The Eucharist for Little Children

Broadway singer Jennifer Naimo (Jersey Boys, Grease, Les Miserables) is the host for this kid-friendly overview of transubstantiation (the consecration of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ during the sacrament of the Eucharist). Beginning with a look at Da Vinci's painting of The Last Supper (which depicts the first transubstantiation), Naimo sings a song called “Broken Bread,” about the “bread of life” and “cup of salvation,” before offering examples (such as a doll becoming a real little girl) to suggest the wondrousness of the process. In addition, viewers will visit a church where a priest talks to a group of young children about the various holy vestments (alb, stole, cincture, chasuble) and how each relates to Jesus, after which he is seen at the pulpit explaining the Eucharist and later performing the sacrament. The amiable Naimo tells viewers that the wine comes from vineyards and the wheat is grown on a farm (we see sisters preparing the bread for the Eucharist). In addition, Naimo talks about First Communion (sharing the story of a young Irish girl whose fervent belief in Christ convinced a priest to allow her to take communion even though she was not of age) and silent prayer in church (talking to God without using words). Finally, viewers will see a Corpus Christi Procession (which Naimo calls a “love march”) celebrating Jesus. A solid primer for younger children, this is recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)