Is it permitted to give children First Communion before having them go to confession? Also, which children should receive First Communion? In my parish some children who barely know the faith are given First Communion, while others who know the faith much better are denied it on the grounds that they aren’t old enough.
The First Communion of children must always be preceded by sacramental confession and absolution. Moreover First Communion should always be administered by a priest and never outside the celebration of Mass. . . . “Children who have not attained the age of reason, or those whom” the parish priest “has determined to be insufficiently prepared” should not come forward to receive the Holy Eucharist. Where it happens, however, that a child who is exceptionally mature for his age is judged to be ready for receiving the sacrament, the child must not be denied First Communion provided he has received sufficient instruction (87; cf. CIC 914).
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The First Communion of children must always be preceded by sacramental confession and absolution. Moreover First Communion should always be administered by a priest and never outside the celebration of Mass. . . . “Children who have not attained the age of reason, or those whom” the parish priest “has determined to be insufficiently prepared” should not come forward to receive the Holy Eucharist. Where it happens, however, that a child who is exceptionally mature for his age is judged to be ready for receiving the sacrament, the child must not be denied First Communion provided he has received sufficient instruction (87; cf. CIC 914).
Catholic Answers