Excerpts From the Manual of the
Eucharistic Crusade of the Apostleship of Prayer

Educating the Youth to Live the Mass

(slightly edited by Fr. Boulet)

3. FREQUENT COMMUNION:

In accord with the decree of St. Pius X, the Crusade urges children to communicate as often as possible. It is clear that the Norms of the Eucharistic Crusade intend an absolute and not a relative frequency, i.e. the Norms seeks the greatest possible frequency; for the children must live by this Heavenly Food. These norms on frequent Communion must be strictly ob¬served since they are among the fundamental postulates of the Crusade. However, there are sometimes difficulties about frequent Communion among children.

1°. Objections of parents: These can arise because of some false notion and result in the parents refusing to allow their children to receive Communion at an early age or frequently. In these cases, the wish of the parents must prevail. Nevertheless the children can be prudently advised to ask their parents' permission; and perhaps by their good behaviour, cheerfulness, and charity, they will obtain it. It happens not infrequently that parents change their mind when they see these virtues in their children - virtues that are an effect of Holy Communion - and not only give the desired permission but become more fervent themselves. Serious difficulties can arise if children receive Communion against the will of their parents. Unless parents have a serious reason for forbidding the reception of Communion as, for example, the long distance the child would have to travel, or his poor health, the right of the child to receive cannot be denied or neglected. But the Director will never, of course, suggest disobedience. If however the children come of their own free will, they should not be refused. A private talk with the parents will often remove the difficulties and lead to a peaceful solution.

2°. Physical Impediments. These in general arise from poor health, the long distance to the Church, or the obligation to fast. These impediments are often almost insuperable. As regards the Eucharistic fast, the decrees of Pius XII have brought a great mitigation. But in many places frequent Communion among children in view of these changes has not yet been promoted enough. In many countries the school timetable makes it impossible far the children to receive Communion without omitting altogether a solid breakfast - something which is never to be recommended. In other countries, however, there is a special Mass for students around midday which provides a good solution to the problem of the observance of the fast.