Intercessory Prayers During a Child's First Eucharist Celebration
In the Roman Catholic tradition, the first reception of the Eucharist typically occurs when a child reaches the age of reason, usually around seven or eight. The Prayers of the Faithful, also called the General Intercessions, form a distinct part of the Mass where the assembled faithful ask God for various needs.
By Sam Reed
First Holy Communion is the celebration of the first time a Catholic receives the Eucharist.
Within Roman Catholicism, Holy Communion ranks among the seven sacraments. The celebration known as First Holy Communion marks the inaugural occasion when a Catholic child receives the Eucharist, and this generally happens when the child is about seven or eight years old—an age the church refers to as the age of reason. The General Intercessions, or Prayers of the Faithful, are said shortly before the Eucharistic portion of the Mass begins.
Defining the Prayers of the Faithful
As described by mycatholictradition.com, these intercessory prayers are offered by Catholics to present the church's needs before God. The faithful also pray for public officials, for their own requirements and those of others, and for the world's salvation. Additionally, the Prayers of the Faithful include remembrance of the deceased. In most cases, only baptized Catholics who are in good standing may take part in the Holy Communion segment of the Mass.
Who Leads the Prayers of the Faithful?
These prayers are customarily delivered from the lectern. A priest opens the prayer, and then a lector recites the petitions while the congregation responds by asking the Lord to hear their intentions. In certain parishes, children preparing for First Holy Communion take turns reading the petitions aloud.
Illustrative Petitions
In some churches, particularly when a First Holy Communion is being celebrated, the Prayers of the Faithful are composed in a straightforward manner so that the children can readily grasp who and what they are praying for. Petitions might include prayers for their pastor, their families, their teachers, and those facing hardship. The children also pray for peace, liberty, and justice for everyone, as well as for those who are ill or near death. Lastly, they offer prayers for the entire parish community.
Distinctive Elements for a First Holy Communion Mass
Given the importance of the Mass that celebrates First Holy Communion, parishes frequently incorporate additional meaningful elements to highlight the occasion. At Saint John and Saint Mary Church in Chappequa, N.Y., for instance, Deacon Charlie Devlin arranged for the children to place a rose on the altar as each prayer was spoken.
