Saint Josaphat School and Religious Education Second Graders celebrated First Communion on Sunday. The weather was beautiful and the children were all excited to receive Jesus in this sacrament for the first time.

The Second Graders diligently prepared all year for their First Communion. While a child’s First Communion is indeed a cause for celebration and should be beautiful and memorable, the true focus of this holy and special day must remain the sacrament itself as the little ones are welcomed to the table of the Lord. The First Holy Communion is an important and special day for kids, their families, and the Church. 

At this point in their religious journey, these students accept and understand their faith. At a child's First Communion, he or she is presented with bread and wine (just bread in COVID times), which symbolizes the body and blood of Christ. This day represents a child’s willingness to accept the body and blood of Christ every Sunday at Church for the rest of their lives.  

This important rite of passage in a Catholic’s life is widely celebrated. The boys and girls receiving their First Communion dressed up in beautiful white and off white dresses while our boys wore blue and grey suits.

There is generally a party with family and friends, traditions a lot of people follow, and gifts given to children on this significant day. It is an exciting time for the whole family, and the kids who received their First Communion are given religious gifts such as bibles or a rosary. Although the First Communion is a time of celebration, it is important for your children to remember why it is such a significant moment in their lives. The party should not be the main focus of their First Communion day.  

During a child’s First Communion, we remind our children what the point of First Communion is and why it is such a special significant moment. These students completed at least a full year of religious education and by attending Mass regularly, with these two factors: children should be getting enough knowledge to understand what their faith means and, in turn, what the First Communion represents.

Father Francis and Deacon Pat held two beautiful services that catapulted another class of Second Graders further into their faith. Now, you will see these children receiving communion in lieu of their usual special blessings.  

Some our second graders were asked to reflect about their experience...  

“My favorite part about First Communion was doing the reading in front of the whole church.” -Riley, Bobby, Katja, Tomas, Ava, Madelyn, Rory

“My favorite part about First Communion was getting the host for the first time.” - Hayden

“I liked bringing up the hosts and the gifts to the altar.” -Mariana, Mercy, Sloane, and Sebastian

“My favorite part of First Communion was doing a reading in front of the church.” -Katina, Lizzy, Rob, Katherine, Ryker

“My favorite was getting the Eucharist for the first time.” - Lizzy

“My favorite part of First Communion was celebrating with my family afterwards.” -Maddy

“My favorite part of First Communion was when I got to bring up the gifts to the altar.” -Isla, Sophia, Maddy, Brian 

“My grandma and mom helped me feel comfortable through all of it.” -Madelyn

“My grandma and grandpa came to support me at my First Communion.” - Bobby

“My Godfather helped me and gave me a rosary to remind me that God is always with me.” -Katja

“Our teachers, our parents, our God-parents, and Father Francis helped us prepare for First Communion.”

“I remember practicing receiving the host instead of just a blessing.” -Mercy, Tomas, Riley, Rory, Bobby

“I remember practicing our parts for the reading” - Maggie

“I remember learning about the Last Supper and how Jesus gave up his body and blood for his disciples. He broke the bread and said a special blessing.” -Rory, Blythe, Tomas 

“I learned how to receive the Eucharist.” -Lizzy

“I learned my lines by heart.” -Katina

“I learned that Sunday is God’s day.” -Sophia

“I learned the order of the Mass at church” - Allie

“I learned ways to be like God, such as caring for other people.” -Jon

“I learned that no matter how busy you are you should go to church.” -Isla

“I learned that you have to make your First Reconciliation before First Communion.” -Maddy

“I am looking forward to receiving this sacrament every Sunday because it will bring me closer to Jesus.” -Alison

“I am looking forward to receiving this sacrament each week because when I take the Eucharist it is like being blessed by Jesus and knowing that he is alway right beside me.” -Ava 

“Yes I am looking forward to receiving this sacrament every Sunday because it brings Jesus closer to me.” - Rob and Lola

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