Catholic Prayer Book for Children Author(s): Julianne M. WillNumber of pages: 64 pagesCopyright: 2004ISBN: 9781592760473Publisher: Our Sunday VisitorBinding: Sewn Hardcover Subject(s): First CommunionReview: This is a very nice children's prayer book illustrated with full-color cartoon-like pictures. The book includes: Traditional prayers like the Hail Mary, Our Father and Morning Offering Prayers of the Saints, like Prayer of Saint Francis and Breastplate of St. Patrick Prayers and Mysteries of the Rosary (including the Luminous mysteries) Psalms from the Bible Some special prayers written just for children Gentle invitations for children to talk to God in their own words too. A segment on "Going to Confession" which includes instructions as well as prayers "Stuff Every Catholic Kid Should Know" like Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy and the Ten Commandments "Prayers from the Mass" I was pleased to see that the Scripture Citations are from the Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (the best modern translation of the Bible). This book is particularly well-suited for a First Communion or Birthday gift for a godchild or for parishes or Catholic organizations to give as gifts to First Communicants. It would be nice to put such an attractive and substantial booklet in the hands of every child (so many Catholic children grow up without understanding many of the basics covered by this book). The publisher has made this more feasible by offering it in softcover at such a reasonable price of under four dollars!Perspective: CatholicAdditional notes: Also available in softcover Reviewed by: Alicia Van HeckeFirst reviewed: 5-12-04
Come to Jesus! A Kid’s Book for Eucharistic Adoration Author(s): Anne Flanagan, FSPNumber of pages: 48 pagesCopyright: 2006Publisher: Pauline Books and MediaBinding: Softcover Subject(s): ReligionFirst CommunionGrade / Age level: Grades 3-5Review: Perspective: CatholicReviewed by: Margot DavidsonFirst reviewed: 5-14-2007
First Communion Number of pages: 28 pagesCopyright: 1954Publisher: Our Lady's Catechists / C.W.L.Binding: Softcover Subject(s): First CommunionReview: Companion to First Confession from Our Lady's Catechists. In a style very similar to its companion volume, this little book teaches everything that an elementary-school-aged child needs to know to prepare for a holy First Communion. These books may be the first "homeschooling" books ever written on this topic! From page 1: "It should not be forgotten that the ultimate responsibility for the child's spiritual upbringing rests on the parents." Charming full-color illustrations appear throughout the book. The fourteen lessons describe what Holy Communion is, why we need Holy Communion, and how to prepare to receive Our Lord. In addition, lessons include several Bible stories that provide a gentle apologetic introduction to the Eucharist such as the manna in the desert, miracles performed by Our Lord, and the Last Supper. Prayers for both before and after the reception of Holy Communion are included as well as a "review" question-and-answer page. The lesson titled "On the Day" gives instruction for receiving the Eucharist kneeling and on the tongue, but the general tone of reverence is very applicable for those who receive in the hand. The current one-hour fast rule has been updated in the text from that in practice when originally published.Perspective: CatholicAdditional notes: Imprimatur Update from webmaster, March 2024: This book and its companion have been republished together in a single volume, First Communion - First Confession. Its ISBN is 9781685290122. Reviewed by: Susan KalisFirst reviewed: 8-5-04
First Communion / First Confession Author(s): Our Lady's CatechistsCopyright: 2022ISBN: 9781685290122Publisher: Angelus Press Subject(s): First CommunionFirst ConfessionGrade / Age level: ElementaryReview: This is a relatively-recent reprint that combines two older titles by Our Lady's Catechists into a single volume. Please see our individual reviews: Review of First Communion Review of First Confession Originally published in 1954. Republished 2022. Perspective: CatholicReviewed by: Suchi MyjakFirst reviewed: 03/14/2024
First Communion Card Kit - Thank You Cards from Illuminated Ink Publisher: Illuminated Ink Subject(s): First CommunionGrade / Age level: Grades K-2Review: Perspective: CatholicReviewed by: Elizabeth YankFirst reviewed: 5-2-2006
First Communion Days Author(s): A Sister of Notre DameNumber of pages: 96 pagesCopyright: 1920ISBN: 9780911845501Publisher: Neumann PressBinding: Sewn Hardcover Sample Pages Subject(s): First CommunionReview: This book consists of twelve true stories of children preparing for and receiving their first Holy Communion.The stories are sweet and inspiring and present many fine examples of real devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and how real children themselves made their hearts ready for Jesus. Some of the stories are of "little saints" who always strove to do what was right, while others involve children who struggled to overcome tempers, selfishness and other temptations. Two particularly touching stories are about children who received their first communion on their death bed. This would make an excellent supplement for your child's First Communion preparation. It is just this sort of book which helps the child's Catechism studies "come alive".Perspective: CatholicReviewed by: Alicia Van HeckeFirst reviewed: 1998-99
First Eucharist Story-Coloring Book Number of pages: 16 pagesCopyright: 1996Publisher: Our Father's HouseBinding: Softcover Sample Pages Subject(s): First CommunionReview: This book presents a beautiful way to introduce children to the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. The text is adapted from The Child in the Church by Maria Montessori. The story on each page presents fodder for discussion as the child colors in the beautiful borders which are rich in Catholic symbolism. My daughter loves to have me color with her - so we've colored in the pictures together as we discuss the content. Also included are information on how to use the book, explanations of symbols, and questions to help in discussing each page.Perspective: CatholicReviewed by: Alicia Van HeckeFirst reviewed: 1998-99
Jesus and I Author(s): Father Aloysius J. Heeg, S.J.Number of pages: 138 pagesCopyright: 1958Publisher: Loyola PressBinding: Softcover Subject(s): First CommunionFirst ConfessionReview: Jesus and I remains a delightful catechism used to prepare both older and younger children for their First Confession and First Holy Communion. In use for decades, the content is solid yet presented in a manner that is clear and usable with young students. Gentle black and white drawings appeal to more sensitive and/or younger children who shy away from more graphic pictures in modern texts. Jesus and I is organized into very short lessons that lend themselves to direct, oral teaching and discussion. It is designed to be used BY the teacher WITH the student, not by handing the book to the student to read and fill in answers by himself. The book begins with several pages of prayers that we should know by heart. The lesson titles are phrases from these prayers, and the lesson content explains that particular phrase. For example, the lesson titled "Angel of God, my guardian dear" explains Catholic teachings on angels. The lesson titled "And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus" explains the Incarnation. As the children memorize their prayers, they are also being taught what the prayers mean. Each lesson begins with a narrative written in simple, short sentences. This is followed by the "How Many Can You Answer?" section of questions for the youngest students. Next are the "Can You Also Answer These?" questions for older students, which come from the First Communion Catechism in use when the book was originally written. The book ends with sections on "When I Go to Confession" and "When I Go to Holy Communion" followed by a summary of all of the First Communion Catechism questions.Perspective: CatholicAdditional notes: 1958 Imprimatur updated in 1978 with permission Reviewed by: Susan KalisFirst reviewed: 10-29-05
My Path to Heaven Author(s): Geoffrey Bliss, S.J.Illustrator(s): Caryll HouselanderNumber of pages: 89 pagesCopyright: 1997ISBN: 9780918477484Publisher: Sophia Institute PressBinding: Sewn Softcover Sample Pages Subject(s): VirtuesFirst CommunionLentReview: This is one of the nicest educational materials I've come across (and I think that's saying a lot). What this book amounts to is a simplified form of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, designed to be understood by children. This is cleverly done with a very detailed picture for each of the twelve chapters. The child studies the details of the pictures and then the parent or the child reads the text (two or three pages) which explains the details of the pictures. The child is then invited to look at the picture again. The text is read a second time and then a list of ten to twenty yes or no questions are asked to reinforce the text and determine how well the child understood it. This is not just another religion text teaching facts, but a very persuasive text leading children to desire holiness and the greatest good in their lives. The publisher gives permission for parents to photocopy the pictures for their own children to color while studying the text, which might enhance their interest in the pictures and their ability to notice all of the little details. The book is recommended for children ages nine through twelve, although I've heard from a number of homeschoolers (and found the same to be true in my own family) that younger children and adults will benefit from it as well. Particularly nice for Lent/Holy Week or for First Communion Preparation.Perspective: CatholicAdditional notes: Copyrights 1936/1997 Reviewed by: Alicia Van HeckeFirst reviewed: 3-25-2000
Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism Author(s): Bennet KelleyNumber of pages: 64 pagesCopyright: 1963ISBN: 9780899422404Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing CompanyBinding: Stapled Softcover Subject(s): First CommunionCatechismsReview: This beautifully illustrated (in full-color) gem is designed to prepare a child for First Communion and would be appropriate for Kindergarten through second grade. The text follows the Baltimore Catechism, but also includes basic prayers, parts of the Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. In a few places, the explanations given to expand upon the Baltimore Catechism are not as well-written as I'd like them to be, but for the most part they are quite good. For some reason, the text has taken some of the Catechism questions out of order, so that the child learns about sin and its consequences before studying about Our Lord coming to earth to save us. I prefer the original order (which can be done by following the questions in numerical order) so that young children learn about God's love for us before going too deep into the evils of sin and the devil. Many homeschoolers use this as a supplement to other texts (such as the Faith and Life series - partly because the wording of the questions in this text is more succint than the wording in the Faith and Life series) for the purpose of memorizing the Catechism questions and enjoying the pictures.Reviewed by: Alicia Van HeckeFirst reviewed: 5-13-2000
