The Diocese of Rochester, NY, on the requirements for First Communion:
.The readiness of the individual involves the following:
Is the person baptized and does he/she have the use of reason (about the age of seven)?
Does the person express a desire to celebrate Eucharist?
Does the person participate in the worship life of the community on a regular basis?
Has the person been formed in faith in an age appropriate manner?
Is there a commitment from this person to continue formation and participation in the worship life of the community?
Can the person distinguish Eucharist from ordinary bread?
Because sacraments are community celebrations, the parish also has a responsibility in sacramental preparation.Does your parish provide you (parents) with the necessary support and information to enable you to fulfill your role as primary educator of your child?
Does your parish provide opportunities for life-long faith formation?
Does the community welcome children into its life?
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Very well. Does anyone notice anything, um, unusual about this list, acquired from the diocese’s web site? Could anyone phrase a question that perhaps ought to be on the list, but is not?
Very well. Does anyone notice anything, um, unusual about this list, acquired from the diocese’s web site? Could anyone phrase a question that perhaps ought to be on the list, but is not?
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How about:
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Has the person received the sacrament of penance?
Has the person received the sacrament of penance?
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Surely there has been an oversight here? Surely not! The darling urchins of the Rochester diocese are not required to receive their first confession before receiving their first communion.
Surely there has been an oversight here? Surely not! The darling urchins of the Rochester diocese are not required to receive their first confession before receiving their first communion.
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In a section on preparation for first penance, we read:
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While catechesis for the sacrament of Penance is to precede First Eucharist, the principle of individual readiness for the celebration of the sacrament must be respected. This means a decision may be made to delay First Penance but to proceed to celebrate First Eucharist..
The primary decision concerning the readiness of a particular child rests with the parent and child. They will be assisted by those involved in working with the child, especially the catechetical leader, catechists and pastor.
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My understanding, admittedly based on anecdotal evidence, is that, in this diocese, the “principle of individual readiness” is more than “respected” – it is the standard.
My understanding, admittedly based on anecdotal evidence, is that, in this diocese, the “principle of individual readiness” is more than “respected” – it is the standard.
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So, if a parent, or pastor, or “catechetical leader” is down wid it, the child may be exempted from the bedrock catechetical principle that repentance and renunciation of sin, and the forgiveness of that sin by God through His priestly instrument, must precede reception of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
So, if a parent, or pastor, or “catechetical leader” is down wid it, the child may be exempted from the bedrock catechetical principle that repentance and renunciation of sin, and the forgiveness of that sin by God through His priestly instrument, must precede reception of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
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Judging from the relative sizes of communion and confession lines in most American churches today, many people have assumed that exemption quite nicely on their own, without any help whatsoever from bold, innovating catechists and clerics.
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Yet another case of "extraordinary" circumstances morphing into a new tradition.
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If there is a reader familiar with the argument for this practice, particularly one from the diocese of Rochester, NY, please respond. If I have misstated the facts, please don't hesitate to whup me upside my head (believe me, you won't be the first).
