Should I have stopped an 11-year-old from receiving Communion?

[faithfilledmom]

My daughter’s best friend is Catholic. They’re both 11 years old and in 6th grade. They made their first confession and First Communion together three years ago. I attend Mass regularly with my daughter and she’s an alter server at our church. Her friend’s family only attends Mass on Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday. Once the child made her First Holy Communion, she stopped attending faith formation. A few weeks ago my daughter’s friend asked if she could come to Mass with us. I said, “Of course.” When it came time for Communion she processed to the altar with us and received. Should I have stopped her? It was rather awkward since she only attends Mass twice a year with her family. How would you handle it?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

The child is 11 years old. She is not responsible for her parents’ decision to not attend Mass. To have told her she could not receive Communion would not only have been unnecessary (since she bears no culpability), but likely also would have killed her interest in going to Mass. Since she has shown interest in attending Mass, I recommend contacting her parents and offering to take her to Mass each Sunday with your family. You could also offer to take her to faith formation along with your daughter.