We adhere to the practice of individuals being confirmed by a Bishop in the Apostolic Succession before receiving Holy Communion. This practice in Anglicanism is a balance between catholic and reformed teaching and is Scripturally based partly on St. Paul's words in I Corinthians 11:29, "...discerning the Lord's body."
We are well aware that other traditions allow small children, even infants, to receive the sacrament. The Eastern Orthodox Churches, for example, follow this practice. The Roman Catholic Church has a "First Communion" which allows children approximately seven years old to receive after instruction. Other churches do not seem to have a policy on this matter and it appears to be left to individual dioceses and local option. Thus, there can be confusion at times when people visit this parish from other churches where the practice is to allow unconfirmed children to receive.
We teach and believe that children are covered by Baptismal grace. At the age of discretion, children are given Catechism and Confirmation instruction after which they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation conferred by a Bishop. In Catechism Class, children are taught, among other things, the meaning of the "Real Presence" in the Sacrament of the Altar. At Confirmation, a person makes his/her public profession to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receives the grace and gifts of God's Holy Spirit to use his/her unique talents in the service of Christ's Church. Until such time as a child is confirmed, we encourage parents to bring their children to the Altar at Communion time to receive a blessing from the Priest.
Should you have further questions regarding this subject, please contact the Rector.
We are well aware that other traditions allow small children, even infants, to receive the sacrament. The Eastern Orthodox Churches, for example, follow this practice. The Roman Catholic Church has a "First Communion" which allows children approximately seven years old to receive after instruction. Other churches do not seem to have a policy on this matter and it appears to be left to individual dioceses and local option. Thus, there can be confusion at times when people visit this parish from other churches where the practice is to allow unconfirmed children to receive.
We teach and believe that children are covered by Baptismal grace. At the age of discretion, children are given Catechism and Confirmation instruction after which they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation conferred by a Bishop. In Catechism Class, children are taught, among other things, the meaning of the "Real Presence" in the Sacrament of the Altar. At Confirmation, a person makes his/her public profession to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receives the grace and gifts of God's Holy Spirit to use his/her unique talents in the service of Christ's Church. Until such time as a child is confirmed, we encourage parents to bring their children to the Altar at Communion time to receive a blessing from the Priest.
Should you have further questions regarding this subject, please contact the Rector.
Receiving Holy Communion