Pope Benedict XVI is inviting young first communicants to the Vatican in October to help him close the Year of the Eucharist.

Speaking at a noon blessing June 12, the pope said he wanted to hold a “special encounter of catechesis” with children who received their first Communion in 2005, in order to highlight the role of the Eucharist in the spiritual growth of young people.

Children from Rome and the surrounding region are especially invited to take part in the meeting, he said. He set the encounter for Oct 15, a date that falls during a Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, which will close the special year.

In his talk to several thousand people in St Peter's Square , Pope Benedict said parents need to be reminded of their responsibility to bring their children closer to Christ, in particular through regular attendance of Sunday Mass.

He said the Sunday liturgy should never be felt as a burden or an imposition, but as a need and a joy.

“Without Sunday, we Christians cannot live,” he said.

He said the Mass should help every Christian find a meaning in life, which in turn should bring “peace in one's heart.”

(CNS)