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Eastern Children in Western Churches and Vice-Versa Dave Saturday, March 26, 2005

Question:

I was baptised and chrismated in the Latin Rite, but most of my family is Melkite Rite. When my relatives go to a Latin Rite parish, the children do not come forward for the Eucharist, as it will be denied. In turn, the Latin children do not come forward for the Eucharist during Divine Liturgy (or other Eucharistic occurences) if they have not received "First Communion."

I feel that the latter case is appropriate, but the former is not. Latin Rite priests have refused communion to children who have been recieving Christ's Spotless Body and Precious Blood for years, even if the priest is told that they are Melkite and regularly receive the Sacraments (since baptism, indeed). The children feel excluded, especially since Antidoron (bread blessed and distributed at the end of Liturgy) is not a Latin tradition; there is nothing, neither Sacrament nor Sacramental, in which to partake.

Is there a way to explain politely to the priest to give the Eucharist to a child who is already baptised, enchrismated, and regularly partakes of the Sacrament? I've been told that since the priest is Latin, he must abide by the rules of St. Pius X, but I feel that this denies the Eucharist to someone accustomed to it, and that the priest's disposition shouldn't matter as much as the person in question's.

Thanks very much.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Dave,

I don't know that this problem has ever been addressed, at least in the Latin Church.  Latin priests are trained not to give Communion to small children, it is a part of Canon Law.  I agree it is a terrible problem if the children feel excluded, especially since they may not understand the difference between the rites.

To help answer your question though I suppose it would depend on the previous understanding of the priest whether or not you could successfully explain your problem.

Mr. Slavek
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