CHILDREN & HOLY COMMUNION

CHILDREN & HOLY COMMUNION

By the Rev. Mary Lessmann

When our sons were young, Russ and I sat on the second pew on the Gospel side every week for worship. We did this so that our boys could see the ‘action’ of the worship service and so stay more engaged. They quickly came to know the rhythm of worship, with all of our Episcopal standing, sitting, and kneeling! One of these rhythms was sitting back in the pew and leaning down to lift the kneeler so that we could walk forward to the rail for Holy Communion. When Mitchell was three years old, he would see us raise the kneeler and he would jump to his feet, exclaiming, “I’m gonna go get me some Jesus!”

Mitchell didn’t know what we believed about what was happening in Holy Communion, but he knew in his three-year-old way that Jesus was present there. As Anglicans, we hold that all who have been baptized are welcome to join us at the rail for Holy Communion. More than this, we hold that the Sacrament of Baptism is our invitation to the Eucharist. When asked by parents when they should begin allowing their children to receive, my response is anytime the parent’s feel comfortable with it, especially if their child understands in an age-appropriate way that they are being fed by Jesus.

Understandably, many parents find that they desire their children to have some formation around Holy Communion before beginning to receive. At Saint Michael we understand and support this desire. This spring we will be offering a Children’s Solemn Communion class. In it we will discuss what is happening in Holy Communion and prepare children for receiving. This class is geared to children ages 5 to 8, but we’re happy to include children that fall outside of that age range. Classes will be held over two Sundays during the 10 a.m. Formation hour on Sunday mornings. The class will be led by the Rev. Mary Lessmann. Children completing the class will make their Solemn Communion at the 9 a.m. church service on Sunday, May 8. A beautiful way to celebrate Mother’s Day!

If you would like more information or would like to register your child, contact Regan Wallace, Director of Children and Family Ministries, at rwallace@saintmichael.org.