First Eucharist

On Saturday, May 13th, fifteen of our children received their first Holy Communion. They received Jesus Christ our Savior for the first time.  There is no doubt that meeting with Jesus in First Holy Communion is an unforgettable moment, a day to be remembered as one of life’s most beautiful.  It is a day of great family celebration.

This was a special day and a happy day for their parents too.  They saw their children taking a new step in faith. It is through their parents, more than anyone else that these children have come to know about God.  And it is on their parents that they will continue to depend for many years yet, to help them grow in their response to God’s love in their lives. No matter how excellent the teacher, or what the parish does, unless the children sense their parents’ faith they will not absorb faith.  The faith of their parents will be their strength through life. Teachers and priests cannot alone plant faith in the heart of somebody’s children if parents do not.

This was also a time of great rejoicing for relations, friends, and people of the parish. They have in various ways helped to lead these children to this special day.  And they too have a responsibility for the future growth of their faith.

Today I particularly wish to thank Mrs. Sandra Kopka the director of our Religious Education Program and the teachers who trained these children so that they can receive Holy Communion: Mrs. Stacey Gallagher, catechist, and Mrs. Kathryn Sniscak, assistant catechist. Thank you to the Rosarians and Prayer Shawl Ministry for their gifts and prayers. May God reward you for your talent and time.

But the special congratulation goes to all who made their First Communion. I hope you will always treasure this beautiful gift that Jesus gave you, and that through time you will realize that you are to become more and more like Jesus every day.

Fr. Chester