First Communion without First Confession

[wifenmommy]

I know (an aquantance) a lady that her dd takes gymnastics with my dd. Last year whn dd recieved her First Holy Communion, this lady happened to be at the Church as a neice of her was recieving her FC also. Fast forward to a few months ago, at gymnastics, the lady (they belong to another parish than mine) asked me if my dd made her First Confession before First Communon. I told her fo course, that that is how it goes!! She said that their Priest told the parents that the Communion sercive would be held in December (huh?? ) and the kids would have First Confession in the spring. I told her to please speak with some one and to not let her dd make FC without having Confession first. A week or so before Christmas, I saw her inthe store and asked if dd made her First Communion and she said “yes. Father said that they are too young to understand Confession, but they could recieve First Communion and they will make First Confession in the spring” I was so shocked, that I just said “oh” and wished her a Merry Christmas. THis cant be right?? Should I let the diocese know, or would that be dissrespectful to the Priest? Or should I just pray for all involved and be grateful to be where we are at…kwim?

 

[benedictgal]

I know (an aquantance) a lady that her dd takes gymnastics with my dd. Last year whn dd recieved her First Holy Communion, this lady happened to be at the Church as a neice of her was recieving her FC also. Fast forward to a few months ago, at gymnastics, the lady (they belong to another parish than mine) asked me if my dd made her First Confession before First Communon. I told her fo course, that that is how it goes!! She said that their Priest told the parents that the Communion sercive would be held in December (huh?? ) and the kids would have First Confession in the spring. I told her to please speak with some one and to not let her dd make FC without having Confession first. A week or so before Christmas, I saw her inthe store and asked if dd made her First Communion and she said “yes. Father said that they are too young to understand Confession, but they could recieve First Communion and they will make First Confession in the spring” I was so shocked, that I just said “oh” and wished her a Merry Christmas. THis cant be right?? Should I let the diocese know, or would that be dissrespectful to the Priest? Or should I just pray for all involved and be grateful to be where we are at…kwim?

This is an abuse that goes against Redemptionis Sacramentum, which says:

87.] The First Communion of children must always be preceded by sacramental confession and absolution.169 Moreover First Communion should always be administered by a Priest and never outside the celebration of Mass. Apart from exceptional cases, it is not particularly appropriate for First Communion to be administered on Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper. Another day should be chosen instead, such as a Sunday between the Second and the Sixth Sunday of Easter, or the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, or the Sundays of Ordinary Time, since Sunday is rightly regarded as the day of the Eucharist.170 “Children who have not attained the age of reason, or those whom” the Parish Priest “has determined to be insufficiently prepared” should not come forward to receive the Holy Eucharist.171 Where it happens, however, that a child who is exceptionally mature for his age is judged to be ready for receiving the Sacrament, the child must not be denied First Communion provided he has received sufficient instruction.

I hope this helps you.

 

[Phemie]

While it’s wrong and was always against Canon Law, it doesn’t surprise me in the least: that’s the way it was in all the provinces in which I lived in the 80s & 90s and how my kids went through First Communion and Reconciliation.

It was corrected in my present diocese in the late 90s and may have been corrected elsewhere since Redemptionis Sacramentum.

 

[KCT]

Yeah, kids can understand Transubstantiation but not saying “I’m sorry.” —KCT

 

[JimR-OCDS]

This was an abuse that Rome addressed not that long ago and said it was forbidden, to have children receive first communion, prior to first penance. My parish was doing it, and the Religious Director, opposed anything I had to say about it. The pastor never made waves by addressing the issue, so it went on. Finally, our new Bishop put out a letter to the parishes, forbidding the practice of first communion before first penance and it finally stopped.

Jim

 

[catholic79]

I made my First Communion in 2nd grade and First Confession in 4th. The diocese that I celebrated these two sacraments in changed so that both sacraments take place in the 2nd grade about 3 years ago.

 

[lizaanne]

Let you Bishop know - this is a serious abuse and sets a horrible example for these children that it is perfectly ok to receive Holy Communion without benefit of Confession.



~Liza

 

[Suester]

In the early church, the sacraments of initiation were all received at the same time, Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. It wasn’t possible for an infant to have reconciliation, however, at that time many new Christians were adults and for reasons due to these growing numbers of Christians and the impossibility of the Bishop to be available to perform the sacraments, (the Bishop was and still is the only one who can lay hands at confirmation), it was decided that priests would preside at the first two parts of the sacrament of initiation and confirmations could take place at a later age, this way infants and new converts could receive the other two sacraments as soon as possible. As the church grew and the timing of rituals changed, communion was given when a child was able to understand its meaning and the sacrament of reconciliation was put before first Holy Eucharist. So, this brings us to today.

An interesting thing to know: Eucharist is indeed a sacrament of reconciliation. While it does not include absolution in the form of THE Sacrament of Reconciliation, the receipt of holy Eucharist does indeed cleanse us of our sins and strengthens us to continue to be disciples of the Lord.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

Let you Bishop know - this is a serious abuse and sets a horrible example for these children that it is perfectly ok to receive Holy Communion without benefit of Confession.



~Liza

What Liza said! You don’t have to name the acquaintance, just the parish and pastor. I know it is not your parish, but it is your diocese.

We had a local parish in the diocese “next door” that has a nice enough pastor who is petrified of his DRE and would not say anything to her about her edicts. The DRE is of the variety that says, “Well, the only confession that existed in the Apostolic Age was for criminal acts, and therefore children can’t be expected to go to confession.” Same DRE: “Confirmation is really when young adults come to the moment when they confirm their faith, so the minimum age in our parish is 16, with two years’ participation in our special curriculum.” There was nothing about this in the diocese’s guidelines (This dicoese has ALWAYS said first confession before first communion, and the minimum age for confirmation if not an infant is 7).

If it bothered them, people would just take their kids to confession by themselves in another parish, or find another parish that would confirm their kids when they were ready; that is, until my friend got into it with this DRE. My friend is no religious slouch, having studied for "New Wine"and a Catholic school teacher of second grade. My friend got no action from the pastor, just a sort of well-she’s-in-charge-nothing-I-can-do. My friend took it to the diocese.

After years of this abuse, my friend was the first person to contact the diocese with the facts. Needless to say, Father was told by the chancery to develop a backbone. The practice of first confession before first communion was restored, and confirmation was modified (though still not enough).

So, you may be the first person to even tell the bishop about this. This is an abuse! Speak up!

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Suester

In the early church, the sacraments of initiation were all received at the same time, Baptism, Communion and Confirmation.

In the early church there was no private confession, in fact it was forbidden, by the Pope. Confessions were done publicly, before the congregation. However, only three sins had to be confessed this way, apostasy, adultery, and theft from the church. New converts were not required to confess publicly. Private confession didn’t come about until centuries later.

Jim

 

[wifenmommy]

Yeah, kids can understand Transubstantiation but not saying “I’m sorry.” —KCT

That was my thought too!! I was thinking…“Why on earth have First Communion now??? Why not wait and have the Reconcilliation services (scheduled in the spring) and Communion at the same time? How much more “understanding” will the kids develop in a few months?” I am curious as to why this Priest would want it this way. I think Monday I wll contact the diocese. Thanks your thoughts!!

 

[benedictgal]

An interesting thing to know: Eucharist is indeed a sacrament of reconciliation. While it does not include absolution in the form of THE Sacrament of Reconciliation, the receipt of holy Eucharist does indeed cleanse us of our sins and strengthens us to continue to be disciples of the Lord.

However, the Church requires, as Redemptionis Sacramentum indicates, that reception of First Holy Communion must be preceded by First Confession. There is no gray area there. It is an abuse to have children do the former without first having done the latter.

Furthermore, your last statement may not take into account the fact that one cannot receive Holy Communion if one has committed a mortal sin and has not first confessed it. In other words, you need to be in the state of grace in order to receive Holy Communion. Your statement does have some truth in the area of venial sins, but, as far as the mortal ones are concerned, they must first be confessed.

There is also the matter of fulfillment of the Easter Duty (yearly confession and reception of Holy Communion), which, this year, begins on February 6th and ends on May 18th-Feast of the Holy Trinity).

 

[SHEMP]

This was an abuse that Rome addressed not that long ago and said it was forbidden, to have children receive first communion, prior to first penance.
Jim

This is not true. The norm is for parishes to offer First Confession prior to first Communion BUT parents are allowed to delay first Confession if they think that delaying would be more appropriate for their child.

There is no dogma that says that a child too young to understand the Eucharist cannot receive the body of Christ. A child too young to understand confession does not need sacramental absolution for the forgiveness of his sins.

The eastern Rite gives the Eucharist to babies.

 

[benedictgal]

This is not true. The norm is for parishes to offer First Confession prior to first Communion BUT parents are allowed to delay first Confession if they think that delaying would be more appropriate for their child.

There is no dogma that says that a child too young to understand the Eucharist cannot receive the body of Christ. A child too young to understand confession does not need sacramental absolution for the forgiveness of his sins.

The eastern Rite gives the Eucharist to babies.

I’m going to have to stand with Jim-OCDS on this one because he is correct.

Shem, what you’re saying, though, contradicts the citation from Redemptionis Sacramentum because the document clearly states that for the Latin Rite, First Confession must precede First Holy Communion. If the parents delay First Confession, then, they must also delay the child’s reception of First Holy Communion because one cannot happen ahead of the other. The citation is pretty much self-explanatory.

 

[Phemie]

This is not true. The norm is for parishes to offer First Confession prior to first Communion BUT parents are allowed to delay first Confession if they think that delaying would be more appropriate for their child.

There is no dogma that says that a child too young to understand the Eucharist cannot receive the body of Christ. A child too young to understand confession does not need sacramental absolution for the forgiveness of his sins.

The eastern Rite gives the Eucharist to babies.

That’s the Eastern Rite which has a different Code of Canon Law.

In the Latin Rite, Canon Law says that children must be of have sufficient knowledge and understanding and even when in danger of death they can only be given communion if they can differentiate between Communion and ordinary food. It also goes on to say:

Can. 914 It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach holy communion.

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P39.HTM

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I know (an aquantance) a lady that her dd takes gymnastics with my dd. Last year whn dd recieved her First Holy Communion, this lady happened to be at the Church as a neice of her was recieving her FC also. Fast forward to a few months ago, at gymnastics, the lady (they belong to another parish than mine) asked me if my dd made her First Confession before First Communon. I told her fo course, that that is how it goes!! She said that their Priest told the parents that the Communion sercive would be held in December (huh?? ) and the kids would have First Confession in the spring. I told her to please speak with some one and to not let her dd make FC without having Confession first. A week or so before Christmas, I saw her inthe store and asked if dd made her First Communion and she said “yes. Father said that they are too young to understand Confession, but they could recieve First Communion and they will make First Confession in the spring” I was so shocked, that I just said “oh” and wished her a Merry Christmas. THis cant be right?? Should I let the diocese know, or would that be dissrespectful to the Priest? Or should I just pray for all involved and be grateful to be where we are at…kwim?

I think anytime we have the ability to correct errors we should take the opportunity to do so. First Holy Communion before First Reconciliation is prohibited in the Latin Rite. I might also suggest that you tell the lady that it was suggested that her daughter not receive Communion any more until she has received First Reconciliation.

 

[Suester]

“In the Latin Rite, Canon Law says that children must be of have sufficient knowledge and understanding and even when in danger of death they can only be given communion if they can differentiate between Communion and ordinary food.”

Somehow, I cannot envision Jesus Christ congratulating someone for their successfully diligent efforts to withhold His saving body and blood from a child who is in danger of death because he or she could not indicate understanding the difference between Holy Eucharist and ordinary food.

I’m not seeing how this furthers Christ’s mission on earth. And in fact this type of thinking actually prevents us from being Christ to others.

Canon law is meant to be understood in the context of the entire section. What is happening here is similar to citing a passage from the Bible which tells someone to pluck out their neighbor’s eye to justify having done so. It is essential that canon law, the catechism and all official documents be read and understood in the complete context in which they were written including the intention, and possible exceptions, and God-given common sense must be used. This above all is our moral obligation.

 

[benedictgal]

“In the Latin Rite, Canon Law says that children must be of have sufficient knowledge and understanding and even when in danger of death they can only be given communion if they can differentiate between Communion and ordinary food.”

Somehow, I cannot envision Jesus Christ congratulating someone for their successfully diligent efforts to withhold His saving body and blood from a child who is in danger of death because he or she could not indicate understanding the difference between Holy Eucharist and ordinary food.

I’m not seeing how this furthers Christ’s mission on earth. And in fact this type of thinking actually prevents us from being Christ to others.

I respectfully disagree with your assertion because prior to the section of Canon Law that you just quoted, it indicates that reception of First Holy Communion must be preceded by First Confession.

You are also mentioning an extreme circumstance (danger of death). Under the normal circumstances, the Holy See has definitively spoken through Redemptionis Sacramentum. First Holy Communion must be preceded by First Confession. A child simply cannot receive the former without having first gone through the latter.

 

[Suester]

I think it might be misunderstood but that the quote (extreme circumstance that is being referred to) at the beginning of my recent post was copied and pasted from a previous post in the same thread. I didn’t come up with it, I was responding to it.

It is precisely what I am referring to in terms of reading canon law in context. We are discussing one parish which has chosen to allow First Eucharist prior to Reconciliation, not extreme cases, but someone felt the need to pull the most dramatic passage from canon law to prove their point. Common sense and mercy overrides law in all situations. Thats why God gave us free will.

 

[benedictgal]

I think it might be misunderstood but that the quote (extreme circumstance that is being referred to) at the beginning of my recent post was copied and pasted from a previous post in the same thread. I didn’t come up with it, I was responding to it.

It is precisely what I am referring to in terms of reading canon law in context. We are discussing one parish which has chosen to allow First Eucharist prior to Reconciliation, not extreme cases, but someone felt the need to pull the most dramatic passage from canon law to prove their point. Common sense and mercy overrides law in all situations. Thats why God gave us free will.

But, when it comes to what the Church requires, the practice the OP relayed is prohibited and reprobated. What the parish did was wrong, plain and simple. The Holy See has spoken with regards to the fact that First Confession and the reception of First Holy Communion are interrelated. The reception of First Holy Communion cannot happen without the child going to First Confession. You cannot separate the two. God gave us free will. Unfortunately, one should not play games with the Church’s sacraments and willfully disobey what the Holy See has mandated.

Remember, when Jesus gave to St. Peter and his successors the authority to bind and loose, the Lord, gave his first Vicar His own authority. When the Church, through Peter, issues a directive like Redemptionis Sacramentum, she does so under the authority of Jesus himself.