First Holy Communion

A total of twenty-one of our children have received their first Holy Communion during masses held on Saturday, May 8th and 15th. They will receive Jesus Christ our Savior 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 is a special and happy day for their parents too.  They see 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 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. Elizabeth Knipe the director of our Religious Education Program and the parents who helped in preparing them to receive Holy Communion. Your hard work has paid off. May God reward you for your talent and time.

But the special congratulation goes to all who have 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