My daughter took communion before her "first communion"

[Francis]

Baptism removes the stain of original sin and any personal sins. Confession would only be required if she committed mortal sins after her baptism and before receiving.

[1457] According to the Church’s command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."56 Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession. 57 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.58

The first part of 1457 of course applies to the requirement of confessing mortal sins at least once a year. It is not required if a person has no mortal sins to confess.

I guess the part relating to children is to get them used to going to Confession because they may not have anything to confess first time.

**[1458]Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church****59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:60

 

[thistle]

[1457] According to the Church’s command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."56 Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession. 57 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.58

The first part of 1457 of course applies to the requirement of confessing mortal sins at least once a year. It is not required if a person has no mortal sins to confess.

I guess the part relating to children is to get them used to going to Confession because they may not have anything to confess first time.

 

[1ke]

Francis, there is a difference between something that is normative— reconciliation before receiving communion— and something that invalidates the sacrament.

You are trying to assert something that simply is NOT true. You are not understanding the operation of the sacraments properly if you are asserting that the child did not actually receive communion or that it was “invalid”. It most certainly was not INVALID. That can only be true if the priest failed to consecrate the Eucharist.

I suggest the OP talk to her pastor before she gets any more wrong answers here that may confuse or upset her. Her child didn’t do anything wrong. First communion is simply the first time you receive communion, not a separate sacrament.

 

[Francis]

I guess the part relating to children is to get them used to going to Confession because they may not have anything to confess first time.

The issues is a 9 year old runs up from no where during Mass and receives Communion ,with out realizing ,she has not yet received her First Holy Communion for the first time,for that the Church has some procedures as in 1 cor 14:40 ,and done in order ,the parent just cannot claim that the first communion is according to the Church rules, just because she has received the communion by mistake ,with out the proper preparation of the sacrament of confession. the CCC is very clear on this

 

[Wesrock]

thistle:

I guess the part relating to children is to get them used to going to Confession because they may not have anything to confess first time.

The issues is a 9 year old runs up from no where during Mass and receives Communion ,with out realizing ,she has not yet received her First Holy Communion for the first time,for that the Church has some procedures as in 1 cor 14:40 ,and done in order ,the parent just cannot claim that the first communion is valid, just because she has received the communion by mistake ,with the valid preparation of the sacrament of confession. the CCC is very clear on this

The CCC doesn’t say the sacrament is invalid, just that for proper preparation and for their own good confession must, as a norm, precede it. Jesus didn’t remove his presence from the Eucharist as it entered the child’s mouth, which is what you’re basically claiming with the terminology.

You seem to be mixing up the concepts of valid and licit.

 

[Francis]

You are trying to assert something that simply is NOT true. You are not understanding the operation of the sacraments properly if you are asserting that the child did not actually receive communion or that it was “invalid”. It most certainly was not INVALID. That can only be true if the priest failed to consecrate the Eucharist.

am sorry you got me wrong ,am not saying the consecrated Host is not valid ,perhaps am not clear, thanks for pointing it out,the Church prescribed the 5 condition of confession before receiving the First Holy Communion for the first time, as the Church rules are defined.There are many first holy Communicants who also receive the confirmations depending upon the age ,and are administered by the local Archbishop or the Bishop,the Op was asking whether

So would this be her first communion? I have witnesses who can attest to it, so should I request a church record of it?

No This is cannot be considered as Church records ,that’s what am try to say
Yes the OP should speak to the priest for all clarifications .

 

[AlbertDerGrosse]

What exactly are you trying to say here with the word ‘invalid’? Is it your position that this girl did not receive Our Lord’s body and blood? That what she received was still substantively bread and/or wine? Because this is what is meant when someone talks about sacramental validity. Sacraments are invalid when in their execution something occurs (or doesn’t occur) that affects its efficaciousness such that they’re null. The Eucharist is one of the Sacraments whose validity is 100% dependent on the priest and not at all dependent on the recipient. There’s literally nothing this girl could do to cause this or any future communion to be “invalid”.

 

[Francis]

@AlbertDerGrosse

When it came time for communion, my 9-year old went up, took communion, made the sign of the cross. She has not officially made her “first communion” yet though. So would this be her first communion? I have witnesses who can attest to it, so should I request a church record of it?

no this cannot be considered as Church records ,that’s what am try to say.am not saying the consecrated Host is invalid

Yes the OP should speak to the priest for all clarifications .

Church prescribed the 5 condition of confession before receiving the First Holy Communion for the first time, as the Church rules are defined.There are many first holy Communicants who also receive the confirmations depending upon the age ,and are administered by the local Archbishop or the Bishop,the Op was asking whether

**[1458]
** Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:60

[1457] According to the Church’s command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."56 Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.57 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.58

 

[goout]

Thanks for your thorough response! And you’re right, she’s past the age of reason, so confession - especially if she’s committed any grave sins - should precede. In fact, I went to confession before receiving communion today.

Please do not cast the gravity of mortal sin on your daughter’s action here.
Are you aware of the “requirements” for a sin to be mortal?

Its subject matter must be grave .
It must be committed with full knowledge (and awareness) of the sinful action and the gravity of the offense.
It must be committed with deliberate and complete consent.
ALL THREE.

 

[goout]

Mintaka:

Aw… No worries. She meant well, she was over the age of reason,

Its not right ,It’s a mistake

Out of all this discussion, the worst thing that can happen is for a 9 year old to bear a burden that she does not remotely merit, that of violating the Church’s teaching in a grave way. It’s the task of the parents here to keep this act in proper perspective.

 

[GerardAubyn]

I’m just saying she’s past the age of reason, and all mortal sins must be confessed at least once a year. I highly doubt she’s committed any mortal sins.

 

[goout]

@AlbertDerGrosse

GerardAubyn:

When it came time for communion, my 9-year old went up, took communion, made the sign of the cross. She has not officially made her “first communion” yet though. So would this be her first communion? I have witnesses who can attest to it, so should I request a church record of it?

This is not valid or cannot be considered as Church records ,that’s what am try to say.

Probably best left to a canon lawyer.

 

[Francis]

Out of all this discussion, the worst thing that can happen is for a 9 year old to bear a burden that she does not remotely merit, that of violating the Church’s teaching in a grave way. It’s the task of the parents here to keep this act in proper perspective.

No one said its a grave sin ,this is a mistake to receive the Communion with out first preparing for the sacrament of confession.Which the parents and the Catechism teachers are obliged to instruct the children in a proper manner ,as the 9 year old didn’t know and received unknowing as other are receiving’.

Church prescribed the 5 condition of confession before receiving the First Holy Communion for the first time, as the Church rules are defined.There are many first holy Communicants who also receive the confirmations depending upon the age ,and are administered by the local Archbishop or the Bishop,the Op was asking whether

**[1458]
** Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:60

[1457] According to the Church’s command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."56 Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.57 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.58

 

[goout]

goout:

Out of all this discussion, the worst thing that can happen is for a 9 year old to bear a burden that she does not remotely merit, that of violating the Church’s teaching in a grave way. It’s the task of the parents here to keep this act in proper perspective.

No one said its a grave sin ,this is a mistake to receive the Communion with out first preparing for the sacrament of confession

Yes someone did, and you are pointing out that it is a mistake. And it would be a mistake for the parents to emphasize to the child that it is a grave mistake and give the child a distorted idea going forward.

 

[Francis]

Yes someone did, and you are pointing out that it is a mistake.

Don’'t you thinks children make mistakes ? in this case the 9 year old didn’t know and received unknowing as other are receiving’ communion.

And it would be a mistake for the parents to emphasize to the child that it is a grave mistake and give the child a distorted idea going forward.

am sorry you got me wrong, now you keep assuming things ,i never said anything like that accept that we teach and instruct children as its our duty to do so ,am done here.God Bless

 

[TheLittleLady]

Speak with Father now. They will want to get the proper date recorded (if your parish records FHC dates, it is technically not required. The only requirements are for things that happen once: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage.

She still needs to prepare for her 1st Confession.

I’m sure she can still wear the pretty dress for her NEXT Communion in May.

 

[1ke]

This is not valid or cannot be considered as Church records

And this is where you are wrong.

It certainly is VALID reception of communion, and her first time doing so. Ergo, her first communion. You are misusing the words VALID and INVALID.

And, secondly, there is no canonical requirement that “first communion” be recorded in the sacramental record, because it’s literally the first time you receive the Eucharist— and that can be any time after you’ve met the canonical requirements. The current canonical requirements are that and baptized person not prohibited by law May receive the Eucharist, and that children have sufficient knowledge as to understand what and Who it is they are receiving. Pastors and parents are supposed to make sure children are properly disposed, but again there is nothing that requires confession first in the way you are asserting. Not having been to confession first does not “invalidate” the communion. I’m not even sure what you mean by “invalid” since you are using it in a way the Church does not.

If you read canons 912-914 you will see that there is NO reference to receiving the Eucharist “invalidly” in the circumstances described here.

 

[Camehome4john6]

I went to Catholic school.
Everybody in my second grade class made their First Communion . We made our first confession in fourth grade. This was the 1970s.
Correct or not, I don’t think we all received invalid Communion for two years. Jesus Christ is present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the sacrament and I don’t think that what anybody says, believes, or whatever bit of canon law they quote will invalidate the sacrifice of the Mass.

OP. Ask your priest. Accept his answer and nobody else’s. Record whatever date he says and take gobs of pictures of her all dressed up for her next Communion. And be at peace because it was a mistake and not a sin and we serve a merciful God.

 

[Francis]

And this is where you are wrong.

It certainly is VALID reception of communion, and her first time doing so. Ergo, her first communion. You are misusing the words VALID and INVALID.

Yes you right i used the wrong word invalid ,what i meant was not valid as a church record because there is no witness nor proper protocol,was not saying about invalidity of the sacrament of the Eucharist ,it has cause many a confusion, am sorry about that.

And, secondly, there is no canonical requirement that “first communion” be recorded in the sacramental record, because it’s literally the first time you receive the Eucharist— and that can be any time after you’ve met the canonical requirements.

so what will be the proof or in other word the Communion Card or Certificate and other Church protocols.?

The current canonical requirements are that and baptized person not prohibited by law May receive the Eucharist, and that children have sufficient knowledge as to understand what and Who it is they are receiving. Pastors and parents are supposed to make sure children are properly disposed, but again there is nothing that requires confession first in the way you are asserting.

Yes i agree . What about CCC 145757 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first

Not having been to confession first does not “invalidate” the communion. I’m not even sure what you mean by “invalid” since you are using it in a way the Church does not.

sorry about that it was my mistake to use the wrong word , its not about the validity to the consecrate Eucharist but rather about the Church teachings and the other protocol

If you read canons 912-914 you will see that there is NO reference to receiving the Eucharist “invalidly” in the circumstances described here.

But CCC does mention confession before first Holy Communion
CCC 1457 57 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first

Church prescribed the 5 condition of confession before receiving the First Holy Communion for the first time, as the Church rules are defined.There are many first holy Communicants who also receive the confirmations depending upon the age ,and are administered by the local Archbishop or the Bishop,the Op was asking whether

**[1458]
** Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:60

 

[1ke]

what i meant was not valid as a church record because there is no witness nor proper protocol,

And what you are asserting is NOT correct.

There is no requirement for witnesses, there is no “protocol”, and there is no requirement in canon law to record (first) communion in any sacramental record book.

You are asserting it isn’t valid and again you are misuing the word and are giving out wrong information.

First communion is literally the first time you go to communion. The fact that we have kids dress up, and make a big deal out of “first communion” and have them do it on a certain day all together is NOT required by the Church. It’s nice for the families but it is only a custom, not in any way necessary. You can make your “first” communion anytime, by getting in line and going to communion. This is typically done with guidance of your pastor. But going to communion as this child did doesn’t invalidate anything.

so what will be the proof or in other word the Communion Card or Certificate and other Church protocols.?

There is no proof required. None. By anyone. There is no communion card. Certificates are sometimes given out as mementos, but there is NO canonical requirement to record “first communion” in the sacramental record books.

It isn’t part of the sacramental record notations for confirmation, orders, or marriage.

What about CCC 1457 57 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first

Again, while it’s normative to do so, not doing so doesn’t “invalidate” anything. It is not a canonical requirement in the way you are trying to assert.