First Holy Communion: A Parent's Preparation

Mark Allen found no suitable published book to prepare his son for First Holy Communion.

First Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Church is something of the greatest significance equivalent to confirmation in the Church of England or Bar Mitzvah for Jewish children. A lot of the material published is trite and worst of all tends to patronise the children for whom it is intended. To help parents and teachers answer questions about the ceremony Mark Allen offers readings and background from scripture and catechism.

Children can be hard-headed tend to like stories and facts. The narrative of the Bible provides facts, events which happened, and along with them the objective truths of revelation. The Mass is our sacramental encounter with the person of Jesus. Preparation therefore should be based on him and on the Gospel story of His life. The preparation should reflect the unity of the mass, its liturgy of the Word and the Eucharistic Rite, the mystery of Christ in our community as Church.

Routine is the key aid to progress. The course provided in this book is based on a series of half hour sessions for parent and teacher with the child. It is thus both practical and down to earth.