Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin has said that a child's participation in First Holy Communion should not be automatic.Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Dr Martin commented on new guidelines on First Holy Communion and First Confession in the Dublin Archdiocese.
He said parents would no longer just be asked for their permission for their child participate, but must declare that they want their child to be part of the Catholic community, and that they commit to helping them on that journey.
He also said he is worried about extravagance in relation to First Holy Communion dresses and celebrations.
Dr Martin said that the sacrament should be simple and ought not to be celebrated in an extravagant way.
However, Dr Martin that this issue would not be addressed unilaterally, but in consultation with parents.