Church of the Ascension

Children and Holy Communion

"A child should never remember a time when he or she was
not welcomed to receive the Sacrament at the Lord¹s Table."

+George Cadigan, Bishop of Missouri

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church, in 1970 and again in 1988, clearly stated to the whole church its commitment of inviting young children to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Communion. The only prerequisite for reception of the Holy Eucharist is baptism. Indeed, Holy Communion sustains, strengthens, and renews one¹s life in the Body of Christ. No child, who is reaching out for communion with God in Christ, ought to be denied participation in the sacrament. Yet, at the same time, an unwilling child ought not have the sacrament forced on him or her. Pastoral sensitivity is always required.

The preparing of a child to receive Holy Communion is a shared responsibility between parents and clergy. When the sacramental life is central to the parent¹s faith, and when the child of that family begins to ask about being included in the eucharistic meal, the child and his or her parents are ready for instruction and reception. The most important instruction for Holy Communion is the child¹s own life, especially his or her life within the family. It is the love and forgiveness expressed and experienced in the family that builds toward the receiving of God¹s love in the Blessed Sacrament. When parents desire their child to share in their eucharistic life it presupposes that there is a regular form of prayer and devotion within that family (e.g. grace before meals; prayers at bed time, scripture reading, regular participation within the eucharistic assembly at least on Sunday, etc.) It takes for granted that the home is a domestic church where members of the family come to know God¹s love and mercy.

A VIDEO is available to assist parents and their children with preparation for reception. Parents, allowing their children to receive, without formal instruction, will find this resource helpful. If you have further questions or a spiritual issue regarding your child receiving Holy Communion please speak with a member o the clergy.

"In the Holy Communion, Christ comes to a place where he already is.
The Body of Christ is given to the Body of Christ."

+St. Augustine,
Bishop of Hippo