FIRST COMMUNION AGE

At their May 13 meeting, the Council approved the following recommendation from the Spiritual Formation Committee:

That the normal age for First Communion at Christ’s Lutheran Church be in the second grade, with pastoral exceptions as appropriate.

The transition from the current practice of first Communion in grade 5 will occur as follows:

We will commune 2^nd graders beginning in the Spring of 2009. In September 2008, the 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders will commune after an introduction to the sacrament. The 2^nd graders will have their special day on a Sunday during Lent. Bible presentations will be moved down to 1^st grade (1^st and 2^nd will receive their Bibles in the 2008-2009 program year). Beginning with the 2009-2010 year, we’ll be stabilized, with 1^st grade Bible presentation and 2^nd grade Communion.

Young people will continue to learn about Communion and its meanings for their lives in age-appropriate ways throughout our spiritual formation activities, including a focus within our confirmation ministry.