In a number of parishes in the United States, the old-style “First Communion Day” is changing. An article in Sign (Dec. 1964) explains and illustrates the experience of 6 1/2-year-old Susan Jelniker of Christ the King parish in Oklahoma City.

1. Susan was instructed in the great mystery by her parents.

2. Susan’s parents had previously attended a class with other parents on “how to teach” God’s love as manifested in the Eucharist.

3. The pastor examined Susan’s readiness in her home.

4. Susan will not make her first communion until later.

5. When Susan was ready for Communion she received it, in her Sunday best, with her family. Afterwards, they all joined around a joyful family breakfast.

In these simple little changes, so meaningful to a child, there is a great deal of theology. What do our parents think of this new method? I would be very interested in learning your reaction. Sister Mary Charles Bryce, O.S.B., has two interesting little books, Come Let Us Eat (for children) and First Communion (for parents and teachers).

The Church - Defined For Our Times

Nothing that has come from the Second Vatican Council promises more for the future of Catholicism than the Constitution on the Church. Liturgy, ecumenism and other steps are remaking our lives, but out of what? Into what? Only in the great document that reexamines the Church we love do we find the shape of God’s design for us.

Just compare the highly juridical descriptions we learned as children with the scriptural definitions of this new conciliar text:

“a perfect society” “a people made one with the unity of the Father,

“hierarchical structure” the Son, and the Holy Spirit”

“one in government” “The land that is God’s tillage”

“one in doctrine” “The building of God, our Mother, Christ’s own

Body”

“one in sacraments” “God’s Holy People”

Notice the difference in emphasis? Everything in the old definition is true; now the jewel is turned that we may see new facets. It’s like a legal concept of parenthood -- a juridical bond arising from the biological relationship of progenitor and progeny, issuing in certain rights and obligations for both, and anchoring such entailments as transmission of family name, property, etc. But is that all a father and mother are?

Parents are realities, not legal concepts. They love or they neglect; they pass on ideals or pretenses; they sacrifice or they remain self-centered. They are flesh and blood, vital beings, and we honor them best when we grasp this, and not when we define them as abstractions.

So with the Church. It simply means more to you and me to be included in “God’s Holy People” than in “a visible, perfect, hierarchical society.” As our narrow, almost sectarian view of our Church is widened to the full spectrum of biblical images given us by God, we too will widen: our horizons, our vision, our duties, our resources, our faith.

All Over

That is, “from all over” (every place) not “it’s all over” (time). The renewal of our worship is only beginning. But it’s good to know that all over the archdiocese, signs of fresh ferment blend with signs of joy in the new liturgy.

-- Out at the Cathedral, hundreds of families are expected to join in the Advent Bible Novena this month.

-- In several convents, with the agreement of the priest-confessor and the sisters, an experiment is being conducted to stress Reconciliation as the chief purpose of confession, rather than the Judicial Act alone.

-- A beautiful Thanksgiving Vigil was held at St. Joseph’s Infirmary in which readers and participants were of all faiths.

-- One of my young friends from St. Paul of the Cross second grade writes: “We hope you will be out soon to say the new Mass.” (P.S. I offered Mass in the Hospital last Sunday in the new style.)

Thanks to all of you - for being ready. You follow St. Paul’s advice on preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Paul J. Hallinan

Archbishop of Atlanta