A First Communion Primer For Non-catholics

Have you been invited to attend a child's First Communion party or family dinner? For non-Catholics, such an invitation may be rather intimidating since they may not be familiar with this sacred tradition. Here's a little more about it so that you'll be knowledgeable and comfortable on the child's big day.

There are fewer occasions more sacred in the life of a Catholic than his or her First Communion. It celebrates the first time a child receives the Sacrament of the Eucharist, or the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Catholics believe in the mystery of "transubstantiation," and claim that the wafer and wine are literally changed into the body and blood of the Savior. For this reason alone, this occasion is an intensely important experience.

Most Catholic children receive this sacrament at the age of seven or eight, when young ones are generally acknowledged to be at an age where they can reason and make informed decisions. It is also a time when children have enough self-awareness to sin, and since First Communion can only be received by a person without sin and in a state of grace, a child will always make her first confession prior to receiving the sacrament.

Because Communion is so important, there are prerequisites to receiving it other than attaining a certain age. A child must have been baptized before this sacrament can take place, and there is a requirement of extensive study that must be undertaken as well.

A child who attends Catholic school will generally begin studying for the Sacrament in the 1st grade, while those who attend secular institutes of learning will attend weekend or evening classes. All told, the study period is about two years, and a child should have a firm understanding of the importance of the event and of the significance of transubstantiation.

Of course, the day is not only an acknowledgment of the child's religious knowledge: it is also a day of great celebration. Parties and big family dinners nearly always accompany the event. Being able to wear special clothing for the child (both boy and girl) is a highly anticipated part of the day. Girls traditionally wear a new white dress which symbolizes purity and also the robes that Jesus wore. The veil in her hair represents the tablecloth used at the last supper.

Relatives and friends (that's you!) traditionally give religious gifts to the child in commemoration of the big event: religious statues and icons, religious jewelry, rosaries, prayer books, and other items make the most appropriate gifts.

So go ahead and attend the festivities now that you are armed with the knowledge and understanding you need to truly celebrate with your young Catholic friend. It's a big day indeed and it's an honor to be asked to be a part of it.