| To
share in communion for the first time children must have “sufficient knowledge
and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according
to their capacity” (Code of Canon Law 913). They must also be able
to receive communion “with faith and devotion” (913).
Our
church expects a child to discern ordinary food from the eucharistic bread.That
ability comes at the age “of the use of reason.” We generally place that
at about age seven, but it has never been defined because children mature
so independently. If children cannot make the distinction, they should
not come to the eucharistic table. Even in danger of death, an infant below
the age of reason is not to receive communion. Infant communion is common
among other Christian churches.
Children
should understand the mystery of Christ “according to their capacity.”They
need not comprehend the total mystery. (Who of us can?) They should come
to the table with a spiritual disposition. Communion requires not just
using reason but having faith as well. Formerly, children were expected
to adore the host. That requirement fit an age when the faithful received
communion infrequently and attended Mass to adore the host more than to
share in communion.
Citing
a different canon (914), the Catechism of the Catholic Church
says,“Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving
Holy Communion for the first time” (1457). Even so, it is difficult to
argue that every child must confess sins before receiving communion because
the church obliges the confession of serious sins but recommends the confession
of venial sins (canon 988). Forcing a child to confess before communion
might affect the disposition required for the celebration of the sacraments.
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Copyright © 2000, Resource Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St.
#290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 286-8505. This article may not be reproduced
in any form without permission from the publisher. For permission
e-mail
info@rpinet.com.
Paul
Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate
in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome. |
