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Post by MourningIreland on Jun 26, 2017 10:08:43 GMT
I'm not sure whether this article belongs in the Religion Forum or the Culture Forum. I'm placing it in the Religion Forum not for what it discusses, but for what it leaves out - namely, a mention of Jesus Christ: www.independent.ie/irish-news/this-is-what-the-average-child-is-getting-for-their-first-communion-and-what-parents-must-shell-out-for-the-day-35864683.htmlDo these children and parents even know what "First Communion" is? A few years I was invited by a set of Atheist parents to their son's First Communion - the mother is a pro-abortion zealot. I queried the purpose of the event given that the family doesn't believe in God, let alone the Catholic Church. Her answer? "Tradition." Actually, that answer was wrong. "Tradition" in Ireland is belief in the sacraments of the Church, not instigating a dog and pony show that makes a mockery of it. |
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Jun 26, 2017 10:47:31 GMT
I have mixed feelings about this topic. On the one hand, I share the general disdain for the consumerist extravaganza that it's become-- in recent years, it has become more and more tacky, too, in my view. The Church has made huge efforts to prevent this, to be fair. I remember the era of robes being put over the children during the sacrament itself-- I never saw this, just heard it described. But nothing seems to work.
On the other hand, making a fuss about First Holy Communion is an Irish tradition-- although, as you point out Mourning Ireland, it is now a hollowed-out tradition. And I sometimes think cultural Catholicism is better than no experience or encounter with Catholicism.
On the whole, though, I think that-- at this stage-- the excesses should really be stomped on, and perhaps people should be politely told to stay away from the sacraments if they are just using them as social events.
I remember being hideously embarrassed on my First Communion, when people were giving me money.
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Post by MourningIreland on Jun 26, 2017 13:44:26 GMT
....And I sometimes think cultural Catholicism is better than no experience or encounter with Catholicism. I think Cultural Catholicism is a sinister force that should be discouraged, but I'd be interested in hearing what others think and why. |
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Jun 26, 2017 13:47:55 GMT
I think it has baneful aspects, but its positive aspects I would put in two categories:
1) Even watered-down and distorted Christianity is likely to have an elevating effect on culture
2) Non-believers are more inclined to be impressed by our Lord when they see he has had such a strong influence on mainstream society.
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Post by cato on Jun 26, 2017 16:18:15 GMT
I think it was C S Lewis who said the best way to become immune to christianity was to be infected with a little bit of it as a child.
The catholic model of passing on the faith via big sacramental occasions is no longer working.
Clergy hope that once a child is baptised the non practicing parents will start going to mass. Seven years later the child receives first communion and confession and the priest hopes the none practicing parents will return to church. They return for the confirmation 5 years later to mark the formal departure of their child from the faith. The children might return to church for their doubtfully valid marriages ( I am only quoting the pope) but large numbers don't bother not seeing any point or deliberately opting for secular or non catholic ceremonies. Many of those who receive catholic burial rites havent practiced , have actively opposed or repudiated their faith in public ( I am thinking of prominent arty types )and seem never to have made an effort to reconcile prior to their deaths.
If a priest said this publically he would probably be lynched. We need a radically different way of organising catholic life and passing on the faith in this country.
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Post by seangladium on Jun 26, 2017 22:09:57 GMT
I agree that the current delayed sequence of sacraments as a way to keep the parents and children within the Church is flawed. Why should the sanctifying graces that flow from Confirmation be withheld all those formative years? Here in the United States the normal sequence is baptism at birth, Confession/First Communion at around age 7 or 8, and Confirmation at around age 16. It seems like trying to have someone fight all the evil influences of the world with one hand deliberately held behind one's back--even worse as it is God's own Hand! Should we not trust that He will work within the person's soul instead of a man-made carrot and stick approach? I do think having a celebration is appropriate as long as emphasis is actually placed on the Sacrament that took place and not just another cultural milestone in one's life.
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