How to Prepare Your Daughter for First Communion

Second-graders are just as excited as and their parents when it comes to First Communion preparations. Schools coordinate with the parents and the local Parish, making sure First Communion goes smoothly for all candidates. Parents likewise think of ways to make it a truly unforgettable occasion for their children.

One of the first things parents must do is to help their child learn what they need to know about First Communion. Your daughter can't afford to be clueless when it comes to religious beliefs and practices. It is important for you to brief your child about First Communion practices. It is also important for parents to learn about the First Communion requirements of their local Parish and to coordinate with their child's school.


Church Requirements

In order for your daughter to receive communion, the Church requires that she first learn who God is, why Jesus died on the cross, and how God's grace works among other things. This is where the priest comes in. One of his duties is to prepare God's children for communion and to teach them to receive it devoutly. Teaching children the importance of First Communion will certainly help them appreciate this exercise of faith.

The Church also requires that the child be without sin and in the state of grace; hence the child must make First Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Penance. Since the Catholic Church advocates First Confession to precede First Communion, your child should know what takes place in a confession. Sharing your First Communion experience with your child will prove helpful. The state of grace is when the child is closer to God. This only happens when the child's heart is right with God. State of Grace is a state of sanctification by God. Children must be aware of what sin is. They need to know that anyone who comes to the Lord and whole-heartedly asks for forgiveness for his or her sin will be forgiven. First Confession will help them to get right with God.


Remember that it is not solely the priest's responsibility to teach children the basic doctrines of the church. Aside from that, parents also need to prepare their children for this event-- from choosing first communion dresses all the way to helping them memorize those prayers. Encourage them to have a genuine relationship with God and to nurture that relationship.