Is My Child Ready to Receive Holy Communion?

More than a generation ago many Lutheran congregations in North America began separating First Communion from Confirmation. It had become apparent that focusing on a particular age as the primary criterion for determining when first communion is received did not adequately consider other important factors, e.g., a child’s maturity, a child’s experience in the church, a child’s family as a supportive context for faith, discipleship and understanding, etc.  The desire was to avoid a "legalistic" and "mechanical" approach to how parents, pastors, and congregations raise up our children in the practice of the Christian faith. It was determined that a solidly biblical and Lutheran approach to the question of when a child was ready to receive Holy Communion on a regular basis should be arrived at through mutual conversation that includes the pastor, the child, and the parents or sponsors involved, within the accepted practices of the congregation. This is our practice at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The following questions are provided to help you determine the readiness of your child to receive her or his first Holy Communion:

• Has your child been baptized?
• Is your child comfortable in various locations around the church, including the Bema, Ambo and Altar?
• Is your child asking questions about Holy Communion?
• Will your child extend his or her hands when asked to do so?
• Does your child recognize the pastor(s) and seem to be able to interact enough with them to receive the elements (bread and wine)?
• Is your child aware enough of others in the congregation and their needs to show a degree of respect for their communion experience?
• Are you prepared to help make the process positive?
• Are you prepared to continue to fulfill the promises you made at your child’s baptism to bring him or her regularly to the Lord’s Table?

Only the first question requires a "Yes" before your child can be considered ready to receive his or her first communion. Use the others to generate discussion and to plan, for child’s preparation to begin receiving the sacrament and the gifts it brings.