Category: Children
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History of infant communion, part 1: Early church (30-500 AD)
Christians initiated infants by at least the late 2nd century (180s), and until the late Middle Ages (after 1000, but probably more like 1200), all newly baptized Christians were communed, regardless of age. Infant communion was lost because lay communion was lost, but when lay communion was restored in the 19th and 20th centuries, infant…
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Baptismal anniversaries and sacramental reflection, an interlude
Celebrating baptismal anniversaries puts each child’s baptism on the calendar, and that’s central, I think. It provides a structure for periodically returning to the font. Sacramental reflection lets children, in a way befitting their development and personality, find their baptism meaningful as a foundation for who they are – and it could do the same…
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5 quick pastoral reasons why we should restore infant communion
Many dioceses are currently adopting or considering the “restored order” of initiation, which means baptism is followed by confirmation before the Eucharist. This order serves as a reminder of the natural connection between baptism and confirmation, and also promotes the Eucharist to the consummation of initiation, where it should be. I commend these bishops, diocesan…
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The system is down: systematic problems with the faith formation of children in American Catholicism
The structure of our catechetical ministry (more than the catechists – this is not a case of individuals making mistakes) assumes that Catholic parishes, not Catholic parents, are responsible for bringing up children in the faith. Yet, you know, it was my husband and I, not the parish catechists, that promised to do exactly that?
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Non Solum: First Confessions
The liturgical celebration is no longer seen primarily as a sacramental ritual, but a rite of passage detached in many ways from its religious function.
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My New Book: Donna M. Eschenauer; First Communion Liturgies: Preparing First-Class First Celebrations
The chapters of the book are an attempt to “stir up” a deeper consciousness regarding how we prepare and celebrate First Communion. Many “out of place” practices or so-called “adaptations,” have taught over two generations that these “adaptations” are acceptable and these are what make the day a special event.
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Teaching Children God’s Gift of Grace in the Eucharist
How can we best talk to children about how the gifts of God’s grace and love in the Eucharist help us to be followers of Jesus?
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Lavish Use of Symbols # 2: “My Mass Kit,” from “Wee Believers”
(Found at Amazon.com – with thanks to Colleen Tichich for sending this my way). Or, one could file this under “infantile use of symbols.” Note: I have nothing against children “playing Mass” — but the sheer ugliness of the ugliness (in my eyes) of this Mass kit is staggering. Are there better ones around?
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Re-Reading Sacrosanctum Concilium: Article 82
The Roman Ritual in use prior to the Second Vatican Council provided funeral prayers for baptized children mostly concentrating on their presumed purity because of their inability to commit actual sins. However the funeral Mass appearing in the Roman Missal did not make any special provision for the burial of children in its texts or…