You Shall Be Forgiven: The Practice of Mandatory First Reconciliation Prior to a Child's First Communion

Author

• Joshua Perry, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Date of Award

2-2-2009

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Liturgical Studies

Department

School of Theology and Seminary

First Advisor

Anthony Ruff, OSB

Subject Categories

Religion

Abstract

This paper examines issues surrounding the practice of mandatory first reconciliation for a child preparing to receive first communion. As will be demonstrated, mandatory first confession stands on questionable ground historically and doctrinally while inhibiting the expression of the reconciliatory characters found in the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist. The study will examine the history of first confession and how it came to be linked to first communion, especially in the first part of the 20th century. Documents such as Quam Singulari (1910), Mediator Dei (1947), The Code of Canon Law (1983), and The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) will be explored. With this history in mind, the paper then treats the relationship between first communion and the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist, exploring the reconciliatory aspects of these two initiation sacraments and how mandated first confession may impact this reconciliatory character. Finally, the study concludes with suggestions for practice that address the historical and theological concerns raised elsewhere in the paper.

Recommended Citation

Perry, Joshua, "You Shall Be Forgiven: The Practice of Mandatory First Reconciliation Prior to a Child's First Communion" (2009). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 1952.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/1952