I

Not long ago our Second Graders received Jesus in the Eucharist for the very first time. Most of us can remember our own First Communion Day. It was made special by the time of preparation and waiting. Chances are that we asked our parents many times why we couldn't receive Communion. We needed to understand what it was all about. We needed to believe that what we received was really and truly the Body and Blood of Christ. What a wonderful day it was!

Our Second Graders learned about the centrality of the Eucharist from us. They've watched us carefully. Many times they have been inspired by what they have seen. Other times we might have set a better example. Receiving the Eucharist needs to be just as powerful for us today as it was when we first received it. Sometimes children even begin to cry after receiving Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist. They simply can't believe how wonderful it is!

Their parents and godparents were faithful to the promises they made on their Baptism day, to raise them as sons and daughters of God, to teach them about God and Jesus and to bring them to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. That responsibility continues as these children begin to see our parish more and more as their second home. Many of us send our children to Catholic School where they have the opportunity to receive the Eucharist twice more each week. What a benefit!

We can set a tone of faith in our homes. When going to Mass is sometimes "optional" for us or other family members, then it's easy to get out of the habit of going. Some of our children believe they are committing Mortal Sin every time they don't attend Mass. If they can't attend on their own, then they're not the ones in moral trouble. We need to reassure them of that. As many of us grew up there was no question. Our families were families of God. Going to Mass is what we did on Sunday. When I began High School and wanted to get a job, I knew the first thing my dad would say is, "Explain to me how you'll get to Church. Then we'll talk more." We need to be thankful for parents like that

We can sometimes become disturbed by the statistics that tell us that many do not believe that the Eucharist truly is the Body and Blood of Christ. Some see it as just a symbol. What in impoverished belief! It might be difficult for us to understand how the Bread and Wine are truly the Body and Blood of Jesus, but that's exactly what they are. We need to pass on that sure knowledge to our children and grandchildren. We do that mostly by our own example.

We're aware that our Church tells us that we shouldn't eat or drink anything except water for at least an hour before receiving Communion. How important it is for us to remind our children of that and to set that example for them. We can easily remind everyone an hour before Mass that the eating, drinking and gum chewing should stop. We certainly don't want to confuse our kids by not following that law, or even by chewing gum or eating candy ourselves on the way to Church.

We need to help our children grow into more adult beliefs about the centrality of the Eucharist. It's best to help them dress well for Mass. If our Mass clothes can just as easily be picnic, beach or ball game clothes, then there's something wrong. Dressing well results in better and more reverent behavior. Even the items brought to Church with children can help or hinder. If they are fed throughout Mass and play with trucks and other toys, that sends a message to them and all around them that Church is a place for eating and play. If they learn to look at the pictures in their children's bible or another prayer book or to hold a Rosary during Mass, they'll come to see that Mass is something different and something very special.

We can make sure everyone has a book with the song lyrics and uses it. Even in the few weeks when boy's voices change and they are self-conscious about them they can follow along with the lyrics and pray the prayers contained in those lyrics. We can resist the temptation to tell our children that we can't sing, or that they can't sing. If we're having problems with our voice, we can read the words of the hymns and help our children to do so as well. We can encourage them to learn the words and melodies of the parts of the Mass by doing our best to follow along and sing them ourselves. If we can sing at home, at school or in the car, then we can sing in Church!

When it's time to come forward to receive the Eucharist we show our children what we believe. We can resist looking around at others or even walking thoughtlessly or casually. We can pay close attention to what we're doing and help them to do so as well. As we approach the priest or other minister we can help our kids receive a blessing or another greeting. We can bow reverently before we receive the Eucharist.

When we return to our places in Church, we can quietly give thanks to God for all we have received. We can stay until the priest leaves Church. Sometimes we'll have to speak to our children when they see people leave Church right after Communion. They can begin to understand that none of us are perfect. They can join us in praying for those who leave without giving thanks or are in a hurry to get somewhere they see as more important. We can honestly pray for them, that whatever is causing their haste might be resolved lovingly and well.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is always a great opportunity for us to look at our own Mass etiquette. We become what we eat, the very Body and Blood of Christ Himself. May we celebrate with reverence and joy, that we may go forth and peace to love and serve the Lord, and teach others to do so as well. We do that the best by the example we set every time we come to Mass. Have a good week!

Pilgrimage 2008, to Southern Italy, Rome and the Vatican!

Rome, the Vatican, Assisi, San Giovanni Rotondo, Capri, Pompeii,
Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast & much more.  Click here for the Brochure!