Our young parishioners in the second grade of their elementary school will receive their First Holy Communion Sunday morning during the 10:30 Liturgy.
Congratulations to them and their parents on this very special day in their lives and the life of the parish.
Let us remember the children and their families, praying that this special day will be the beginning of a unique relationship with the Lord. Likewise, as a priest and Pastor, it is my prayer that this unique encounter with the Lord the begins for them in receiving Holy Communion may be the time when a few of them might begin to hear the call of the God to consider priesthood and/or consecrated life.
How well I remember my day of First Communion. I have in my room a statue of the Infant of Prague given to me by a priest-friend of our family on that day. It has special meaning because that priest, a much older man, said to me "I believe God is calling you to be a priest. I just know it." Surely a frightening message but one that stayed with me throughout my life, through moments of frustration and doubt in my seminary training.
So, it is important for all of us to remember these young people today and each day as they begin to walk a new pathway. While parents do all they can to make the day special through the First Communion "outfits" and special family gatherings, I hope we do not forget to speak to them of the very special experience that is theirs now: they have begun a relationship that is unlike any other they have had or will have. Speak to them of the spiritual nature of this day and its meaning for the remainder of their lives.
