Welcoming Children to God's Table

     On the Feast of Corpus Christi, seven children from Holy Family received their 1st Holy Communion. I, along with Mrs. Carmen Aiello, had the privilege of assisting their parents in preparing them to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
     The Feast of Corpus Christi was also the official start to the National Eucharistic Revival—a three-year initiative aimed at bolstering our Faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The need for a revival is evident. A recent study revealed that only 30% of Catholics assent to the Church’s teaching on the Eucharist. Perhaps this lack of belief explains why less than 25% Catholics attend Sunday Mass weekly.   
     I cannot help but wonder that if only 30% believe in the Eucharist, what do the other 70% believe? Most likely they think that the host is merely a of symbol of God’s presence among us. This is not what Christ taught. When Christ said “This is my body” and “This is my blood,” the bread and wine change into His living Body and Blood. This is called transubstantiation. Though the bread and wine appear the same to our human faculties, they are actually the real body and blood of Jesus. In other words, the substance changes, but the accidents (outwards appearance, taste, feel etc.) remain the same.   
     I admit it may be a difficult concept to comprehend, but does that make it impossible? The Institution of the Eucharist is written down in the four Gospels and was a belief since the earliest days of the Church. St. John the Evangelist writes extensively on it in the 6th Chapter of his Gospel where the Lord Himself articulates our belief.  Why not take Our Blessed Lord at His word?   
     One of the requirements for a child to receive the Eucharist is that they must know the difference between ordinary bread and the consecrated host. Obviously, there is no way to know by looking at it, nor can they fully articulate the teaching on the Eucharist. Yet, they still believe. They have faith in Jesus’ words, “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” The Gospel of St. John 6:55-56.   
     May God Bless the children and may they maintain this belief throughout their lives. Amen.

Caption for Photo: Father Slezak with the children welcomed to the Lord’s table. From left: Anthony Scaparo, Lucas Barnes, Brody Dobrovolc, Ava Oliveira, Logan Penz. Mason Shepardson, and Adam Hurley.