First Holy Communion
Beginning Saturday and continuing for the next two Saturdays, over 200 boys and girls will be making their First Holy Communion – one of the great occasions in the life of a family and parish. The following excerpt from an article by Whitney Hetzel at The Catholic Company captures this.
Why a Child’s First Communion is a Big Deal
As Catholics, we know that the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith: it is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What Pope Francis "Sacrament of Love".
For children preparing to receive their First Holy Communion, this is a big deal. And for all of us, no matter how many times we have received Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, it should always be a big deal.
What makes it so special the first time is the same thing that makes it special every time! Jesus comes to us in a unique way in the Eucharist. When He comes, we receive Him into our body and our soul. This is very beautiful, personal, and intimate. We should not take it for granted!
Father Roger Landry of the Diocese of Fall River says, "...what makes one's first Communion a truly blessed event is not the adjective but the substantive: not the 'first' but the 'communion.' Because of whom we receive, the second, third, next, and last Communion should always be as special."
Unfortunately, for many of us Catholics, First Holy Communion has become simply a rite of passage. The essence of the celebration is lost among the parties and gifts. "Parties and gifts are fine," says one priest, "as long as the focus never strays from what the celebration is truly about."
"You come to me," says St. Maximilian Kolbe to Jesus, speaking for us, "and unite Yourself intimately to me under the form of nourishment. . . What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such!"
St. Mother Teresa says for you and your family: "Jesus has made Himself the Bread of Life to give us life. Night and day, He is there. If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist..."
