Emily's First Holy Communion

On Sunday, May 11, 2008 - Mother's Day - Emily had her First Holy Communion. She was joined by four of her classmates and 20 other children from the parish. When they knelt for the first time in the Mass, Emily didn't remover her foot quick enough and the other six kids in the pews knelt on her big toe. This was something I was completely unaware of until she and our priest, Father Sichko, brought it up at the reception afterwards.

Traditionally, Emily received a Bible from her parents, a rosary from Grandma and Papa, and a cross necklace from Grandma and Grandpa.

Much thanks to Sister Mary Thomas, her 2nd grade teacher, C. Cornette and B. Reister for organizing the event.

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. John 6:35

Emily's First Reconciliation

Congratulations to Emily for making her First Reconciliation this evening at St. Mark Catholic Church!

Emily, along with her five classmates from St. Mark Catholic School and several CCD students, have been preparing for this special occaision for the last month.

I was amazed at how well she memorized her Act of Contrition! I remember the days back in grade school when memorization was so important. It seems now the thought is, "If you know how to look it up, there is no need to memorize."

Nicholas, Rebecca, and I all went to Confession as well. It was interesting, as we were walking out of church, how determined the kids were to compare their penances, like the length and amount of the penance equaled the severity and number of your sins!