Sunday, July 11, 2010

Poll on First Communion

Please answer our poll questions at right concerning bringing the young folks in your parish to the Lord's Table.

In the comments, if your parish communes people younger than 5th grade, please list your state.

This is purely for curiosity's sake.

Thanks,
+HRC

9 comments:

  1. Our church communes younger than 5th grade....Indiana.

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  2. I was born to a German Lutheran father and a Irish Catholic mother back in 1928. Back this was a no-no, Irish did not marry Germans, nor did Catholics marry Lutherans. I was baptized Lutheran and after three years the marriage dissolved and I was re-baptized Catholic, I have seven baptismal names 5 Lutheran and 2 Catholic, I have had my First Communion and been conformed both Catholic and Lutheran, and later in life as a Blood Donor when we did not have the Blood Center I donated in the name of David Friendel, I have a plaque from Temple Beth El Nir Hamid, that tells me that I am a Member with all of the rights and privileges thereto, so I am an Honorary Jew. I am covered on all three bases, now I wait for the Home Run. Oh, yes, I am 82 years old, in excellent health, take no pills and have never been cut on.

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  3. The vote counter doesn't appear to be working. We confirm and administer First Communion in 6th grade.

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  4. We commune youngsters when the head of the household and the pastors agree that the child is ready after some instruction and examination. Age is not really a factor.

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  5. My husband is working to introduce the idea that there's nothing magical about 8th grade, as that's when our church has always done it. We know of very young children who know they're sinners and confess that Christ delivers forgiveness in His body and blood. At 34, I can't say I understand the miracle meal any better than that.

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  6. First Communion is prior to Confirmation, typically age 7, but age is not a primary criteria (see Scott's comment). Confirmation Catechesis begins in grade 5; confirmands are confirmed at end of grade 6. - NY, Atlantic District

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  7. "Let a person examine himself..." 1 Cor. 11:28. A person can't agree with our teaching and examine themselves if they haven't been instructed in all of the 6 chief parts. Catechism instruction here begins in 6th or 7th grade due to traditions, and goes for 2 years (depending on background, adults go for 3 months - but they are cheated out of learning memory work). In all cases, the Elders have the yea/nay to confirm. And, as per Dr. David Scaer's teaching, we "bless the poopsies" who are at the rail and holding their arms crossed on their opposite shoulders.
    Iowa West

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  8. My father (the pastor) confirms children of varying ages (depending on the children available in our two rural parishes, but there are definitely children 5th grade and under confirmed. Minnesota South.

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