Receiving Holy Communion for the very first time is a huge step
for most Catholics. Since baptism for most Catholics is done when the
child is too young to remember, the First Holy Communion is one of the
big steps that most Christians make in their religious life. It is
important as a parent to ensure that your children are prepared for this
amazing and wonderful experience that they will continue to enjoy for
the rest of their lives.
Ways of Preparing of your child to receive their First Holy Communion
1. Make sure they have received both the sacrament of Baptism and the sacrament of Penance
These are the basic requirements for any child to receive their First Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. In most catholic homes the children are baptized before they are even a year old so this is usually not a problem. If they are baptized, you should make sure that you have their baptismal certificate from the church that they were baptized in.
The sacrament of Penance which is usually in the form of confession is usually given to the child a week or two before they receive communion. Most catechism classes arrange for this as soon as the children pass their catechism exams but if they don't u should make sure that you contact your priest to arrange for confession for your child.
2. Enroll your child in catechism classes
Enrolling your child is a catechism class is the first step in preparing your child for their First Holy Communion. Catechism classes instruct the child on the basics of Catholicism and Christianity which is quite important before they start to receive communion.
3. Take your child to mass frequently
Although they may learn a lot about what goes on in the church during their catechism classes, it is important that they go to mass and get to experience it for themselves. This will also help your child learn how to respond during mass as well as master the common prayers.
4. Have a talk with your child about the importance of receiving the First Holy Communion
Children usually have a lot of questions about the sacrament and you should take time to answer any questions that they may have as well as ensure that they understand the importance of the sacrament. Communion is not to be taken lightly and as a parent you should be able to gauge whether your child understands the significance of receiving communion before they receive the sacrament.
5. Show them how to receive communion
This is one thing that most catechism classes forget to teach the children because they assume it is common knowledge, however sometimes even the basic things need to be said. Take a few minutes to show your child how to receive the sacrament to avoid any mistakes.
If your child has passed their catechism exams and the date for her First Communion is set then the next step is to make sure that they have the right attire for the occasion. For girls, a white dress is usually appropriate while for boys the norm is to have them in formal pants and a shirt preferably with a tie.
Receiving First Holy Communion for the first time is a big event in your child's life, so inviting close family and friends to celebrate the occasion is a wonderful way of celebrating the event with your child.
Ways of Preparing of your child to receive their First Holy Communion
1. Make sure they have received both the sacrament of Baptism and the sacrament of Penance
These are the basic requirements for any child to receive their First Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. In most catholic homes the children are baptized before they are even a year old so this is usually not a problem. If they are baptized, you should make sure that you have their baptismal certificate from the church that they were baptized in.
The sacrament of Penance which is usually in the form of confession is usually given to the child a week or two before they receive communion. Most catechism classes arrange for this as soon as the children pass their catechism exams but if they don't u should make sure that you contact your priest to arrange for confession for your child.
2. Enroll your child in catechism classes
Enrolling your child is a catechism class is the first step in preparing your child for their First Holy Communion. Catechism classes instruct the child on the basics of Catholicism and Christianity which is quite important before they start to receive communion.
3. Take your child to mass frequently
Although they may learn a lot about what goes on in the church during their catechism classes, it is important that they go to mass and get to experience it for themselves. This will also help your child learn how to respond during mass as well as master the common prayers.
4. Have a talk with your child about the importance of receiving the First Holy Communion
Children usually have a lot of questions about the sacrament and you should take time to answer any questions that they may have as well as ensure that they understand the importance of the sacrament. Communion is not to be taken lightly and as a parent you should be able to gauge whether your child understands the significance of receiving communion before they receive the sacrament.
5. Show them how to receive communion
This is one thing that most catechism classes forget to teach the children because they assume it is common knowledge, however sometimes even the basic things need to be said. Take a few minutes to show your child how to receive the sacrament to avoid any mistakes.
If your child has passed their catechism exams and the date for her First Communion is set then the next step is to make sure that they have the right attire for the occasion. For girls, a white dress is usually appropriate while for boys the norm is to have them in formal pants and a shirt preferably with a tie.
Receiving First Holy Communion for the first time is a big event in your child's life, so inviting close family and friends to celebrate the occasion is a wonderful way of celebrating the event with your child.
Samantha Gold is a writer with Gifts of Love and Devotion -
Unique Christian Gifts which features a large selection of Unique and
Personalized Christian Gifts for every occasion including baptism, first communion,
confirmation, weddings, and anniversary gifts. In addition, they offer
heirloom quality baptism and christening gowns and rompers, as well as
communion dresses and accessories. Gifts of Love and Devotion also has a
selection of memorials which can be given in remembrance for the loss
of a loved one. Personalized gifts such as baptismal candles and wedding
crosses are available in most of our categories and provide a more
unique gift idea. Her inspirational decor for the home and garden
sections include a wide variety of products to dress up the home while
making a personal statement of faith.
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