Question
Question
Ordinarily, must a child receive two years of religious instruction prior to his/her First Communion?
--Wondering in New England
Answer
Answer
Yes. Most (arch)dioceses have this regulation so that the child and family will have proper catechesis and an understanding. The National Statues for the Catechumenate (United States) is 18 months of preparation for becoming a Catholic. This guideline has transferred into the other sacraments and their preparation. Deacons and presbyters receive usually a minimum of 4 years of training.