Author: Audrey

First Holy Communion: The Sacrament of the Eucharist

Next up in our series of articles regarding religious ceremonies for infants and children, Pat writes about Catholic First Communion:

Eucharist is central to the faith of Catholics, often referred to as the “source” and “summit” of Christian life. Preparation for the Sacrament of the Eucharist is an exciting time. For most Catholics, making one’s “first holy communion” occurs in childhood, when a child reaches the “age of reason,” about seven years old. However, since people join the Catholic Church at many ages, it may take place much older.

This article is written for Catholic adults, to increase their understanding of the sacrament, so they might better prepare their youngsters or others for first communion.

So what is a “first communion”? It is a solemn observance of a person receiving the Eucharist for the first time. Holy Communion is the reception of the Eucharist, that is, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ found under the auspices of bread and wine. It is a personal and physical encounter with Christ.

Recall the words Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; . . . he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and . . . abides in me, and I in him.” (John 6:51, 54, 56)

Jesus refers to himself as the “living bread”. This is at once fantastic and mind-boggling.

Elsewhere in the scriptures, Jesus uses similar language. At the Last Supper Jesus blesses and breaks the bread, and shares the wine with his disciples saying: “This is my body which will be given up for you… This is the cup of my blood.” (Matthew 26:26-28)

The Church teaches that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol of Christ’s body and blood, nor a representation. Truly, it is HIS BODY and HIS BLOOD. This is known as the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. To quote a few of the saints who comment on this, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

“That in this sacrament are the true Body of Christ and his true Blood is something that ‘cannot be apprehended by the senses,’ says St. Thomas [Aquinas], ‘but only by faith, which relies on divine authority.’ For this reason, in a commentary on Luke 22:19 (’This is my body which is given for you.’), St. Cyril says: ‘Do not doubt whether this is true, but rather receive the words of the Savior in faith, for since he is the truth, he cannot lie.”

How does this miracle of the Eucharist happen? The Catechism teaches:

It is Christ himself, the eternal high priest of the New Covenant who, acting through the ministry of the priests, offers the Eucharistic sacrifice. And it is the same Christ, really present under the species of bread and wine, who is the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice. [Par. 1410.]

By the consecration, the transubstantiation [transforming of substance] of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is brought about. Under the consecrated species of bread and wine Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity. [Par. 1413.]

This is an awesome supernatural mystery.

Ponder this: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, second Person of the Trinity, condescends, stoops, and lovingly lowers himself to humanity’s level so that we might come into relationship with Him. First, by clothing his divinity with human flesh, becoming Man, and second, by redeeming us through the sacrifice of his body and blood, and finally, by giving us Himself in a way we can understand with our senses: within the small consecrated host of bread and cup of wine. His very Presence is made present. Consuming this nourishment, Christ enters our very selves.

Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” At Mass, Christians come to give thanks before the Church’s altar or Eucharistic table. There, they recognize two simultaneous realities: the altar of sacrifice where the death of Jesus on the cross remains ever present, and the table upon which bread and wine is consecrated and served. The Mass feeds Christians with a holy meal that strengthens them supernaturally. It is a time of thanksgiving for both their redemption and their daily blessings.

Receiving communion is entering into an abiding union and fellowship with Christ and with the Church. Whenever a Catholic attends Mass and receives communion, they are professing their faith in what the Church believes, and as well as renewing their communion with Christ.

When preparing your child for first communion, teach them who Jesus is and what he did for us. He willingly suffered and died to free us from the punishment of our sins. Then, by the power of his resurrection from the dead, he made a way for us to live eternally with him someday in heaven. While we wait for heaven, Jesus invites us to unite ourselves with him through the gift of the Eucharist. He wants to bless us and strengthen us with his body and blood.

Simple suggestions for parents to prepare your child for First Communion:

Teach about Jesus in your own words, and answer the basics: Who? What? When? Where? How? And why?
Talk about your faith in Jesus.
Read bible stories with your child.
Explain the parts of the Mass, especially the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. (Jesus is “hidden” in the consecrated Host.)
Work with your church or school. Attend the preparation classes. Volunteer!
Find children’s bibles and books at Catholic bookstores or online.
Learn the guidelines for proper attire for first communion celebrations at your church.

The goal for your child is developing a lifelong loving relationship with Jesus, so that he or she may joyfully receive the Eucharist at Sunday Mass and holy days for their entire life.

The celebration of first communion is a most special day. The wearing of a white dress for girls, or suit and tie for boys is traditional. After Mass, there might be a party, and some presents may be given as appropriate. But more important than the “exterior” preparations, is the “interior” preparation: making sure your child’s heart is ready to receive Jesus. That is where the true celebration takes place.

Pat Gohn is a Catholic wife, mother, and writer. Her articles and creative work in Catholic media can be found at www.patgohn.com.

Your Blessing Gowns: April’s Twins

I love this portait of April’s beautiful girls…she wrote:

“I just received my christening gowns in the mail, I ordered the Delaney for my 6 month old twins’ baby blessings. I love the dresses, they’re exquisite, and I followed your sizing chart so they fit perfectly. I didn’t like most of the dresses I’ve looked at in stores or other places online because the quality seemed poor for the price they charged, so I was willing to take a chance on your site since you have such a reasonable return policy. I’m very glad I did! I think the dresses actually look much better in person than they did online.”

About “A Child’s Blessing”

My mother started this company on a shoestring twenty-five years ago. I was a child then, but I can clearly remember her excitement over each new style, the love she put into her designs, how pleased she was to see children in her creations. I also remember her saying often that she wanted each dress to go out into the world with a blessing of peace and happiness for the child who wore it.

Several years later, she and I collaborated on the poem printed on the back of the hangtag attached to each dress or romper that leaves our facility. It is an expression of our sincere wish for every child to enjoy peace, joy, love, guidance, and freedom in life.

Your Baptism Dresses: Happy Baby Girl

A satisfied customer sent this cutie-pie (wearing our Olivia baptism dress) along with a thoughtful note:

“What an honorable internet based company you are. From the very first navigation of your site, one can tell that you offer much prettier dresses of higher quality and lower cost than so many other internet retailers…I took advantage of your 15-day trial for up to three dresses and this enabled me to see that quality was apparent in all 3 gowns, and I’m sure the same holds true for the rest of your offerings.

I returned the gowns in the time period mentioned and you promptly refunded me the correct amount. In addition, I did call to ask a few questions prior to ordering and the lady was very kind on the phone. Thanks for being a trustworthy website that offers beautiful gowns for respectable prices.”

Your Christening Outfits: Baby Jacob

From the archives, a photo of adorable baby Jacob in a no-longer-available christening suit (but you can still find his cross pacifier clip). His mother, Linda, wrote:

“Thank you so much for providing such high quality outfits. A Christening in my family is a big deal and my Jacob is the first baby in many years. So we had the whole family coming to see him, many of which had not yet met him. I wanted him to look dressy, classic, and adorable but couldn’t find anything that quite fit my ideas until I found One Small Child. The designs of the boys suits were adorable online and looked like they were what I wanted, but when [my outfit] arrived I was even more surprised by the quality fabric used. He and the party were a hit and I will treasure the pictures and memories for the rest of my life.”

The Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church

Continuing our series of ceremony articles written by mothers of faith, Pat shares:

The Sacrament of Baptism is a cause for celebration! It is a grace-filled moment in the life of a child, parents, and the Church. Loving parents seek baptism for their child to share their Christian life, but more importantly, that their child may enjoy a relationship with God and the people of God.

We can enter that joy more deeply when we understand the grace of baptism, and the rite itself.

The Grace of Baptism

Jesus taught: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt. 28:19-20.)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door… to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as [sons and daughters] of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. [Par. 1213.]

Grace received at baptism transforms a child in many ways.

First, all humans inherit Original Sin through the fall of Adam and Eve. Through Christ, “the New Adam,” Original Sin is forgiven and removed by baptism. How does this happen?

To baptize means to “plunge” or to “immerse”. “Plunging” into the waters of baptism symbolizes the person’s burial into Christ’s death. Their rising out of the water symbolizes their resurrection with him “as a new creature.”

Second, baptism establishes a relationship with the Holy Trinity. A baby may have an earthly mother and father, but now becomes an adoptive son or daughter of the Heavenly Father. Joined to Christ in baptism, they become a temple of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings sanctifying grace enabling them to know and love God, prompting them through life to grow in virtue and goodness.

Third, baptism incorporates the child into the Church, the Body of Christ, a source of future grace and blessing. The new Christian is holy, their soul imprinted with a spiritual sign, a character, or “mark” consecrating them for worship. The sign can never be erased. It is the seal of the Lord, the seal of eternal life.

The Rite Of Baptism

Welcome and preparation. On the baptismal day, the child’s family is welcomed and brought into the church, near the baptismal font. The parents express their desire that the child be baptized into the faith of the Church.

The celebrant (a priest or deacon) opens with prayers invoking God and his loving plan of salvation. The water for the baptism is then blessed, if not already.

The parents and godparents renounce Satan and profess the faith of the Church, and give their consent for their child’s baptism.

Parents are instructed of their holy obligation to train their child in the love of God and the practice of the faith, to teach what Jesus commanded. These promises are made on behalf of their child.

The child is signed or marked with the sign of faith — the cross on the forehead.

Baptismal name. A long-standing Christian tradition has been to name the child at baptism with the name of a saint who can be a heavenly patron for the child. Though not a requirement, the benefit of choosing a patron saint provides the child with a lifelong guide and example of holiness and virtue.

Baptismal Sponsors. The sponsors, known as “godparents”, play an important role at baptism and in the child’s life. Canon Law requires sponsors to be baptized Catholics who participate regularly in Church life. One male and one female sponsor should be chosen, at least 16 years of age, having received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.) Sponsors should be have no impediments (such as having left the Church.) Non-Catholic Christians may not be sponsors, but may serve as witnesses to the baptism, alongside a Catholic sponsor.

Baptism with Water. The essential rite of baptism consists in immersion in water, or the pouring of water on the head, while pronouncing the invocations of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the moment of regeneration, or rebirth and new life of the child, by water and the Word of God.

Anointing with Chrism Oil. The child is anointed with sacred chrism oil, blessed by the local bishop. Very aromatic, chrism signifies the coming of the Holy Spirit to the child. This makes the child a sharer in the priesthood in the Christ, and in his prophetic and royal mission.

Baptismal Robe. The white baptismal robe or garment symbolizes a person has “put on Christ,” as St. Paul says. It also foreshadows the promise of eternal life.

Baptismal Candle. Every Church has a large Easter Candle, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World. From it a small candle is lit and presented to the child’s family members or godparents as a symbol of the child’s enlightenment by Christ. That child must also become a light in the world. All are encouraged to keep the flame of faith alive in the heart of the baptized child.

Prayers Over Ears and Mouth. The celebrant touches the ears and mouth with his thumb. His prayer is that the child may hear and receive the Word of God, and someday proclaim the faith with his words and actions.

The Lord’s Prayer and Final Blessing. The assembly prays the Lord’s Prayer, praying “Our Father” with the newly baptized child, now privileged to call on God as Father. Finally, concluding blessings are given for the mother and father, and the assembly.

The more you know about baptism, the greater the rejoicing! It’s a celebration with God’s family both in heaven and on earth!

After the baptism ceremony, be sure to gather with loved ones and friends to celebrate the “new life” of this child. It’s a day worthy of remembrance.

Some families continue to celebrate “baptismal days” annually as their child matures. These become teachable moments in family life recalling the on-going graces of baptism in the life of a child.

Pat Gohn is a Catholic wife, mother, and writer. Her articles and creative work in Catholic media can be found at www.patgohn.com.

Your Christening Gowns: Baby Ava Leigh

Sweet Ava Leigh wearing our Mandi dress. Could she be any prettier?

Your Christening Gowns: Baby Charlotte

From the archives, here is a beautiful photo of baby Charlotte wearing our Morgan silk christening gown. (We’re no longer making this style, but never fear: we have a large selection of gorgeous silk christening gowns to choose from!) Charlotte’s mother wrote:

“I am very pleased with my daughter’s christening gown. I ordered the Morgan dress (see attached picture) and followed the sizing chart on your website. The gown fit perfectly and the quality is excellent.

She was the best dressed baby at church and I received so many compliments. I will definitely recommend your website to my friends. Thank you for helping make my daughter’s baptism even more special.”

A Modest Perspective

When I was a little girl, I distinctly remember my mother saying something along these lines in an overheard conversation: “If I dress my girls modestly when they’re young, perhaps they’ll feel uncomfortable in revealing clothing when they’re older.” By and large, she was right!

I don’t intend to argue about the issue of modesty (or lack thereof) in our society, but I’d like to think some of you would agree with me when I say that many clothing styles for young ladies today are certainly pushing them to dress much older than they are and to bare a lot more than is necessary.

To me, special occasion dressing is just as important as (if not more important than) daily dressing…especially in a religious (First Communion, LDS Baptism) context: Do you really want your daughter to make deeply meaningful covenants with Deity in spaghetti straps? It’s true that what is in her heart is more important than what she wears, but it makes sense to me that what she wears is an outward sign of respect and devotion.

To that end, most of the First Communion dress styles you’ll find at One Small Child are all-over modest. You may see a bare arm here or there to accommodate customers looking for sleeveless styles, but you’ll never see a spaghetti strap or fully strapless gown in our boutique. It’s something we believe in.

Your Toddler Christening Outfits: Bobby

Something about this cutie-pie’s smile tells me he’s a bundle of fun! Bobby’s aunt Maureen sent his photo along with her comments:

“I want to take a moment & tell you how pleased I am with your clothing & service.

I ordered the Edward Tuxedo for my 2 year old nephew to wear at his baptism.

The fit was perfect & the quality was terrific. He was so cute, even the priest commented how well-dressed he looked.

Ordering on line, from a company that I found thru Google made me a little nervous. How lucky to find a company that provided a quality item, fast delivery & more than fair price.

Thank you & I have passed your name on to friends & family.”