Fiji Sun

Thirty-nine children, 21 boys and 18 girls of Saint Agnes Parish in Nabua, received the sacrament of Holy Commun­ion during their church service yesterday.

Parish priest Father Tamati Sefo said this was when children for the first time received the body and the blood of Christ in the celebration of the Eucharist.

This is celebrated every year by Catholics all around the world.

“It is a feast for the whole univer­sal church, it is not just for here,” Father Sefo said.

He said the Eucharist was one of many sacraments within the church which is very important for all Catholics.

“We witnessed today, children for the first time receiving the blood and body of Christ.

“Parents and special teachers also support the children in prepara­tion for them receiving the sacra­ment today.

“It is a happy and joyful occasion. Receiving the Holy Communion is done for children who are 10-years-old. “We wait until they understand the meaning of the sacrament in order for them to receive this.

“They cannot receive it when they are below 10 years because they don’t understand fully what the Body of the Christ is.

“When they understand the meaning of the faith than they can receive it.

“The Eucharist is an opportunity to come together in order to ac­knowledge the faith.

“For us it is not only listening to the words of God or scriptures, but also have the Eucharist that helps us to nourish our faith.”

Next year this will be done again for the other children who will be turning 10 years old.

St. Agnes parish, head of faith formation, Arieta Kaufuti said they started preparing the children over a one year period for this spe­cial occasion.

“This is a period where children go through classes once a week and after completion they earn certifi­cates,” Mrs Kaufuti said.

“They learn about themselves, other sacraments, baptism, who God is, relationship with God and relationship with each other.”

She said they were very special people on a special journey.

“The children do group discus­sion, read through scripture, pray together know how to sing and read the bible to guide them along,” she said.

“Children need parental support to guide them in life.

“Parents should walk with chil­dren to make them better citizens.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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