Sir – It was a disappointment to read Karina Shanley’s letter “Allergic to First Communions” (May 19th).
It is not the Catholic Church, as you state, that “continues to allow this annual charade to take place” – far from it. In the eyes of the church, it is taken as a first step to join a community receiving the Eucharist.
May I also say it is the parents of these children who want their children to be part of this community and enter the Catholic community through Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
As I work as a sacristan in a lively parish, I can assure Karina that those children making their Communion are fully tutored on the meaning of First Communion by the school and clergy. It is heartwarming to see how the children absorb themselves in the preparation of this significant day.
RM Block
As for the children going to weekly Mass, I can only speak for my parish – which has a noticeable increase at the 10am Sunday family Mass with parents and children who partake in readings and songs. Also, I may add, an increase of all age groups attending the weekend Masses.
In your comments regarding the festivities after making their Holy Communion, it is a modern phenomenon in a materialistic world, unfortunately. However, I hope the children enjoy their day. I am sure I will see a lot of them going forward at the Sunday family Mass. – Yours, etc,
ANNE BOYLAN,
Sutton,
Dublin 13.
