Is my child ready to receive the sacraments?
Some things just happen on a predictable schedule with no readiness, like birthdays or anniversaries, but some events require time, preparation, readiness and prayer. The gift of the sacraments falls into that second category and parents, you have a responsibility to gauge whether your child is truly ready to receive each one. Here are a few ideas to help you determine and develop sacramental readiness.
Some things just happen on a predictable schedule with no readiness, like birthdays or anniversaries, but some events require time, preparation, readiness and prayer. The gift of the sacraments falls into that second category and parents, you have a responsibility to gauge whether your child is truly ready to receive each one. Here are a few ideas to help you determine and develop sacramental readiness.
Relationship
Sacraments are an outward sign of God’s grace to help us grow in holiness and walk more closely with Jesus. It’s more than completing classes, taking a test and buying the correct outfit. Receiving sacraments isn’t something we do to check a box; they are the very thing that leads us deeper into relationship with Jesus. Sacramental grace and daily companionship with Christ at our side provide the strength we need to live the Gospel.
Desire
Each sacrament is designed to help us grow deeper in our faith, prepare us for our daily struggles and defend us against evil. Children need to understand this and truly desire God’s presence in their life in this way. Discuss the concept of growing in holiness. Helping kids recognize all the areas in their life where they need God is a great starting point for building desire for the Father and his grace.
Understanding
A person preparing to receive a sacrament must understand the graces, gifts and responsibilities that accompany it. With each sacrament, we are committing to Jesus more personally and more deeply. Kids should be able to describe the process, outcome and purpose of the sacrament they are about to receive.
Participation
A relationship with the Father, like any earthly relationship, requires investment, communication and engagement. Kids who are ready to receive a sacrament should be actively participating in Mass, religious instruction and daily prayer alone and with their families.
Curiosity
Beyond knowledge and participation, kids should be curious about the ways this sacrament will help them get to heaven. Learning about the holy heroes we know as saints helps kids learn how to live as Jesus did. Hearing stories from Scripture about the sacraments and the way they changed people is powerful. Helping them foster a curiosity about God’s people who walked the earth before them is inspiring and encouraging, and helps remind us what our mission truly is on earth.
Brush Up
Sacraments are a gift we can easily take for granted, so it’s a great idea to brush up ourselves. Do some reading, watch some videos and learn something you didn’t know about the sacraments at an adult level. Parents, you are the primary catechists for your children so share with them what you have learned.
Sheri Wohlfert is a Catholic wife, mom, grandma, speaker and writer. Catch her blog at www.joyfulwords.org.
