A Request for First Communion

It is January 3rd. Jenny Snodgrass is a nine-year-old girl just moving into the third grade at your parochial school, Our Lady of Peace. She and her family have just moved into your parish from Arkansas. Jenny was baptized as an infant, and has had sporadic exposure to CCD (or PSR) classes. She has not yet made her First Communion.

At OLP, children usually make their First Eucharist in third grade. This year, as usual, there will be a big celebration with all the third graders receiving their First Eucharist at the Holy Thursday celebration. Jenny would like to make her First Communion with her class. What will you do?

Analyze this case:

• What are the key facts of the case?
• Are there any other facts you would need or like to know?
• What are the key pastoral issues involved?
• What canons do you see as pertinent to this case?
• What literary, rhetorical & historical aspects of these canons are important for their interpretation?
• What is your position in the parish?
• How would you resolve the case?
• What are the grounds for your decision?
• Briefly, what are the ethical, pastoral, and theological implications of your decision?

Variations:

1. What if she moves into the school in March?
2. What if she moves into the school in September?
3. What if she moves into the PSR program in January (rather than the parochial school)?