Opting out of Holy Communion in a rural catholic school

[CucumberAndMint]

Thinking we will make the decision not to go through with Holy communion for our DC.

DC1 due next May. Date chosen already so bouncy castles and hair appointments can be booked!

Our main concerns are fallout and feelings of exclusion. DH family not bothered. Mine fairly horrified.

We are happy with the school and will take dc on holiday around the time of event.

Has anyone done this and how did he deal with it?

I see former President Mary Mc Aleese has likened the baptism of children to infant conscripts.
She's changed her tune.
I couldn't / wouldn't vote for her because of her stance against couples using IVF.
Easy for her with 3 lovely healthy children.

Never realised that about Mary McAllese.

She does not agree with IVF? On what grounds?

She really has been a positive influence in general.

On 'Catholic Church interfering in peoples procreation plans' grounds.
i.e. The Catholic Church was against it.
I thought it was a horrible stance to take.
Certainly not on 'I need to think about others who are not as fortunate as Martin and I grounds'.
A relative was going through IVF at the time. She was so cross with MMcA - so was I on her behalf.
She was a very good President but did dirty her copybook with Unionists with some pronouncement. I can't remember what it was now.
She was super after 911. Her speech to the people was really good I thought.

Yes certainly very easy for her to say when she has not been through the heartbreak.

I'm 31 so it's a long time since this question came up but my parents opted me - and my brothers and sister, all older - out of communion/confirmation in Dublin all those years ago. It was considered unusual and I was asked about it, but it affected me in no way at all.

They did take me to the zoo and out for tea on the day though, so I felt I wasn't missing on a day out.

I wouldn't worry about fallout in this day and age.

My friend asked our priest to pray for her unborn IVF baby- he refused and gave her a lecture on the 'dignity of the foetus' instead! She never went back to church, but she does have a gorgeous 5year old DD, despite his input!

Raisedbyguineapigs

We are not rural but several years ago the chapel made the decision that there was to be a compulsory 'stripping back' after one family arrived in a helicopter and there was a very noticeable drop in the number of children who received FHC the next year. The dc had to wear school uniform and it seemed much more solemn yet authentic. Previously it had been a competitive fashion parade for both the children and their parents.

Lol at the Helicopter! I suppose you could land in the local GAA pitch

Plenty of children in my children’s classes didn’t make FHC for variety of reasons. None ever missed out socially because of it - they attended as ‘guests’ if they wanted to. I think you’re overthinking it. If you don’t want it, don’t do it.
FHC is not allowed to be a religious entry requirement for secondary school. Admission criteria can be for baptised catholic but not FHC. There can be no requirement of religious practice by the child in the selection process of state schools.

Well done OP, good decision. It drives me wild to see parents who have supposedly turned their backs on the Catholic Church sign their kids up for communion. It's just playing into the church's hands.

Luckily we are in Dublin, so have more choice when it comes to schools, but those on the country are put in a shitty position.