Vaikų pirmosios Atgailos (Išpažinties) ir pirmosios Eucharistijos (Komunijos) jungtis

Abstract

On August 8, 1910, by his decree Quam singular, Pope Pius X established the order of the sacramental reception of Penance and Eucharist for children. Nevertheless, one problem, typical before this document was declared, is still true today: after children receive the sacrament of Penance, the reception of Eucharist is postponed for a year or for an even longer definite period of time. Furthermore, after the Vatican II Council, a trend was set that children could receive the Communion without first celebrating the sacrament of Penance. The article, thus, discusses the two extremities associated with the First Communion of children: the reception of the First Communion without the First Confession as well as the postponement of the First Communion for a longer period of time after the First Confession is received. Arguments “for” and “against” these two practices arc also presented. It is evident in the church documents that children of the age of discretion can receive both the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist. This work conc ludes that I) reception of the First Communion by children without the First Penance and 2) postponement of the First Communion for a year or a similar period of time after the First Confession do not have any theological basis. In an attempt to initiate children into conscious and willful celebration of the sacraments with their community, encouragement of belief, liturgical education, moral training, teaching of praying, preparation for life in community are emphasized rather than dry studies of the doctrine.