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Pat wrote:

Dear Someone Helpful,

Our catholic grade school recently proposed that the second graders receive First Communion and wait until the fourth grade before receiving their First Penance. This is a new one to me, though I suppose not to you.

  • I found some files in the EWTN document library and wondered if maybe there was an explanation for why this is the proper procedure in the New Oxford Review?
  • What do you think of this?

Thanks,

Pat
  { What do you think of second graders receiving their First Communion before their First Penance? }

Eric replied:

Hi, Pat —

There is really no justification for the practice of having First Communion before First Penance.

Canon Law expects, if not insists, on having First Penance first, before First Communion.

The reverse order is generally regarded as an abuse.

Hope this helps,

Eric Ewanco

Mike replied:

Dear Pat —

In support of Eric's fine reply, let me give you some references. They may be helpful in the future.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

The confession of sins

1457 According to the Church's command, after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year. (cf. Code of Canon Law, Canon 989; Council of Trent (1551): DS 1683; DS 1708.) Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to Confession. (cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1647; 1661; Code of Canon Law, Canon 916; Corpus Canonum Ecclisarum Orientalium, Canon 711)

Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time. (cf. Code of Canon Law, Canon 914)

From Canon Law:

Canon 914 It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental Confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible.

It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach Holy Communion.

Canon 914

Hope this helps,

Mike

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