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This weekend, 3 our of parish children will be celebrating First Holy Communion on Sunday at our Maronite Catholic Church, where communion is by intinction and only on the tongue. 2 of them, however, attend Catholic school and want to also celebrate with their classmates at their school church. Essentially, the 2 will also celebrate First Holy Communion in the Latin Rite Church. Last night was rehearsal for Sunday. I asked one of the 2 mothers if their child had the option of receiving on the tongue when they participated with their classmates on Saturday. She wasn't sure because the children want to do everything like their classmates. The children will be receiving in the hand at the RC Church.

This is a simple example of how children want to follow the leader and do all that they do. Mom does not want to make waves and insist that her child receive on the tongue. She has reserved that for Sunday when her daughter will repeat this experience but this time, in her own parish where communion is taken only on the tongue. In fact, last night as the children rehearsed each aspect of their participation at Sunday's mass, the last thing they did was line up before the priest, approach him, bow before the Eucharist, and open thier mouth. Father coached them on what is such a simple action to ensure they had it down pat.

BTW - our children will begin Sunday Mass as part of a procession of all the parish children, carrying flowers to place before the Blessed Mother. One of the first communicants will crown Mary. During Mass, the 3 children will bring up the gifts, carry the peace to each pew, and read the mass petitions. At the conclusion of the liturgy, their pastor and parish family will celebrate this beautiful event with gifts:

A Catholic Children's Bible, where all of life's questions are answered: "Where did I come from?" and "Where am I going?". God speaks to them.

A rosary: on which to reflect God's great gifts to them. They speak with God.

A decorative box to hold their rosary: a gift with an image of our patroness, St. Ann, to commemorate the day forever.

Afgetr I converted in '94 I received in the hand until I learned that JP2 preferred that we receive on the tongue. Now I receive in the hand only if I think I have a virus.

It is embarrassing to receive on the tongue. I need to be embarrassed, to take myself less seriously.

**Communion on the hand is an option; it is not the primary way of receiving. Catholics must be catechized to understand this important point. No one is to be forced to receive on the hand. **

I don’t think too many Bishops or priests read those two lines!

Sadly!