This 1st Saturday of May, the month devoted to Mary, we celebrated First Holy Communion with our 20 + first communicants. This is always a day of great excitement and joy and to see the group of mostly second graders dressed so beautifully is heart-warming. The parents and family members were excited to, and filled with some pride, and for those who truly "get it" about the gift the Eucharist truly is, maybe a few tears in the eyes.
Some of the children read the readings and lead the prayers of the faithful. Others brought the gifts forward. All had an opportunity to answer the questions from our pastor as he addressed the children directly in his homily. Finally the time came for the children to receive Jesus for the first time in his Precious Body and His Precious Blood. The children, along with their parents received first, and all the children seemed to sense this was a special moment. As an assisting Deacon I was minister of the cup and was personally surprised that almost all of the first time communicants received from the cup.
I always love that moment after Mass when the children come back to the sanctuary for their pictures and the parade of anxious photographers(mostly moms & dads).
After a nice reception, the day's big event is done. And my prayer is that all of these children, having received their First Holy Communion today, will be back at church with their families for their second Holy Communion, which should be tomorrow!!!
Please join me in praying for these and all the other excited children who have or will receive Jesus in First Holy Communion; pray that they will stay close to the Eucharistic Jesus forever!
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