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Hi Mary Ann,
I have two children, ages 8 and 10 years old. They were baptized as
infants in the Catholic Church. For a period of time, we left the Church
and attended a Presbyterian church. At that church, children were encouraged
to partake of Holy Communion as long as they understood the meaning
of it.
Several months ago, we attended a Catholic Church again. One
day, during service, we sat in the first row.
At Communion time,
before I could stop them, my children joined the line, walked to the
front, and accepted Holy Communion from the priest though they had not had a formal
First Holy Communion.
- Does this mean they have now?
Thank you!
Meg from Ohio
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Mary Ann
replied:
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Dear Meg,
They have indeed received the Eucharistic Body and Blood of Our Lord but
they did not know it. Their Presbyterian understanding is inaccurate.
They do need to be catechized and to receive First Reconciliation, both
of them, prior to receiving again.
There are classes in your parish for
children of their ages and they will enjoy becoming part of the community
of the Body of Christ, as they prepare to receive the True Presence in
their First Solemn Holy Communion!
Mary Ann
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Mike replied:
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Dear Meg —
I just wanted add my two cents to what Mary Ann has said. It wasn't clear from your question whether your attendance at a Catholic parish was a passing occurrence or whether you had returned to the Church.
What Catholics and Presbyterians believe about the Eucharist is very different.
Catholics believe they are receiving the real Body and Blood of Christ in a sacramental form. As a result, we are strengthen in mind and body to do the Lord's work. We also believe that when we publicly receive the Real Presence (the Eucharist) at Mass we are publicly affirming that we are in a Common Union with the Teachings of the Catholic Church. If indeed your attendance was a passing occurrence, you should have refrained from receiving the Eucharist because you not longer believe what we believe about the Eucharist and all the other teachings of the Church.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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