Need help w/gagging & first communion

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barbara_marbell

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My friend’s son has been preparing for his First Communion with his class and keeps gagging on the practice host they gave them.

He was told that he can’t make First Communion unless he doesn’t gag on it.

The child is really upset over not being with his peers for the ceremony.

Any advice appreciated.
Thank you
 
Your friend should have a talk with the catachetical leader. The boy needs to be reassured that he will be able to receive first holy communion with his class, and that if gagging continues to be a problem, he can receive the precious blood instead. This may be enough to de-stress the situation and end the gagging.
 
I just saw this same thing with the young son of someone I was sponsoring.Father assured him that all he has to do is bow to the precious Body of Christ and walk on over to receive the Precious Blood, only. He said you miss out on NOTHING.
 
I am curious on a side note.

I know there are sponsors for confirmation, but what is all this about sponsors for first holy communion?
 
Go to the grocery store and get a large bag of NECCO WAFFERS. They’re in the CANDY ISLE and come in chocolate flavor.

They have the same consistency as the Host.

Have him practice eating with those.

This is a mind over matter thing…
 
barbara marbell:
My friend’s son has been preparing for his First Communion with his class and keeps gagging on the practice host they gave them.

He was told that he can’t make First Communion unless he doesn’t gag on it.

The child is really upset over not being with his peers for the ceremony.

Any advice appreciated.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Don’t give him a whole host, only a small part. Practice every day with small soda crackers. I may be just nerves and doing this everyday will solve this.
 
is he chewing? Some people gag because they dont think they are allowed to chew the host.
 
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gelsbern:
I am curious on a side note.

I know there are sponsors for confirmation, but what is all this about sponsors for first holy communion?
Click to expand...
here in So Tex, where most people are of Mexican descent, the custom is padrinos and madrinas (godparents) for first communion. They are not required by canon law, so there are no requirements on who can serve, usually relatives, they are not listed anywhere on the sacramental record, and it is considered an honor, and they usually by the first communion dress, outfit, or prayerbook, rosary etc. Also candles, lit from the paschal candle are a tradition here. We do not do it because it is not part of the liturgy and our pastor is very strict. Some families are puzzled, and light the candles after Mass, which we do allow, as well as photos after Mass (never during).
 
My son had the same problem and my pastor at the time (who has been my spiritual director for over 20 years) gave Kevin a small bag full of unconsecrated hosts to consume at his leisure until he was comfortable with it…

That was the best solution and no gagging was had…🙂

Blessings,
Shoshana
 
For young or old, if you have trouble consuming a full host, it is always proper to ask the minister of communion to give you a small portion.

I have on occasion accommodated older people, who have trouble swallowing, by giving them communion after mass when they can take a sip of water to help.
 
Although I do not have a problem with swallowing the host, I find that waiting to swallow until after receiving the precious blood makes it easier to swallow since it moistens the host.

Whenever they do not offer the precious blood (usually Daily Mass), I do chew the host before swallowing.

Another thing on the hosts. To some, the consistancy of some hosts may make it seem stale. This may also bring on the gagging reflex.

PF
 
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