PREPARING 
YOUR CHILD 

FOR THE 
SACRAMENTS 

By James P. Carroll 

Y o u s a y y o u c a n ' t t e a c h y o u r c h i l d r e n 
a b o u t t h e s a c r a m e n t s ? N o n s e n s e . M a t r i -
m o n y g a v e y o u t h e g r a c e y o u need. M a t -
r i m o n y e q u i p p e d y o u t o d i s c h a r g e y o u r 
responsibilities t o w a r d y o u r children, t o 
t e a c h t h e m a n d g u i d e t h e m t o e t e r n a l 
u n i o n w i t h G o d . 

I n t h i s p a m p h l e t , w e ' r e going t o t r y t o 
show y o u h o w y o u c a n t e a c h y o u r children 
t h e g r e a t significance of t h e B a p t i s m t h e y 
h a v e received a n d h o w y o u c a n h e l p t o 
p r e p a r e t h e m f o r t h e s a c r a m e n t s t o f o l l o w : 
H o l y C o m m u n i o n , P e n a n c e , a n d C o n -
firmation. 

© 1965 

AVE MARIA PRESS • Notre Dame, Indiana 



B u t first, p u t yourself in t h e place of t h e 
catechism teacher in t h e Catholic school 
or t h e C o n f r a t e r n i t y of Christian Doctrine 
p r o g r a m . You are kneeling in y o u r parish 
church. I n f r o n t of y o u is t h e F i r s t C o m -
m u n i o n class, a collection of f r o t h y veils, 
white shoes, fresh h a i r c u t s a n d neckties 
t h a t refuse to behave. 

T h e church is filled with t h e r a d i a n t 
w a r m t h of t h e Glorified Christ, inviting 
H i s children t o t h e a l t a r . Yet, there are 
m o m e n t s when y o u are chilled b y d o u b t . 

"Are t h e y r e a d y ? " y o u ask yourself. " D o 
t h e y all u n d e r s t a n d ? D o t h e y realize w h a t 
is h a p p e n i n g t o t h e m t o d a y ? " 

Y o u ask these things because y o u ac-
cepted t h e awesome responsibility of t e a c h -
ing these children. Y o u r e m e m b e r t h a t it 
w a s n ' t easy. Y o u recall t h e trials of t e a c h -
ing 35 little children, t h e p r o d u c t s of 35 
different homes, 35 sets of parents, 35 de-
grees of enthusiasm a b o u t their religion. 

N o t one child received t h e a t t e n t i o n he 
deserved. T i m e was so limited. T h e y 
learned their p r a y e r s a n d their catechism 
answers, y o u tell yourself. B u t how m u c h 
did t h e y learn to u n d e r s t a n d ? 

Join the Club 
T h e n y o u r t h o u g h t s t u r n to t h e parents. 

W o n d e r f u l , m o s t of t h e m . So sincere. So 
concerned. B u t so confounded t r u s t i n g in 

2 



m y ability as a teacher a n d so blind t o m y 
weaknesses. 

As a n experienced teacher of religion, 
you k n o w there is n o t h i n g u n i q u e a b o u t 
the p a r e n t s of this p a r t i c u l a r F i r s t C o m -
m u n i o n class. T h e y are m e m b e r s of the 
club. T h e y belong t o t h a t great g r o u p of 
American Catholic m o t h e r s a n d f a t h e r s 
who t h i n k their children are p r o p e r l y pre-
p a r e d f o r t h e s a c r a m e n t s simply because 
t h e y a t t e n d a parochial school or a parish 
catechism class. 

These are the p a r e n t s who t h i n k their 
responsibilities end when t h e y propel Sis 
or J u n i o r t h r o u g h t h e classroom door. 
These p a r e n t s are convinced t h a t only 
Sister S o - a n d - S o or Miss Something, t h e 
lay catechist, can teach t h e t r u t h s of reli-
gion. T h e f a m i l y a n d the classroom are 
kept completely separate. 

As a result, generations of Catholics 
have been deprived of t h e riches t h a t 
should be theirs. T h e y enter a d u l t h o o d 
with spiritual e q u i p m e n t t h a t consists of 
a few prayers, a lot of memorized cate-
chism answers a n d an a s s o r t m e n t of pious 
legends. T h e y t h i n k of religion in t e r m s of 
t h e classroom a n d the textbook, n o t as a 
vital force working in their e v e r y d a y lives. 

T h i s is n o t t o say t h a t we should abolish 
t h e f o r m a l teaching of religion. Sisters a n d 
lay catechists h a v e their place. B u t only 

3 



in t h e h o m e can a child learn the fullness 
of his life in Christ. O n l y in t h e h o m e can 
the child come t o appreciate the sacra-
m e n t s as channels carrying G o d ' s love 
f r o m t h e Cross t o t h e h e a r t s of all w h o 
believe in H i m . 

"But I'm No Teacher!" 
All p a r e n t s h a v e these responsibilities t o 

serve as teachers of religion. And t h e re-
sponsibilities are as real as those t h a t 
d e m a n d p a r e n t s t o keep their children fed, 
clothed a n d housed. H o w do t h e y do it? 

Ideally, y o u s t a r t teaching y o u r children 
as soon as t h e y are born. A p a r e n t teaches 
with every b r e a t h he draws. H e teaches 
b y w h a t he says, b y w h a t h e does a n d b y 
w h a t he is. T o o often, his example is b a d 
instead of good. Sometimes he can destroy 
t h e best efforts of t h e classroom teacher. 
Does it help a child t o memorize t h e im-
p o r t a n c e of f r e q u e n t C o m m u n i o n when his 
p a r e n t s go once a m o n t h or once a y e a r ? 

Along with example, p r a y e r is also a 
good teacher. I n t h e early Church, t h e of-
ficial p r a y e r — t h e L i t u r g y — was t h e 
chief m e a n s of instruction. I t can be a n 
i m p o r t a n t m e a n s of teaching in y o u r own 
home. Following t h e liturgical year, y o u 
can d r a m a t i z e a n d illuminate mysteries 
t h a t seem so d a r k a n d forbidding in t h e 
catechism. 

4 



B u t this is n o t our p r i m a r y s u b j e c t here; 
let it be enough for u s t o exhort y o u to 
teach y o u r little children to speak to G o d 
f r o m t h e d e p t h s of their believing hearts. 
E n c o u r a g e t h e m t o c h a t with their loving 
F a t h e r w h o m a d e t h e m a n d w h o gives 
t h e m every good thing. R e m i n d t h e m t o 
speak to H i s Son who gave H i s life t o 
bridge t h e g a p between G o d a n d m a n . 

This, you will recognize, is t h e basic p a t -
t e r n for all Christian beliefs: G o d our 
F a t h e r reached t h r o u g h Christ o u r B r o t h -
er. K e e p this basic p a t t e r n in m i n d . I t is 
the f o u n d a t i o n of all our knowledge of the 
sacraments. I t shows us a n d o u r children 
how t o u n d e r s t a n d a n d appreciate sacra-
m e n t a l life. 

Pattern Is Scriptural 
N o w let's t a k e a closer look a t this basic 

p a t t e r n in p r e p a r a t i o n f o r teaching t h e 
sacraments. Let's look a t it t h r o u g h a r e a d -
ily available i n s t r u m e n t — t h e Bible. T h i s 
is a k e y i n s t r u m e n t in t h e instruction of 
y o u r children. D o n ' t be a f r a i d of it. Pick 
it u p . R e a d it. T h e n s t a r t telling w h a t you 
read t o y o u r children. 

T h e Bible provides the detailed i n f o r m a -
tion y o u r children need for t h e sacraments. 
T h e Bible reveals G o d t h e F a t h e r t h r o u g h 
the s t o r y of creation a n d t h r o u g h H i s con-
s t a n t concern f o r t h e people of the 



T e s t a m e n t . I t shows God t h e Son as the 
Anointed One who died on t h e Cross, rose 
f r o m t h e d e a d a n d will r e t u r n again in 
glory. I t shows t h e H o l y Spirit as t h e D i -
vine Love guiding a n d comforting the 
People of God. 

T h e Bible is a marvelous teaching aid. 
B u t it has been neglected b y Catholics be-
cause t h e y d o u b t their ability to interpret 
difficult passages. Of course, there are such 
passages. B u t d o n ' t exaggerate t h e diffi-
culty. Children a r e n ' t worried a b o u t theo-
logical speculation. T h e y w a n t simple 
stories told in their own words. T h e y d o n ' t 
w a n t t o be confused b y delicate questions 
of semantics a n d geography. 

S t a r t y o u r Bible s t u d y with t h e s t o r y of 
creation. E m p h a s i z e t o y o u r children t h e 
goodness of God. Describe t h e creation of 
A d a m a n d Eve. M a k e it clear t h a t God 
gave A d a m a n d E v e b o t h h u m a n life a n d 
a share in G o d ' s own life. T h e catechism 
calls this God-life sanctifying grace. B u t 
d o n ' t concern yourself with catechism 
words a n d catechism definitions. J u s t stress 
the f a c t t h a t God-life was t h e greatest of 
t h e m a n y gifts t h a t God gave t o A d a m a n d 
Eve. 

A d a m a n d E v e rejected this gift. T h e y 
preferred their w a y t o G o d ' s w a y . T h i s 
selfish decision is described b y the cate-
chism as original sin. 

6 



W i t h o u t God-life, A d a m a n d E v e h a d 
no hope of union with God. T h e y lacked 
the power t o do G o d ' s work j u s t as a dog 
with his dog-life a n d a pig with his pig-life 
lack the power t o d o h u m a n work. 

T h e children of A d a m a n d E v e — a n d 
t h a t includes M o m m a a n d D a d d y , B r o t h -
er a n d Sister a n d even B a b y — were born 
w i t h o u t God-life. T h i s gift was gone. 
A d a m a n d E v e c o u l d n ' t pass it along t o f u -
t u r e generations a n y more t h a n a m a n who 
s q u a n d e r s his f o r t u n e can pass it along to 
his children. 

B u t G o d the F a t h e r d i d n ' t a b a n d o n us. 
H e promised t o give m a n k i n d a second 
chance. A n d H e k e p t H i s promise b y send-
ing t o u s H i s Son, Jesus of N a z a r e t h . I t 
was J e s u s w h o enabled us to again share 
in G o d ' s life a n d love. Jesus did this b y 
exchanging H i s life for t h e C h u r c h a n d 
t h e sacraments. 

Method Is Casual 
T h i s is h e a d y s t u f f . I t c a n ' t be given to 

children in a sentence or two. I t m u s t be 
stretched o u t a n d developed. I t m u s t be 
fed in small pieces t h a t can be digested. 
And t h e feeding m u s t t a k e place i n f o r m a l -
ly, a l m o s t casually. Y o u h a v e n ' t got a 
chance if y o u order J o h n n y t o sit down 
f o r a half h o u r "because y o u a n d I are 
going to t a l k religion." 

7 



Bring u p religion b y asking questions. 
D o it a t meal times or during trips in t h e 
car or while dishes are being washed. H u n -
dreds of p a r e n t s h a v e learned t h a t this 
m e t h o d works no m a t t e r where their chil-
dren go t o school. Little children are vital-
ly interested in G o d . T h e y w a n t to t a l k 
a b o u t H i m a n d t h e y w a n t to learn a b o u t 
H i m . 

If questions d o n ' t come to you w i t h o u t 
a struggle, y o u m a y h a v e t o s t a r t b y r e a d -
ing something f r o m t h e Bible. Often, this 
works best a t bedtime. B u t be sure you 
d o n ' t r e a d something or tell something 
and t h e n c u t off t h e conversation. Always 
leave p l e n t y of time for discussion. L e t t h e 
questions of t h e children reveal w h a t t h e y 
d o or do n o t u n d e r s t a n d . 

At this point, you m a y be saying, 
" T h a t ' s all well a n d good. B u t w h a t if 
the discussion brings u p some questions I 
c a n ' t answer?" 

Certainly, this is a possibility. Children 
sometimes h a v e a k n a c k f o r cutting t o the 
h e a r t of t h e deepest philosophical prob-
lems. So it's u p t o y o u to be p r e p a r e d . You 
have t o do y o u r homework. M u c h m a t e r i -
al is available in libraries, bookstores a n d 
t h e catalogues of Catholic publishing 
houses. And t h e priest in y o u r parish 
rectory will be h a p p y t o answer questions 
for you. 

8 



W h e n it comes to a teaching method, 
it's h a r d t o do better t h a n t h e one used b y 
the Apostles. W h e n t h e y w a n t e d t o m a k e 
a point, t h e y used t h e words of Christ 
Himself. T h e y relied on their memories. 
W e can rely on t h e Gospels. 

Check the Catechism 

T o m a k e sure y o u are always on solid 
doctrinal ground, pick u p a catechism. 
You'll be especially wise if you select t h e 
Catholic Catechism t h a t was developed in 
G e r m a n y a n d t h a t is published in this 
c o u n t r y b y H e r d e r a n d H e r d e r . I t costs 
more t h a n t h e t r a d i t i o n a l nickel. B u t its 
a r r a n g e m e n t a n d its Christ-centered a p -
proach m a k e it w o r t h its price. 

One word of warning a b o u t a n y cate-
c h i s m : keep it a w a y f r o m y o u r children. 
K e e p it a w a y a n d it will never become a 
crutch f o r t h e m . 

L e t t h e catechists worry a b o u t the m e m -
orization of questions a n d answers. As a 
parent, y o u w a n t t o reach t h e h e a r t a n d 
t h e intellect, not the m e m o r y . B u t even so, 
d o n ' t be a f r a i d t o repeat yourself. P r e -
school children a n d those in t h e early 
grades d o t e on repetition. T h e y like f a m i l -
iar stories — Goldilocks, T h r e e Little Pigs, 
H u m p t y D u m p t y . T h e y ' l l also like f a m i l -
iar stories a b o u t A d a m a n d A b r a h a m , 

9 



Moses a n d D a v i d . And they'll learn t o 
love t h e s t o r y of t h e G o d - m a n w h o called 
Himself " t h e way, t h e t r u t h a n d t h e life." 

T h i s knowledge, this u n d e r s t a n d i n g , pre-
p a r e s y o u r children f o r t h e s a c r a m e n t s 
received b y t h e young. N o w let's look a t 
these s a c r a m e n t s one b y one: 

TEACHING THE SACRAMENT OF 
BAPTISM 

M o s t Catholic p a r e n t s see t o it t h a t their 
children are b a p t i z e d a week or t w o a f t e r 
t h e y are born. So it seems a b i t s t r a n g e to 
t r y to tell a child a b o u t a s a c r a m e n t he re-
ceived five, six or seven years earlier. B u t 
tell a b o u t t h e s a c r a m e n t of B a p t i s m we 
m u s t . 

F o r little children — a n d for us, too — 
B a p t i s m m a k e s sense only when viewed 
in t h e light of Salvation H i s t o r y . B a p t i s m 
is t h e s a c r a m e n t t h a t restores to u s t h e 
God-life t h a t was lost b y t h e decision of 
A d a m . B a p t i s m repairs t h e G o d - t o - m a n 
h o o k u p t o r n a p a r t b y o u r first parents. 
B a p t i s m doesn't j u s t wash a w a y original 
sin; it brings t o o u r souls the light of G o d ' s 
love. T h i s effect can best be u n d e r s t o o d b y 
children t h r o u g h t h e b a p t i s m a l ceremony 
itself. 

I n a p r o p e r l y conducted B a p t i s m , t h e 
ceremony s t a r t s a t t h e entrance t o t h e 

10 



church building. T h i s shows t h a t w i t h o u t 
B a p t i s m a person is n o t a m e m b e r of t h e 
Church, n o t a p a r t of Christ's M y s t i c a l 
B o d y . A n d a person isn't eligible f o r m e m -
bership u n t i l he asks — b y himself or 
t h r o u g h his G o d p a r e n t s — f o r t h e gift of 
F a i t h . T h e n the priest escorts h i m to t h e 
b a p t i s t r y within t h e church. 

In t h e b a p t i s t r y , t h e priest pours t h e 
w a t e r a n d speaks the words c o m m a n d e d 
b y Christ Himself. T h e w a t e r r e m i n d s u s 
of Christ a n d H i s cousin J o h n when t h e y 
m e t a t t h e River J o r d a n . T h e meeting was 
a t u r n i n g point in Christ's life. I t m a r k e d 
t h e s t a r t of H i s public career as king, 
teacher a n d rescuer of t h e world. 

I n our d a y , B a p t i s m is a t u r n i n g point 
for all of us. I t gives u s t h e credentials 
t o continue Christ's work. T h i s is m a d e 
clear in m a n y of t h e ceremonies connected 
with B a p t i s m . A white robe is used t o show 
t h e changes b r o u g h t a b o u t b y t h e sacra-
ment. A lighted candle symbolizes the 
Christian's responsibility t o c a r r y t h e 
Light of t h e W o r l d to all m a n k i n d . 

Liturgical Props 
I n recent years, t h e r e h a s been a revival 

of t h e ancient c u s t o m of individual b a p -
t i s m a l robes a n d candles. M a n y p a r e n t s 
m a k e sure each child has his own robe 
a n d his own candle. These are used on t h e 

11 



d a y of B a p t i s m . And t h e y are used again 
on t h e anniversaries of t h e B a p t i s m . 

T h e b a p t i s m a l robe a n d candle are more 
m e a n i n g f u l if t h e y are m a d e b y the p a r -
ents themselves. M o t h e r can sew t h e robe 
a n d p e r h a p s embroider it with simple pic-
tures related to the s a c r a m e n t . F a t h e r 
could design t h e pictures or symbols or he 
could decorate t h e candle with a cross or a 
fish or some other symbol of Christ. 

All t h i s activity shows a child t h a t B a p -
tism is i m p o r t a n t . I t shows a child t h a t 
there is something special a b o u t B a p t i s m . 
I t shows a child t h a t B a p t i s m h a s given 
h i m special power, t h a t B a p t i s m h a s re-
stored t o h i m t h e God-life lost b y A d a m . 

W i t h o u t this u n d e r s t a n d i n g of B a p t i s m , 
a child c a n n o t possibly be p r o p e r l y pre-
p a r e d for t h e other sacraments. 

TEACHING THE SACRAMENT OF THE 
EUCHARIST 

I n 1910, P i u s X, the m o d e r n saint of t h e 
Eucharist, s a i d : 

"A f u l l a n d perfect knowledge of Chris-
t i a n doctrine is n o t necessary either for 
F i r s t Confession or F i r s t C o m m u n i o n . A f -
terwards, however, t h e child will be obliged 
t o learn g r a d u a l l y t h e entire catechism 
according t o his ability. 

" T h e knowledge of religion which is re-

12 



quired in a child in order to be properly 
p r e p a r e d t o receive F i r s t C o m m u n i o n is 
such t h a t he will u n d e r s t a n d , according t o 
his capacity, those mysteries of f a i t h 
which are necessary as a means of salva-
tion a n d t h a t he can distinguish t h e B r e a d 
of the E u c h a r i s t a n d ordinary, m a t e r i a l 
bread, a n d t h u s he m a y receive H o l y C o m -
m u n i o n with a devotion becoming his 
years." 

I n other words, a child can receive t h e 
E u c h a r i s t w i t h o u t having a degree in t h e -
ology. A child can receive as soon as he 
knows t h e basic t r u t h s — as outlined in 
the Apostles' Creed — a n d as soon as he 
u n d e r s t a n d s t h e t r u e n a t u r e of t h e E u c h a -
rist itself. 

U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e t r u t h s of t h e Apos-
tles' Creed isn't easy. B u t we've got t o 
realize t h a t a child's u n d e r s t a n d i n g doesn't 
h a v e t o be perfect. All a small child really 
needs t o u n d e r s t a n d is t h a t G o d is t h e 
F a t h e r of all of us a n d t h a t H e created all 
things. T h e n t h e small one m u s t u n d e r -
s t a n d t h a t Jesus Christ is t h e only Son of 
G o d w h o became m a n t o die f o r o u r sins 
a n d t o rise in glory f r o m t h e t o m b . T h i s is 
the Christ who sent t h e H o l y Spirit, t h e 
T h i r d Person of t h e Blessed T r i n i t y , t o 
enlighten us. And this is t h e Christ w h o 
will r e t u r n t o the world t o complete H i s 
kingdom. 

13 



Explained by Christ 

All this is spelled o u t in t h e Bible. B y 
direct c o m m a n d a n d b y p a r a b l e a n d exam-
ple, Christ explained w h a t w e need t o 
know a b o u t o u r religion. A n d H e m a d e it 
clear t h a t the God-life in t h e soul of a 
Christian needs a special kind of nourish-
ment. H e said t h e person who eats H i s 
Flesh a n d d r i n k s H i s Blood will live 
forever. 

I n H i s first miracle a t C a n a of Galilee, 
H e refreshed H i s friends with w a t e r t u r n e d 
into wine. I n t h e wilderness, H e fed t h o u -
sands with a few loaves of b r e a d a n d a few 
fishes. B y this, H e showed H i s willingness 
t o care f o r o u r needs. B u t w h a t H e did in 
t h e wilderness was only a w a r m - u p f o r the 
miracle of t h e L a s t S u p p e r when H e gave 
u s H i s B o d y a n d Blood. 

T h i s is a mystery, one of t h e great m y s -
teries of o u r F a i t h . W e c a n ' t f u l l y u n d e r -
s t a n d it. W e c a n ' t expect f u l l u n d e r s t a n d -
ing f r o m o u r children. B u t we can h e l p 
t h e m learn t h a t t h e b r e a d a n d wine were 
changed on t h a t first H o l y T h u r s d a y . T h e y 
looked u n c h a n g e d . Yet, a f t e r Christ spoke 
the words of consecration, the b r e a d a n d 
t h e wine became Christ Himself. 

Next, Christ o u r B r o t h e r gave this same 
great power t o H i s Apostles. H e com-
m a n d e d t h e m to say, " T h i s is M y B o d y " 

14 



a n d " T h i s is M y Blood." And t h e Apostles 
passed down their power f r o m generation 
to generation. And now this same power 
rests with o u r own priests in our own 
parish churches. 

W e m u s t m a k e it clear t h a t o u r priests 
use their power of consecration a t t h e 
Mass. W e m u s t explain t h a t t h e M a s s is 
both H o l y T h u r s d a y a n d G o o d F r i d a y . W e 
m u s t show how we give ourselves a t t h e 
O f f e r t o r y ; t h e b r e a d a n d wine — t h e food 
we need t o live — represents o u r lives. 
T h i s is w h a t we give t o G o d : we offer our 
i m p e r f e c t lives to a perfect God. 

God doesn't need o u r offering. B u t H e 
is a loving F a t h e r . So H e accepts o u r gifts 
a n d H e changes t h e m into something H e 
does need. H e changes t h e m i n t o H i s own 
Son. T h e n , a t t h e Communion, H e shares 
the gift with us. 

Vernacular Mass Helps 

T h a n k s to t h e V a t i c a n Council, all of 
t h e meaning of t h e M a s s is a good deal 
easier t o comprehend. W e can see more 
clearly how Christ joins u s a n d helps u s in 
t h e worship of God t h e F a t h e r . W e can 
join with e n t h u s i a s m t h e M a s s p r a y e r s 
said in our own language. And in m a n y 
p a r t s of t h e country, t h e O f f e r t o r y proces-

15 



sion h a s been revived so t h a t we can ac-
tively p a r t i c i p a t e in the presentation of 
t h e gifts of b r e a d a n d wine. 

T h e Offertory procession is a t r e m e n -
dous teaching tool. Children see unconse-
crated hosts deposited in t h e ciborium. 
T h e n t h e y see l a y m e n c a r r y t h e ciborium 
t o t h e a l t a r . T h e offering of b r e a d is no 
longer a m a t t e r of blind belief; it is a m a t -
ter of reality. 

T h e p a r t i c i p a t i o n b y l a y m e n also u n d e r -
scores t h e f a m i l y n a t u r e of t h e Mass, t h e 
f a c t t h a t t h e M a s s is a j o y f u l exchange of 
gifts between our F a t h e r a n d H i s children, 
a great b a n q u e t t h a t d r a w s G o d ' s f a m i l y 
into t h e u n i t y of the table. 

I t w o u l d n ' t be o u t of place t o explain 
to y o u r children t h a t t h e early Christians 
celebrated t h e M a s s a r o u n d their dining 
tables. T h e first a l t a r linens were t a b l e -
cloths. T h e first sacred vessels were 
picked f r o m the best tableware. A n d our 
candles developed f r o m t h e oil l a m p s t h a t 
illuminated t h e table, t h e f o o d a n d t h e 
h a p p y faces of t h e diners. 

Again a n d again in the Gospels, Christ 
is shown a t t h e t a b l e sharing food with all 
m a n n e r of men. H e t a l k e d with t h e m a n d 
H e laughed with t h e m . Sometimes, H e 
t a u g h t t h e m with a s t o r y or a miracle. 
Always H e was relaxed a n d a t home, j u s t 

16 



as we should be when we p l a y a role in 
the b a n q u e t t h a t is t h e Mass. 

Guarding Against Scruples 
Children will be more a t ease if t h e y 

are given a chance to familiarize t h e m -
selves with a l t a r bread. M a n y youngsters 
find it h a r d to u n d e r s t a n d t h a t those 
strange-looking white circles really started 
o u t as b r e a d . W h e n t h e y t h i n k of bread, 
t h e y t h i n k of t h e kind you b u y a t t h e 
A & P . So t h e y m u s t h a v e a chance to 
learn t h a t even unconsecrated a l t a r bread 
is different f r o m t h e b r e a d t h e y use a t 
home. 

Ask y o u r p a s t o r for a n unconsecrated 
host or two. L e t y o u r children touch, taste 
a n d smell. L e t t h e m find o u t f o r t h e m -
selves t h a t this is b r e a d — different t h a n 
m o s t bread, b u t still bread. T h i s f a m i l i a r -
i t y won't decrease the reverence of a child. 
I t will eliminate the worries t h a t so often 
keep children f r o m concentrating on the 
E u c h a r i s t itself. 

M a n y children also are bothered b y t h e 
m i s t a k e n idea t h a t there's something sin-
f u l a b o u t touching t h e Sacred H o s t with 
t h e teeth. Such notions should be laid to 
rest immediately. T h e children should be 
told t h a t Jesus c o m m a n d e d H i s Apostles 
t o eat. H e d i d n ' t s a y a t h i n g a b o u t n o t 
chewing. 

17 



Sacrament of Unity 
T h e eating of t h e "one b r e a d , " as St. 

P a u l called the Eucharist, drew t h e Apos-
tles together in u n i t y . And this same u n i t y 
should be the aim of Christians t o d a y . B y 
o u r own p a r t i c i p a t i o n in t h e Mass, we can 
teach o u r children t h a t t h e reception of 
t h e E u c h a r i s t is n o t a p r i v a t e devotion. I t 
is n o t a t i m e f o r closed eyes a n d pious 
looks. I t is n o t an excuse to s h u t o u t the 
world. I n s t e a d , t h e C o m m u n i o n of t h e 
M a s s is t h e time when we walk in closest 
union with Christ and o u r brothers in 
Christ. 

E n c o u r a g e y o u r children t o t h i n k a b o u t 
this. T r y t o set aside a little time each d a y 
for p r a y e r a n d t h o u g h t b y t h e m . E v e n 
very young children can do this. T h e idea 
is to spend j u s t a few m i n u t e s a w a y f r o m 
t h e noise of t h e transistor r a d i o a n d t h e 
television set, a few minutes in quiet con-
versation with God. D u r i n g this period of 
meditation, t h e children can praise G o d 
f o r H i s goodness a n d t h e y c a n ask f o r t h e 
help t h e y need t o be w o r t h y of receiving 
G o d ' s Son. Such t h o u g h t s a r e b o u n d t o 
produce better u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d t h a t , in 
t u r n , will t e n d t o minimize t h e excitement 
t h a t so o f t e n interferes with F i r s t Com-
m u n i o n d a y . 

I t is a f a c t t h a t some children become 
physically ill on t h e d a y t h e y are t o re-

18 



ceive C o m m u n i o n f o r t h e first time. T h e y 
become ill because t h e y h a v e been pulled 
a n d tugged with worries a b o u t t h e condi-
tion of their souls, t h e neatness of their 
garments a n d t h e order in which t h e y are 
to a p p r o a c h t h e altar. T o o often, these 
worries are c o m m u n i c a t e d t o children b y 
eager b u t thoughtless catechism teachers. 
T h e only a n t i d o t e is a p a r e n t w h o calmly 
works to soothe a n d reassure his child. 

T h e youngster w h o really u n d e r s t a n d s 
the E u c h a r i s t a n d the M a s s w o n ' t expect 
t o be m a d e deliriously h a p p y b y t h e recep-
tion of t h e H o s t . If he h a s a t t e n d e d M a s s 
with his p a r e n t s f r o m his earliest years, 
he will know t h a t t h e E u c h a r i s t creates 
a new level of spiritual m a t u r i t y , a level 
built on t h e solid f o u n d a t i o n of t h e B o d y 
a n d Blood, Soul and Divinity of t h e Glori-
fied Christ. 

TEACHING THE SACRAMENT OF 
PENANCE 

One of the u n f o r t u n a t e results of class-
room p r e p a r a t i o n f o r t h e s a c r a m e n t s is the 
w a y so m a n y Catholics weld together t h e 
ideas of H o l y C o m m u n i o n a n d t h e sacra-
m e n t of Penance. F o r these Catholics, 
there can be no S u n d a y morning Com-
m u n i o n w i t h o u t a S a t u r d a y night t r i p to 
t h e confessional. T h e y are u n a b l e to t h i n k 
a b o u t receiving C o m m u n i o n more t h a n 12 

19 



or 14 h o u r s a f t e r Confession. As a result, 
weekday Masses are less a t t r a c t i v e a n d 
some S u n d a y C o m m u n i o n s are skipped 
because t h e r e was no S a t u r d a y confession. 

T h e confession-first notion got its s t a r t 
in t h e d a y s prior t o P i u s X . T h e n F i r s t 
C o m m u n i o n was delayed u n t i l t h e y o u n g -
sters were in their teens. I t m a d e sense 
for such children to confess before t h e y 
received. Classroom training p r o g r a m s 
tended to freeze t h e order. And t h e r e 
was no t h a w even a f t e r St. P i u s urged t h e 
reception of C o m m u n i o n b y little 
children. 

I n a d d i t i o n to reducing t h e n u m b e r of 
Communions, the confession-first notion 
has tended t o downgrade t h e s a c r a m e n t of 
Penance. I t h a s m a d e P e n a n c e a sort of 
auxiliary t o the E u c h a r i s t . I t h a s pre-
vented y o u n g a n d old f r o m f u l l y a p p r e -
ciating t h e special work Christ intended 
f o r Penance. 

Now, in m a n y parishes the p a r e n t s h a v e 
little choice a b o u t t h e timing of F i r s t C o m -
m u n i o n a n d F i r s t Confession. B u t still 
p a r e n t s have a n obligation t o d o all t h e y 
can t o teach t h e distinctness of t h e t w o 
sacraments. T h e y h a v e a n obligation t o 
teach their children t h a t confession is n o t 
essential f o r C o m m u n i o n a n d t h a t confes-
sion h a s its own special place in o u r spir-
i t u a l life. 

20 



Rooted in Nature 
Like all the sacraments, P e n a n c e is 

rooted in t h e n a t u r e of m a n a n d in the 
history of salvation: the creation a n d fall 
of o u r first parents, G o d ' s promise of a 
Redeemer a n d the a p p e a r a n c e of t h a t Re-
deemer in t h e Person of Jesus Christ. 

I t was Jesus Christ w h o provided the 
p a t h to salvation f o r all men. I t was H e 
w h o gave u s B a p t i s m t o restore the G o d -
life rejected for all m a n k i n d b y A d a m . 
B u t in giving u s B a p t i s m , God did n o t 
w a n t t o t a k e a w a y o u r free will. H e w a n t e d 
us to remain free t o love H i m or to h a t e 
H i m . F r e e d o m is a w o n d e r f u l gift. I t gives 
meaning to o u r p r a y e r s to God. I t m a k e s 
o u r actions worthwhile. 

B u t there also is a terrible aspect to 
freedom. I t m a k e s it possible for u s t o t u r n 
o u r b a c k s on God, t o do our will instead 
of God's will. And when we do this — 
when we reject God j u s t as A d a m rejected 
God — we banish f r o m o u r souls t h e G o d -
life we obtained a t B a p t i s m . 

T h i s rejection of God we call m o r t a l 
sin. I t is m o r t a l because it drives divine 
life f r o m o u r souls, leaving t h e m as d e a d 
as t h e y were before B a p t i s m . A venial sin 
isn't as serious. I t doesn't drive God-life 
f r o m t h e soul. B u t it does weaken u s a n d 
m a k e u s m o r e likely t o will t h e t o t a l re-
jection of God t h a t is m o r t a l sin. 

21 



M o r t a l sin involves complete, t h o u g h t -
f u l rejection of God in some serious m a t t e r . 
Venial sin involves less complete or less 
t h o u g h t f u l or less serious action. 

Positive Approach 

N o w let's a p p r o a c h t h e s u b j e c t of sin 
f r o m the positive side. Let's do it by 
m a k i n g use of a t a b l e l a m p a n d a mirror. 
T h e l a m p represents G o d ; t h e mirror is 
m a n . A f t e r creation, m a n faced God a n d 
reflected t h e divine light as t h e mirror re-
flects t h e light of t h e l a m p . T h e n m a n 
chose to do his will instead of G o d ' s will. 
M a n t u r n e d a w a y f r o m G o d a n d m a n ' s 
soul was d a r k e n e d j u s t as the t u r n e d mir-
ror is d a r k e n e d . T h r o u g h t h e s a c r a m e n t 
of B a p t i s m , Christ t u r n e d m a n b a c k t o -
ward G o d a n d m a n ' s soul again was 
illuminated with God-life. B u t t h e mirror 
w a s n ' t forced t o reflect the l a m p f o r a n 
eternity. I t can be t u r n e d a w a y again and 
again j u s t as m a n can t u r n a w a y f r o m 
G o d again a n d again a f t e r B a p t i s m . I t is 
t h r o u g h P e n a n c e t h a t Christ swings m e n 
back t o God. I t is t h r o u g h P e n a n c e t h a t 
the souls of m e n are brightened with 
God-life. 

Because H e was God, Christ knew men 
would misuse their free will, t h a t t h e y 
would prefer their w a y to G o d ' s way. 

22 



D u r i n g H i s time on earth, Christ acknowl-
edged t h e existence of sin a n d H e d e m -
o n s t r a t e d t h a t H e was eager to forgive. 
As God, H e h a d the power t o forgive sins 
a n d H e gave t h i s s a m e power t o H i s Apos-
tles. T h e power now resides with t h e 
Bishops a n d t h e priests who follow in the 
footsteps of t h e Apostles. 

T h e priest is the i n s t r u m e n t t h a t con-
veys the light of G o d ' s love t o a soul d a r k -
ened b y sin. T h e priest throws t h e switch 
t h a t connects t h e lifeless soul t o t h e life-
giving d y n a m o of t h e Crucified a n d Risen 
Christ. So when children — or grownups 
— confess to t h e priest, t h e y really are 
confessing t o God Himself. 

Spiritual Witch Hunting 
W h a t does a child confess? Well, m o s t 

authorities are agreed t h a t it's nearly i m -
possible f o r a small child t o c o m m i t a 
m o r t a l sin. B u t children do h a v e f a u l t s 
a n d t h e y should be encouraged t o locate 
these f a u l t s t h r o u g h an examination of 
conscience. 

T o properly m a k e such an examination, 
children need t h e help of their parents. 
L i t t l e ones o f t e n are u n c e r t a i n a b o u t their 
activities a n d a search f o r f a u l t s could 
t u r n into a spiritual witch h u n t . 

One w a y t o avoid this is t o spend a few 
m i n u t e s a t b e d t i m e reviewing t h e d a y with 

23 



each child. T h e review should include 
everything, good a n d b a d . T h e n t h e child 
can see how m a n y of the things he did 
were acts of love because t h e y were in h a r -
m o n y with t h e will of God. E a t i n g a n ice 
cream cone, riding a bicycle, skipping rope 
can be p r a y e r s if t h e y are done because 
God w a n t e d t h e m done. 

E m p h a s i z i n g t h e positive reduces t h e 
possibility of t h e child being harassed b y 
the t h o u g h t of sin. T h e positive a p p r o a c h 
should tend t o m a k e the child w a n t t o do 
more a n d more t h a t God w a n t s h i m t o do. 
I t should tend to erase t h e t h o u g h t t h a t 
a Catholic fulfills his obligation when he 
manages t o avoid sin. 

Of course, guiding children in their ex-
a m i n a t i o n of conscience is ticklish business. 
B u t it also is v e r y necessary business. 
Only t h e p a r e n t s can keep their children 
on t h e safe m i d d l e ground between wor-
rying too m u c h a b o u t w h a t t h e y do a n d 
not worrying enough. A t t h e same time, 
p a r e n t s m u s t be careful. T h e y m u s t never 
give t h e impression t h e y w a n t their chil-
dren t o t a t t l e on themselves or on their 
friends. 

Sorrow "in Own Words" 
P a r e n t s m u s t stress t h e i m p o r t a n c e of 

sorrow — not for the d i s c o m f o r t t h e sin 
m i g h t h a v e caused M a m a a n d D a d d y 
b u t for t h e insult t h e sin was t o God H i m -

24 



self. One of t h e best w a y s to stress sorrow 
is b y emphasizing self-expression in m a k -
ing a n act of contrition. M a n y children 
t r a i n e d on t h e catechism have memorized 
an a c t of contrition. B u t ask t h e m a b o u t 
it someday. F i n d o u t w h a t t h e y u n d e r -
s t a n d . You m a y be surprised to discover 
t h a t m a n y of these children h a v e m e m -
orized words a n d nothing more. T h e y say, 
"An a c t of c o n t r i t i o n " : then t h e y m u m b l e 
words t h a t are meaningless to them-

T o get a r o u n d this, p a r e n t s should in-
sist t h a t their children express their sor-
row in their own words. T h i s should be 
easy f o r little children who h a v e n ' t 
learned to be embarrassed b y v o c a b u l a r y 
weaknesses a n d w h o h a v e n ' t learned t o 
hide their own feelings in a c u t - a n d - d r i e d 
f o r m u l a . T i n y children can say, "God, I 
a m sorry I was m e a n to m y sister. I w o n ' t 
be m e a n ever again. I w a n t t o d o w h a t 
You w a n t me to do. Y o u ' v e been so good 
to m e . " 

An a c t of contrition spoken f r o m the 
h e a r t instead of t h e m e m o r y should be a 
p a r t of the nightly routine. And it should 
be clear t o t h e children t h a t their request 
f o r p a r d o n is all t h a t is necessary for the 
forgiveness of m i n o r sins. 

T h e s a c r a m e n t of P e n a n c e was insti-
t u t e d b y a m e r c i f u l God to t a k e care of 

25 



our serious offenses, t h e offenses t h a t sep-
a r a t e us f r o m active m e m b e r s h i p in t h e 
B o d y of Christ. T h i s f a c t is clearer to us 
now t h a t English h a s replaced L a t i n in the 
official p r a y e r s of t h e sacraments. W e can 
hear the priest speaking t h e words t h a t 
restore God-life in o u r souls. And it is fit-
ting t h a t we and our children should 
respond with a p r a y e r for forgiveness 
f r a m e d in o u r own words. 

T h e linking of P e n a n c e with serious sin 
shows w h y this s a c r a m e n t should be k e p t 
as distinct as possible f r o m the s a c r a m e n t 
of t h e E u c h a r i s t . I t also shows w h y it is 
possible f o r a small child t o go to C o m -
m u n i o n long before his F i r s t Confession. I n 
some parishes, a C o m m u n i o n - f i r s t policy 
has been a d o p t e d . T h e idea is t o let chil-
dren wait until t h e y are older before t h e y 
m a k e their first t r i p t o the confessional. 
Older children a r e m o r e likely to u n d e r -
s t a n d their own actions a n d t h e y are less 
likely t o panic in the d a r k a n d forbidding 
confessional. 

Making Penance Easier 
F o r all children, t h e confessional is a 

frightening place. I t is c r a m p e d a n d plain 
while t h e rest of the church is spacious 
a n d richly decorated. I t seems too small a 
place f o r God to work H i s great power. 

26 



F o r these reasons, it is i m p o r t a n t f o r p a r -
ents to t a k e their children t o church to 
visit t h e confessional. Pick a t i m e when 
t h e confessional isn't in use a n d when no 
services are in progress. L e t the children 
kneel in t h e proper place. Close the door 
a n d let t h e m feel t h e darkness. Show t h e m 
where F a t h e r sits. W o r k t h e slide for 
them. L e t t h e m see a n d hear a n d touch. 
Give t h e m every o p p o r t u n i t y t o become 
f a m i l i a r with the little space t h a t some-
d a y could be of vital i m p o r t a n c e t o t h e m . 

A t home, y o u can help p r e p a r e f o r F i r s t 
Confession b y letting y o u r child confess a 
few m a d e - u p sins to you. H e kneels down 
a n d you p l a y the priest. Y o u m a y be 
shocked b y t h e n u m b e r of b a n k robberies 
a n d axe m u r d e r s confessed b y y o u r d a r -
ling. B u t p l a y it s t r a i g h t a n d ask a n y of 
the questions y o u t h i n k m i g h t be asked 
by a confessor. 

B y combining instruction a n d practice, 
p a r e n t s can h e l p their children u n d e r s t a n d 
t h e significance of Penance. T h e y c a n u n -
d e r s t a n d w h y in times p a s t penitents were 
m e t outside t h e confessional b y their f a m -
ilies. T h e r e was obvious j o y as t h e y wel-
comed with t h e kiss of peace a m a n or a 
w o m a n w h o h a d come h o m e t o the B o d y 
of t h e L o r d . 

27 



TEACHING THE SACRAMENT OF 
CONFIRMATION 

R e a l spiritual a d u l t h o o d arrives with 
Confirmation. U n f o r t u n a t e l y , this f a c t 
seldom is understood b y practicing C a t h -
olics. Ask a Catholic school p u p i l a b o u t 
Confirmation a n d he's sure t o say it m a k e s 
us "soldiers of Jesus Christ." If y o u ask 
w h a t this means, you'll be told "it m a k e s 
us r e a d y to die f o r our F a i t h . " 

T h i s is true, of course. B u t it is t r u t h 
tricked o u t in a suit of a r m o r , fighting a n d 
falling in an infidel a t t a c k on some a n -
cient a n d sacred basilica. T h e word "sol-
dier" produces a distorted image of t h e 
confirmed Christian. T h e challenge of 
t o d a y , a t least here in America, isn't dying 
for o u r F a i t h . I t is living f o r it. I t is t r y -
ing t o live a life t h a t centers on G o d a n d 
n o t on m a n . I t ' s working to overcome o u r 
American craving f o r m a t e r i a l things. I t ' s 
standing u p f o r t h e oppressed with t h e 
courage used b y Christ when H e s a t down 
with sinners. I t ' s working a n d playing, e a t -
ing a n d sleeping a s m e m b e r s of Christ's 
M y s t i c a l B o d y . 

Meaning for Today 
These things always h a v e been impor-

t a n t . B u t seldom in history h a s t h e i m -
p o r t a n c e been so evident as it is t o d a y . T h e 

28 



Negro revolution of t h e 1960's has pro-
duced new stresses a n d pressures on our 
Christian a t t i t u d e s . I t h a s forced black 
m e n a n d white m e n t o re-evaluate their 
feelings t o w a r d themselves a n d t o w a r d 
their brothers. 

As Americans, we also h a v e come to 
recognize t h e f a c t t h a t n o t all families 
have shared f u l l y in t h e wealth of t h e 
richest society in h u m a n history. 

As Catholics, we h a v e been b r o u g h t face 
to f a c e with t h e need f o r modernization to 
m e e t m o d e r n problems. 

As m e m b e r s of t h e race of m a n , we h a v e 
seen growing problems of ignorance, greed, 
disease, a n d despair. 

T h e only h o p e is in t h e work of Jesus 
Christ. And t h i s work m u s t now be done 
b y those of us w h o h a v e been m a d e f u l l 
members in H i s M y s t i c a l B o d y . Confirma-
tion is t h e s a c r a m e n t t h a t grants this f u l l 
membership. I t is t h e s a c r a m e n t t h a t gives 
u s f u l l a u t h o r i t y t o speak a n d a c t f o r 
Christ Himself. W e are Christ's h a n d s a n d 
Christ's tongue. W e bear witness t o H i m 
b y w h a t we do a n d w h a t we say. W e h a v e 
been commissioned b y H i m t o bring H i s 
order, H i s peace a n d H i s love to all. 

Spiritual Peace Corps 
Confirmation brings t o u s t h e H o l y 

Spirit. T h i s is the Spirit of Love. T h i s is 

29 



the Spirit w h o gives life t o t h e Mystical 
B o d y of Christ m u c h as t h e h u m a n soul 
gives life to t h e h u m a n body. 

M a n y learned books have been written 
a b o u t t h e M y s t i c a l B o d y . N o n e of these 
books can f u l l y explain this great m y s t e r y . 
B u t we do h a v e t h e W o r d of God t h a t 
Christ lives in t h e world t h r o u g h us. H e is 
the H e a d a n d we are t h e members. T h e 
world first saw this on t h e feast of P e n t e -
cost. T h e n t h e H o l y Spirit overcame t h e 
fear of t h e new Christians. T h e y c a m e o u t 
of hiding. And t h e y s t a r t e d preaching t h e 
astounding t r u t h t h a t t h e crucified Christ 
rose f r o m t h e d e a d a n d will come again to 
establish a k i n g d o m t h a t will have n o end. 

T h e Bishops who t o d a y administer Con-
firmation are the successors of the Apos-
tles. T h i s is deeply a p p r o p r i a t e because 
t h e graces of Confirmation gave t h e Apos-
tles t h e strength t h e y needed t o launch the 
first massive missionary effort. And Con-
firmation t o d a y can provide t h e f u e l f o r 
t h e renewed missionary work so sorely 
needed t o change every corner of t h e 
world. 

W o r k in t h e missions is exciting t o y o u n g 
people. T h e y like to h e a r a b o u t t h e m e n 
and women who are sacrificing so m u c h for 
Christ. Surely such i n f o r m a t i o n should be 
a p a r t of every child's p r e p a r a t i o n f o r Con-
firmation. D o n ' t limit the i n f o r m a t i o n to 

30 



stories of priests, B r o t h e r s a n d Sisters in 
t h e foreign missions. R e m e m b e r the work 
of l a y people in t h e P a p a l Volunteers and 
similar organizations. Describe the contri-
butions being m a d e each d a y b y those who 
work with t h e poor in o u r city slums. And 
d o n ' t overlook t h e t r e m e n d o u s accomplish-
m e n t s of t h e young people who volunteered 
for d u t y in t h e Peace Corps. 

Specially Anointed 
B y learning a b o u t t h e work of Christ 

in t o d a y ' s world, y o u n g people can come 
t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e i m p o r t a n c e of Confirma-
tion in Christ's p l a n f o r us. W e can help 
this u n d e r s t a n d i n g b y explaining t h e cere-
m o n y used in t h e administering of Con-
firmation. W i t h your children, read t h e 
p r a y e r s of t h e ceremony. E x p l a i n how t h e 
use of holy chrism symbolizes t h e w a y 
Confirmation sets u s aside as special in-
s t r u m e n t s of God. W e are m a r k e d for 
G o d ' s service. W e are anointed with pre-
cious oil t o show t h a t we a r e r e a d y t o p a r -
ticipate more f u l l y in Christ's work as a 
priest. 

Like all sacraments, Confirmation h a s 
b o t h its o u t w a r d sign a n d its i n w a r d grace. 
Like all sacraments, Confirmation was in-
s t i t u t e d b y Christ. A n d H e designed this 
s a c r a m e n t t o equip u s a n d o u r children to 
c a r r y H i s love t o all men. 

31 



M a k i n g this f a c t clear t o t h e children, 
requires a long-term effort. You c a n ' t ex-
p l a i n Confirmation a week before t h e 
Bishop's visit a n d h o p e t h a t y o u r explana-
tion will l a s t a lifetime. T h e graces of Con-
firmation are available on call b u t o u r 
children m a y never m a k e t h e call if we 
fail t o r e m i n d t h e m c o n s t a n t l y of their 
new powers a n d their new responsibilities. 

Confirmation creates a d u l t Christians. 
I t fits o u t our children f o r lives of service 
to G o d a n d to their neighbors. I t prepares 
t h e m f o r m a r r i a g e or f o r life in religion. 

Confirmation is such an i m p o r t a n t sac-
r a m e n t t h a t its reception should be m a d e 
a n i m p o r t a n t event. T h e r e should be spe-
cial recognition f o r t h e person t o be con-
firmed, recognition b y t h e f a m i l y a n d in 
t h e h o m e . I n this way, even on t h e d a y of 
Confirmation t h e p a r e n t s will be discharg-
ing their unending, God-given responsibil-
ity to teach their children the w a y s of 
Jesus Christ. 

N I H I L OBSTAT—John L. Reedy, C.S.C. 
Censor Deputatus 

I M P R I M A T U R — « Most Rev. Leo A. Pursley, D.D. 
Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend 

All rights reserved. This pamphlet may not be 
reproduced by any means in whole or in part 
without prior permission. 

32 





P R E P A R I N G Y O U R 
C H I L D FOR THE 
S A C R A M E N T S 
o r i g i n a l l y a p p e a r e d in 
a s p e c i a l series of 
articles entitled: 
P A R E N T S 
A S T E A C H E R S . 

This p a m p h l e t is p u b -
lished in response to 
the requests of those 
p e o p l e w h o r e a d it 
first in . . . 

AWE MARIA • V I f f NATIONAL. 
W CATHOLIC 

• • V • • w e e k l y