Admission to
First Holy Communion
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. - Mark 10:13-16
WHAT IS HOLY COMMUNION?
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Holy Communion or the Eucharistic Feast, is the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and is acknowledged by the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. By receiving this Sacrament members of God’s Church are fed spiritually and sustained in their Christian journey.
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Holy Communion is the Sacrament by which we regularly receive new life in the Holy Spirit. After confessing our sins and being forgiven, we are brought closer to God by being fed with the very Body and Blood of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We do this in remembrance of his death and resurrection, just as he commanded.
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Receiving Holy Communion regularly is an act of belonging to the Christian faith.
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WHY ARE CHILDREN PERMITTED TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION?
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Baptized children of Christians are permitted to receive Holy Communion because:
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God welcomes children into the Church (Body of Christ) on the basis of their parents’ faith and obedience, and the children’s understanding and acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice for them.
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Jesus welcomes and blessed the little children (Mark 10: 13 – 16)
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Our salvation depends entirely on what God has done for us, not on our own merit.
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WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS?
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Parents must themselves be Baptized members of God’s family
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Parents are strongly encouraged to be members of the Church for at least 3 months prior to having their children admitted to Holy Communion in order to uphold the integrity of the Sacrament by sharing in the Body of Christ.
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Parents must attend preparation classes with their children prior to the children being admitted to Holy Communion.
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In the service of Admission, parents are asked to renew their own commitment to Christ, and the Baptismal promises made on behalf of their children.
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Parents are expected to pray for their children and encourage them to grow in their Christian faith, by the example of their own Christian lives.
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WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GODPARENTS?
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Godparents must themselves be baptized members of God’s family, and it is preferable that at least one be Anglican.
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Godparents should preferably attend preparation classes along with their godchildren.
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Godparents, who also made baptismal vows on behalf of their godchildren, are expected to continue to support those who are brought to Holy Communion by praying for them, and by the example of their own Christian lives.
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WHAT MUST I DO TO ARRANGE FOR A BAPTISED CHILD TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION?
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Contact the Parish office and complete the necessary forms​
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Attend the prescribed preparation classes.
WHEN ARE BAPTISED MEMBERS ADMITTED TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION?
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Services of Admission take place during a normal Sunday service, on dates that are set in the parish calendar. These dates are available from the Parish Office.