Growing in Faith

2024 First Holy Communion program at Saint Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church in West Bloomfield. Photo by Sandy Sesi

First Holy Communion tradtion and culture

By Hayley Gappy

“To grow as a community, we have to start with the children,” says Sandy Sesi, director of the First Holy Communion program at Saint Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church. First Holy Communion, also referred to as First Holy Eucharist, is one of the early sacraments in the Catholic Church and an important step in a Catholic’s spiritual journey.

The Chaldean Catholic Church celebrates Mass in the Eastern Rite. It traces its origins to conversion by Saint Thomas the Apostle and follows the traditions and bishops of the Church of the East. In union with the Roman Catholic Church, both recognize the authority of the Pope.

Sacraments are important rituals for Catholics because they are symbols of grace established by Christ Himself. They help individuals connect with God and the Church community. There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. These include baptism, confirmation, reconciliation or confession, Eucharist or Communion, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick.

First Holy Eucharist, in the Chaldean tradition typically received by children in third grade, marks a child’s first reception of the Body and Blood of Christ. This practice involves receiving bread and wine, which Catholics believe are transubstantiated during Mass into the actual Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It is a profound moment that signifies a deepening relationship with Jesus and the Church community. It is rooted in the biblical teachings of the Last Supper where Jesus instructed His disciples to “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19).

This sacrament, established by Christ, is a source of spiritual unity between Him and the Church. “The significance of the Eucharist is beyond something that we would even be able to recognize,” says Father Rodney Abasso, parochial vicar of Mart Mariam Chaldean Catholic Church. “The Church refers to it as the ‘Source and Summit’ and that is because the Eucharist is one of the most important things in the Christian life.”

The sacrament marks this in the children’s lives.

The Chaldean Diocese’s First Communion program slightly differs from the program that most children go through in the Latin rite. In preparation for their First Holy Communion, children undergo seven months of formation classes taught by catechists.

Over the years, the Chaldean Diocese program developed its own book, beginning more than a decade ago when Bishop Francis, formerly Father Frank, served as pastor of Saint Thomas. He felt that the existing books for Communion preparation were not comprehensive enough to meet the expectations for what children receiving their First Holy Communion should know.

In recent years, the program has authored a new book to address complex theological topics, entitled “First Holy Communion” It is written in a way that is understandable and digestible for children 8 to 9 years old. This involves simplifying the concepts for the children while retaining the key terminology they need to learn.

“We teach the children about everything from creation to salvation,” says Sesi, sharing her experience leading this program and stressing its importance. “This includes all seven sacraments and the Ten Commandments. In addition, the kids learn their prayers in Chaldean and the order and hymns included in the Mass, in both English and Chaldean parts.”

In the Latin rite, the children preparing to receive Eucharist only learn about 2 sacraments, reconciliation and Eucharist, as well as two commandments. The program that the Chaldean Diocese follows takes a deeper dive.

Children are taught common prayers in Chaldean, including the Glory Be, Hail Mary, and Our Father. Unlike the traditional Latin Rite preparation, which often begins in second grade, the Chaldean program starts in third grade. This shift is because they are slightly older and better able to understand the immense significance of the sacrament. The structured approach of the Chaldean program not only prepares children for their First Holy Communion but also lays a foundation for ongoing faith development, helping them grasp the concept to its full extent.

Parents and families play a crucial role in the child’s preparation for First Holy Communion. As the children undergo the process to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist, their parents’ faith is reignited as well. The program includes mandatory parent retreats to deepen their faith as they engage in spiritual growth alongside their children.

Following Communion classes each Saturday, students are required to attend Mass to help them understand and learn the order of the Mass and the hymns. Parents and families are also expected to attend this Mass weekly and participate in their children’s religious education, enforcing the lessons they are learning throughout the program.

By modeling a life of faith, parents help their children internalize the teachings of the Church. Additionally, children must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before their First Holy Communion, allowing them to seek forgiveness for their sins and approach the Eucharist in a state of grace. Parents and godparents are crucial in this preparation; they are required to model a life of faith, participate in religious instruction, and engage in spiritual discussions with the child.

After receiving their First Holy Communion, children are encouraged to continue their religious education, deepening their understanding of the faith and preparing for future sacraments. The memories and significance of this sacrament often remain with individuals, shaping their spiritual identity and guiding their relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the Eucharist and encourages regular participation in Mass and other sacramental practices.

“When we look at the Eucharist, we’re not just looking at a thing, we’re looking at a person,” says Father Rodney. “We’re looking at the person of Jesus Christ, who is love, who is our Lord, who is our creator, and who became one of us to be with us and reveal the Father’s love.”

The Chaldean Diocese’s First Communion program in the United States today exhibits significant cultural and ceremonial differences compared to how it was conducted in Iraq, particularly in 2004 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Chaldean Church in Baghdad.

In Iraq, only nuns and priests were permitted to teach Communion classes. The choir leaders and musicians assisted in teaching the children the hymns that make up the Mass. In the U.S., in contrast, catechists—the majority lay people—teach these classes.

On Communion Day in Iraq, children were not allowed to hold Mass books, but had to memorize the entire Mass, both in Chaldean and Arabic. Additionally, girls were not permitted to wear anything resembling a wedding dress. Instead, boys dressed like monks and girls like nuns.

This is similar to the Chaldean Diocese program in America today. The children, boys and girls alike, are fitted and wear gowns special-ordered from Italy. The girls also wear veils on their head. It promotes modesty within Church and allows the focus to be on the sacrament and not comparison of who had the most expensive or best-looking outfit.

A significant difference is the observance of the second day of Communion, known as the Thanksgiving Mass, in Iraq. On this day, the children serve the entire Mass with some standing at the altar where a table with the Bible is placed. During this Mass, all the children publicly renounce Satan and renew their baptismal vows. This level of involvement and the specific ceremonial acts highlight a unique cultural and religious expression that was integral to the ceremony in Baghdad.

First Holy Communion is a significant sacrament in the Catholic faith, rich in theological, spiritual, and cultural meaning. It marks the beginning of a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and a fuller participation in the Church community for all the children who receive the sacrament.

The celebration of First Holy Communion, with its varied customs and traditions, highlights the universal celebration within the Catholic Church while also honoring cultural traditions. Ultimately, the sacrament of First Holy Communion has a lasting impact on children and their families, shaping their faith journey and their commitment to the faith.

“I think a lot of us can take for granted how readily accessible the Eucharist is,” says Father Rodney, “but rather than taking it for granted, we should take advantage of it and be with Him and allow Him to be with us.”