Every Easter season brings the time of First Communion celebrations here at Nativity.  This year is no exception.  However, the participants of the classes in the past have not all been fifth graders and their families but have included families of children who are in 3rd, 4th and even 1st grade.  Here at Nativity, we believe that Christ is present in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  Everyone is welcome at the Table.  Holy Communion is a celebration filled with ritual, tradition and rich with meaning.  It is a wonderful way for parents to pass on the faith to their children.  It is also another way for the child to celebrate being in the family of God.

So how do you know if your child is ready for Communion?
Is your child asking questions about what Communion is?  This shows their interest level.

Is your child asking questions about the symbols of Holy Communion; the Bread (Jesus' body) and the Wine (Jesus' blood)?

These two questions are good starting points of discussion.  The bread and wine remind us of Jesus' love for us.

Children learn by being active participants through not only hearing, but by touching and tasting, as well as seeing the events around them.  The Sacrament of Holy Communion is a multi-sensory event.  What a wonderful way for children to experience their faith!  Children already possess an unquestioning faith and trust.  It's their nature.  And this unquestioning faith gives children a better sense of what Communion is all about, oftentimes more than we understand as adults.  So in all honesty, it really isn't a matter of whether they are ready.  It is whether we as parents are ready for them to experience this part of their spiritual journey.  The Sacrament of Holy Communion can give the child something to "hold on to", that he/she can talk about and taste and see.  We invite and encourage you to talk about this as a family at home. 

Are you ready to taste and see and experience more of the wonders of God?

For more reading about this here are two resources:

Bringing up Children in Christian Faith by John Westerhoff

Parent's Guide to the Spiritual Growth of Children by John Trent, Rick Osborne and Kurt Bruner.

Discover 5th Grade Class

To those families who have been waiting for their children to celebrate Holy Communion, mark your calendars for three weeks in Lent 2010.  The Discover Series of "First Communion"classes are on Sundays, from 4:00-6:00pm.  This is a three part class.  The final celebration of the class is held with a Seder Meal on the Wednesday of Holy Week. and then children will receive their First Communion on Maundy Thursday.  The classes are designed for the whole family to enjoy and participate in their child's First Communion journey.  If you have questions about whether our child is ready to receive his/her First Communion, feel free to email Tori Setterholm at at 612-781-2766.