about the requirements for first communion/confession for children at the 5th/6th grade level. What would you say (what does the Church teach?) are the basics of what is absolutely required for these first sacraments in this age group.

Also, if perhaps there is a good example of an exam for first communion online somewhere that would be good too. Thanks.
Click to expand...
There is no firm and hard rule on what is required None whatsoever. There isn’t even a standard book or series of books that is used. It is uo to each Diocese and they generally leave it up to the individual Parishes. That is why you have the range thatexists today. Some Parishes still use the the old Baltimore Catechism and others use materials that are well, not even representative of the Catholic faith in general. It all depends on the DRE of that Parish.

I would say at a minimum the child should know the basic prayers, Our Father, Hail Mary etc, know what God is, what Jesus is, what the Holy Spirit is what and who Mary was, the commandments etc.

Beyond that it is really anyones guess. An intersting book Catholics in Crisis by Jim Naughton has an interresting chapter about just such a situation that occured at Holy Trinity Church in Washington DC which actually led to a split in the CCD program at that Parish betwen liberal and conservative groups of parents.
 
I teach 7th and 8th graders,but I have two children that have gone through instruction for reconciliation/Eucharist and another who just received her first reconciliation. They should definitely have an understanding of what sin is and how it affects our relationship/friendship with God – they should know the difference between venial and mortal sin (amazing how many adult Catholics don’t know that!). They should know John 20:21-23 where Jesus gives the apostles the authority to forgive and retain sins and understand that has been handed down to the present day through their successors, the bishops and the priests who assist the bishops. They should also understand what true, perfect contrition is (sorrow for having offended God) compared to imperfect contrition (fear of punishment) And it should be pointed out, especially in this day where Catholics are very lax about going to confession, that very holy people like Mother Teresa and JPII went to confession weekly. It’s a great way to be trained in holiness and strengthened against sin. I think the most important thing is to present this all in a positive way – approaching a loving, heavenly Father who desires to forgive our sins and give us the power to lead holy lives pleasing to Him. I would also tell them about St. John Vianney and St. (Padre) Pio, who were very gifted in the confessional and give them concrete examples of how many people have been blessed in many ways through this sacrament.

For Holy Eucharist, since you are dealing with older kids (usually it’s second graders being prepared for these sacraments), you could go into alot of Scripture for the Eucharist: John 6, of course, and 1 Corinthians 11. And the Last Supper narratives in the Gospels (Luke 22:19, Matt 26:26, Mark 14:22) This is my personal opinion-- I place great emphasis on giving the Scriptural basis of Catholic teachings because I have met so many ex-Catholics who are ex-Catholics because they never knew or understood the biblical basis for the Catholic faith and left when they were challenged by someone who could flash alot of Bible verses at them to “disprove” Catholic teaching, and since only about 25-30% of the Catholics in this country believe in the Real Presence, it seems like a good thing to emphasize.
catholic.com/thisrock/2006/0603uan.asp

catholic.com/thisrock/1999/9901fea2.asp
In my class I have discussed Eucharistic miracles (there is a book, Eucharistic Miracles, by Joan Carroll Cruz, and information online as well) to give kids visible examples of the miraculous nature of the Holy Eucharist.
catholic.com/thisrock/2006/0610fea1.asp

And they should be taught how to properly receive Holy Communion and taught they can receive either on the tongue or in the hand (what I’ve seen is kids are uniformly taught only to receive on the hand).
 
netmil(name removed by moderator)- do you think I could get a copy of what your kids learn??

Pax Vobiscum
 
netmil(name removed by moderator) said:
Our program requires that children who will be receiving the Sacraments of First Confession and First Communion be able to answer the first 50 questions from the CCC. My younger daughter is through the first 25 and will do the next in April. The test is given orally. She must also know the 10 commandments and the Act of Contrition
The eight graders are tested on the first 100 questions, on paper. They must also know how to say a full Rosary, have been in CCD for the three years prior and completed so many hours of community service (I’m not sure how many).

I think these are a good start.
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what do they do if you cant answer a question or miss a few…deny you the sacrament?
 
first ask your DRE for a copy of the requirements in your diocese. She should already have provided the textbooks and first sacraments program that the pastor has selected, which also must be approved by the bishop and be in conformity with the CCC. Almost every text and program out there has suggested tests in the catechists guide, or blackline masters that accompany the program.
 
JMJDevotee said:
netmil(name removed by moderator)- do you think I could get a copy of what your kids learn??

Pax Vobiscum
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Sure! Go here…
ignatius.com/Textbooks/FaithAndLIfe/index.htm

Fantastic curriculm. But, shhhhh, it’s frowned upon in our diocese. Too traditional.

Move to Detroit and you’ll have the world’s best teachers too! All volunteer to boot.

We had a Christmas party yesterday. St. Nicholas came by. Not some guy in a red suit with white fur, the real Saint. They also had a huge “Happy Birthday Jesus” cake.

You don’t get better than my parish!
 
sorry I got interrupted.

children should have memorized the basic prayers including act of contrition, be attending Mass, and understand, at their level, what is going on and why, and how to follow along with the Mass prayers and responses said by the congregation.

for first confession the child has to understand the difference between right and wrong. He has to know how to evaluate an action, or the decision to make an action, to determine whether or not it is good, neutral, or sinful. He has to know the 10 commandments and beatitudes and laws of the Church and what they mean, and how they pertain to him. Most first confession programs have guides to examination of conscience, but unless the textbook has had teaching on the commandments, sometimes they are week on that point.

He has to understand the ritual and effects of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. What is the confession part of the sacrament? what is the reconciliation part? what is the forgiveness part? what is the penance part? what is the contrition part? What is the role of the priest?

He should understand the sanctity of the seal, that the priest will not reveal what he says, that it is private between him and the priest, that he must be complete, tell what he did, and how many times, the priest will not yell at him, but will help him find ways to do better. He has to understand the form–be sure to discuss with the priest who will be hearing first confessions what he expects. The best preparation is helping the parents learn how to prepare their child at home, because there is not enough time in school or CCD to practice, and it is in the home that the child sees forgiveness, reconciliation, and contrition modelled.

For first communion the child must know who Jesus us and desire to receive him. He must understand the difference between the consecrated Body of Christ and Precious Blood and ordinary bread and wine. Again he must understand the role of the priest in the Mass and Eucharist. He must know how to receive, when, and why we do this.

If your children can list the 10 commandments that is great, but if they do not understand how it is possible for a 5th grader to “commit adultery”, in other words, how to recognize times in their own life when they sin or are in danger of sin, that memorization is not going to help much at confession time.
 
Thanks!! I doubt it would be viewed as a good thing in my parish. My DRE is a little liberal. I do hope things will change as we have gotten a new pastor and Bishop in the last 6 months. Bishop Burbridge is very traditional. So I am praying for good holy things to ocurr.

Pax Vobiscum
 
JMJDevotee said:
Thanks!! I doubt it would be viewed as a good thing in my parish. My DRE is a little liberal. I do hope things will change as we have gotten a new pastor and Bishop in the last 6 months. Bishop Burbridge is very traditional. So I am praying for good holy things to ocurr.

Pax Vobiscum
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I’ll say a prayer for your parish. God can move mountains!
 
If you are teaching middle school age children who have never received religious instruction, which is why they are approaching the sacraments late, I assume, many parishes follow an RCIA model and use resources intended for those children, since they are essentially uncatechized. I we have a lot of discussion on those resources here.

some parishes use the standard textbooks, but the 1st & 2nd grade books are awfully basic for this age. an RCIA program is more age appropriate. of course they don’t celebrate the rites, i am talking about the catechetical resources.
 
Ruben said:
Hello,

I’d like to ask the catechists out there about the requirements for first communion/confession for children at the 5th/6th grade level. What would you say (what does the Church teach?) are the basics of what is absolutely required for these first sacraments in this age group.

Also, if perhaps there is a good example of an exam for first communion online somewhere that would be good too. Thanks.
Click to expand...
An 11/12 yo should be able to understand that a change has occured, even though we may not be able to sense it with our senses. At this age they are beginning to get into science and proofs from experiments. They also need to be able to connect the “Last Supper” to the Institution of the Eucharist and the Mass. They need to connect the Consecration to the words found in the Gospels and be able to find them in their Bibles.
 
Thanks for the responses everyone. Where has this thread been moved to?
 
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