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How to help kids prepare for First Holy Communion

Created on Friday, 20 May 2016 00:44

Published on Friday, 20 May 2016 00:44

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First Holy Communion is an important rite of passage in a young Christian's life. Historically, First Holy Communion followed baptism and confirmation. But nowadays Communion typically falls between these other sacraments of initiation.

Children around the ages of seven or eight participate in the sacrament of First Holy Communion. The road to First Holy Communion typically includes religious instruction and participation in church-sponsored activities. Because this can sometimes be a child's first introduction to the tenets of the faith, preparation for receiving the Eucharist may be a time of uncertainty. Here are some ways to help children as they get closer and closer to receiving the Eucharist for the first time.

Attend church regularly. The best way to demonstrate the importance of Holy Communion is to attend church with your children each week. The Eucharist is shared at Sunday Mass, and watching their parents receive this sacrament can help soon-to-be communicants get a feel for how they should behave and respond when approaching the priest or Eucharistic ministers.
Explain the belief in the Body and Blood. The Eucharist is a complicated concept for children to understand. How can bread and wine truly be the Body and Blood of Christ? Explain to children that the sacrament of Communion is rooted in faith and belief. Answer any questions kids might have, even if it entails looking up answers together.
Talk up the celebratory aspect. Some adults feel that seven- and eight-year-olds do not have the reverent attitude necessary to participate fully in Holy Communion. But the sacrament is not just about being quiet and faithful. Receiving Christ for the first time is a joyous experience. While decorum in church is necessary, children can be schooled that visiting the altar for the first time is really a celebration and a welcoming of a new stage in life.
Show and express support. Children may be nervous about receiving the Eucharist for the first time. Parents can explain that receiving the Eucharist is a family affair. Much like baptism, friends and family will be in attendance to lend support. What's more, parents can assure their children that shortly after the children receive the Eucharist, the rest of the participants in Mass also will get their chance to receive it. Holy Communion is never a solitary effort.
Don't place too great an emphasis on Communion attire. It's easy to get swept up on choosing Communion garb for boys and girls. Very often adults place too great an emphasis on how well their children will look in a church processional. That can underscore the importance of the sacrament. While it's important to don attire appropriate to such a momentous occasion, it's more important that parents and children don't lose focus on the sacrament.

First Holy Communion is an exciting time in the lives of young Christians and their families, and parents can help calm kids' nerves in various ways.