what does my child have to do for first holy communion?

Question

is going to confession also reqiured

Answer 1

The answer varies by diocese and even by parish, but in general terms, children preparing to receive their First Holy Communion will have a specific catechism to study. This will instruct them about God and His mercy, Christ and His work on the Cross, the Sacraments and their benefits.

Yes, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a large part of this. My son learned about sin and the need for confession as well as the process of it before his first Penance last March. Then it was about 4 more weeks of study before he received his First Holy Communion in April.

We have a most excellent parish school that is affordable, so my son got all his education for these sacraments through religion class at school. The kids who don't go to parish school get it through CCD classes. There is sometimes a cost for these classes.

Other things my son did in getting ready for First Penance included doing some worksheets, performing a service project with his class and praying a Novena with us (the whole family). The afternoon of First Penance, there was a ceremony at church with Bible readings and my son and two other boys performed the story of the Prodigal Son, then all the rest of the kids took turns praying for various intentions written by the class. Then the kids made their First Penance and parents and other family members followed. Afterwards, the children received a pendant and signed their names on a banner, and we had a little reception in the church hall.

In preparation for First Holy Communion, there were worksheets and a family Novena again. The kids also made banners to commemorate the occasion. The parents wrote letters to the children, which were read to them during an all-day retreat they had the day before their First Holy Communion, which consisted of final preparation, them demonstrating their full understanding of the Sacrament (sort of a quiz with the teacher and priest), Penance, etc.

We also bought him a suit and he wore one of his dad's ties from his youth. The girls all wore white dresses and veils (required by my parish; some others do not require veils or that the dresses be white, but all our kids wear "wedding clothes" to represent becoming part of the Bride of Christ.)

First Holy Communion consisted of a procession and Mass -- the kids all had roles; my son read the Old Testament passage -- etc., and then finally receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Afterwards, there was a reception, tons of photos, lots of excitement, and we had a luncheon at our house for family and godparents.

But, like I said, the preparations and customs differ -- you ought to check with parents of kids a year or two year older than yours to find out how it's done in your parish. Oh, and in some diocese, the kids are confirmed before they receive their First Holy Communion in the same Mass.

Answer 2

One or two years of instruction are required. Then the child goes to first Reconciliation (confession) shortly before First Communion. The Reconciliation might be omitted if the child is baptized shortly before First Communion, as sometimes happens.
Talk to your priest or Religious Education director.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Yeah the sacrament of Penance (confession) is required prior to receiving Communion.

You're raising a Catholic child and you don't know this??

Answer 5

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Answer 6

If you don't even know, why are you going to put your child through this rubbish.

Get out now, while you and your child still have something of a free mind left.

Answer 7

Your child needs to attend classes. This happens automatically at a Catholic School, otherwise the church will arrange them (speak to the priest). They will make sure that your child is properly prepared.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Believe in God?

Answer 10

you should know this....especially if the child was baptised.