May 28 - 5:30pm at St. Joseph - Vigil Mass for the Ascension of the Lord
May 29 - 9:00am at St. Mary - Mass for the Ascension of the Lord
From the Desk of Father John
First Holy Communion 2025: Community Celebration
Lincoln Bancroft
Josie Bourgoine
Olive Bowen
Lucas Moose
Finn Schwenzer
The day that one receives Holy Communion for the first time should be one of the most joy-filled days in any person’s life. Holy Communion is a very special grace because in the Eucharist we receive God into our hearts. God loves us so much that He wants to be with us always. As a parish we rejoice to witness our young people receive the body and the precious blood of Jesus for the first time. Congratulations to them and welcome to the Eucharistic table. The reception of First Communion is not a private affair. It is more than a family affair. It is an event which affects the whole church of Holy Family Catholic Community. That is why we have it at the parish Mass on a Sunday. The children are not only being initiated into full participation in the Mass but also initiated and welcomed into the community of faith which gathers to celebrate the Mass, and which tries to live the Eucharistic life throughout the week. All of us should be affirmed in faith by witnessing the faith of the young people who have tirelessly and with commitment worked hard for this day and who are full of excitement and joy at sharing in the banquet of the Lord for the first time. After we receive Him in Holy Communion, we should spend time in prayer with Him and thank Him for giving Himself to us. After we have received Holy Communion, it is good to tell Jesus whatever is on our heart. It is good to talk to Jesus while He is in your soul. We are never so close to God in this world as when we have just received Him in Holy Communion
The day of First Holy Communion is a great day of celebration in the parish. I remember as though it was yesterday, when together with other boys and girls of my own age, I received the Eucharist for the first time in the parish church of my town. This event is usually commemorated in a family photo, so that it will never be forgotten. Photos like these generally remain with the person all through his or her life. As time goes by, people take out these pictures and experience once again the emotions of those moments; they return to purity and joy experienced in that meeting with Jesus, the one who out of love became the Redeemer of Man.
It is important that first communion not be last communion. Parents have a serious obligation to bring their children to celebrate the Eucharist every weekend. The beautiful faith so evident in these children today can die if it is not cultivated. Children must learn that mass on the weekend is important, more important than sports, shopping, or the many other things that can occupy free time. Parents who neglect to bring their children to Mass are
teaching them that Mass is not as important as these other things. Also, Religious Education or Formation does not end with first communion. Children and youth should continue to receive Faith Formation in every one of their formative years. Faith must develop with the child. It should not be fixed at a second (or other) grade level. Parents would not think of ending their children’s secular education at the second grade. Why should education in the faith be any different? Our formation in the faith should continue long after our school days are over. We should never stop growing in our knowledge and appreciation of our faith.
Many people helped our children on their way to their First Communion Day. It’s always an inspiration to watch the intense gaze of their eyes and solemn gestures as they take Our Lord into their hearts for the first time. The joy of the occasion of First Communion goes far beyond the Children and their families. The teachers who have prepared them for this day also enjoy watching these children receive this sacrament, knowing that this part in their growth in faith has been accomplished, and wondering what these children will become one day after being so close to Jesus at this point of their life. We congratulate the parents who have persevered in providing Christian education for their children. We thank the teachers and catechists who have given of their time and talent to see that these children are properly prepared. I know you will join me in thanking our Faith-Formation Team: Tiese Bowen, Berky Bowen, Marty Wilson, Heidi Robison, and Heather Feely working together with our Faith-Formation Director, Rachele Sick. And finally, thanks to all of you, the people of Holy Family Catholic Community, whose presence, prayer, and patience provide the prayerful context for these wonderful celebrations of grace. I hope that every time we receive Holy Communion we do so as if it were our first time, as if it were our last time, and as if it were our only time!
Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, prays for our First Holy Communion children! May they love Him as you love Him! God bless and congratulation to the First Holy Communion class of 2025, I love you all, Fr. John