advertisement
I’ll write more about this general topic, but I am please to announce that Noah, our eldest, and the child that we worried so much about communion for, because of his Autism (Asperger’s Syndrome), has officially made his First Holy Communion!
I still can get teary-eyed right now as I remember singing along to the hymn, “…and I will raise you up on the last day…”, while watching him receive the Eucharist for the very first time. What a blessing!
Another blessing happened on our trip to the church though, and it continues to bring a smile to my face when I think of it.
Noah and I were discussing about the First Communion, and I said, “Isn’t it cool, buddy, that you’ll be able to take Communion every time we go to church now?”
“WHAT?!?!?!?!” He excitedly exclaimed from the back of the minivan.
I recognized what he was asking/exclaiming by the tone of his voice. I realized that perhaps we hadn’t pointed out to him (as is sometimes necessary because of, well, the Autism again) that it’s called First Communion because it is only the first time, not the only time.
I told him, “Yeah — every time now. This is just the very first time. But, now when we go to Mass together, or you go with your CCD class, you will get to take Communion.”
And, then excited giggling came from the back.
“Oh, oh! Oh, Mom! I am a lucky boy!” and then he continued with his excited giggling.
Post continues after this brief information about a monthly membership to help you live the liturgical year
Monthly Liturgical Membership
Not only was his First Communion a blessing, but wow — what a blessing for him to be so excited that he would continue to receive Jesus every week.
I prayed so many times that he would be willing to take Communion. I talked to our priest about it worriedly. I let my stomach churn as I envisioned his sensory sensitivity making him refuse this sacrament.
But, in the end, I apparently just needed to worry less and trust God a whole lot more, and my prayers were answered well beyond what I could have hoped for.
advertisement
Join 40,000+ Other Awesome People
Subscribe to the Real Life at Home weekly newsletter to get our latest content, exclusive free printables, learning activities, and ideas for celebrating with your kids all year
Thank you for this post! My son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and I too worry about him receiving first communion next month. I know this post is years old but its still very relevant! THANK YOU!
I hope it goes just as wonderfully as it did for us! Congratulations on the upcoming First Communion.
Thank you!!!
Thank you for this post! My son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and I too worry about him receiving first communion next month. I know this post is years old but its still very relevant! THANK YOU!
I hope it goes just as wonderfully as it did for us! Congratulations on the upcoming First Communion.
Oh my. Today, in a panic to get the banner done, I came across your website. Looking around, I found this article. My son (oldest) has autism. Tears came to my eyes. We’re not alone, I’m not crazy to worry that he won’t take the host. I worry that he’s not going to get the importance of this day. Thank you! 🙂
Christy – Your comment brought tears to my eyes too. (((HUGS)))
Oh my. Today, in a panic to get the banner done, I came across your website. Looking around, I found this article. My son (oldest) has autism. Tears came to my eyes. We’re not alone, I’m not crazy to worry that he won’t take the host. I worry that he’s not going to get the importance of this day. Thank you! 🙂
I came across your site today while looking for First Communion party and cake ideas…and imagine my surprise when I read this post about your son and Asperger’s!
My son also has Asperger’s and I have spent this year agonizing over his sensory issues and what would happen if he refused the host …I actually went to a Catholic supply store and bought a sleeve of unconsecrated hosts to start getting him used to the idea. I could only get him to take a sliver at a time, but I am so happy to say that his CCD teachers have gotten him to eat at least 3 every Sunday for the past few weeks…to the point that he doesn’t even gag now!! He is so proud of himself and we are too!
It is so nice to know that we are not alone in our worries and concerns, and even reading an older post makes me feel less alone. Thanks so much and God bless.
Susie – Thank you so much for sharing what you have been doing with your son to get him ready for Holy Communion! Such smart thinking!
Best of luck on the big day. Sounds like you guys have really prepped for it! What a blessing you are for your son!
I came across your site today while looking for First Communion party and cake ideas…and imagine my surprise when I read this post about your son and Asperger’s!
My son also has Asperger’s and I have spent this year agonizing over his sensory issues and what would happen if he refused the host …I actually went to a Catholic supply store and bought a sleeve of unconsecrated hosts to start getting him used to the idea. I could only get him to take a sliver at a time, but I am so happy to say that his CCD teachers have gotten him to eat at least 3 every Sunday for the past few weeks…to the point that he doesn’t even gag now!! He is so proud of himself and we are too!
It is so nice to know that we are not alone in our worries and concerns, and even reading an older post makes me feel less alone. Thanks so much and God bless.
I am the Children’s Minister for my parish. We are one of only a few parishes with a dedicated Sp. Needs Faith Formation program. This year we have 19 children with various needs in our program both on the Autism Spectrum & other issues. Three years ago, one of our Sp Needs boys was ready to receive his First Eucharist. When it came to the practice day, he tasted the host “it’s cardboard” and the wine “bubblewater”. Between myself, the catechists and his mom, we worked with him for over 18 months helping him adjust to the textures and taste — he did celebrate Eucharist.
I want to encourage parents in the formation of all their children, but especially those with special needs. If your parish can’t or won’t help you, find a parish that will. Help your pastor and DRE understand what the Church teaches. Here is a link to the USCCB pastoral on the Guidelines for Celebrating the Sacraments for People with Special Needs, http://www.ncpd.org/views-news-policy/policy/church/bishops/sacraments
My prayers for all as we prepare our children to join us at the Lord’s Table.
My almost 7yr old grandson is about to be diagnosed with Autism and it is comforting to know that he will be able to understand and receive communion with some prior help. I am not a Catholic and found your website while researching fish crafts for Messy Church. I am sure that I was guided to your site for just this reason. Many thanks
Jaqi
Chesham, UK
My almost 7yr old grandson is about to be diagnosed with Autism and it is comforting to know that he will be able to understand and receive communion with some prior help. I am not a Catholic and found your website while researching fish crafts for Messy Church. I am sure that I was guided to your site for just this reason. Many thanks
Jaqi
Chesham, UK