Matthew 28:19-20 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.
On Saturday, May 10, 2025 over 100 children received their Sacrament of First Holy Communion at St. Norbert. It was a record breaking, sweltering 97 degrees!
I’ve been blessed to have the best helpers. Teresa is a junior at Mater Dei High School, sings in the choir, is on the track team and makes time for volunteering as my assistant. Jacob, my grandson, is also on the track team and is busy with Boy Scouts. For every class Jacob lovingly bakes a special treat for the students. Both Teresa and Jacob share in reading Bible stories to the students.
When these children are confirmed, their parents go to great expense to make sure that they have the right attire, white dresses, shoes, and their hair is perfectly in order. Most of the boys in my class wore suits. Our parish offers a professional photographer. All these expenses add up. Two of my students had two other siblings making their First Holy Communion also. That’s three per family!
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Receiving First Holy Communion strengthens us to bond closer with Christ. Through penance and reconciliation our sins are forgiven. The Church wants us whole; through the forgiveness of sins we can move forward without any guilt. We can repair damaged relationships through reconciliation which restores our spiritual peace. So many graces are bestowed on us when we learn to forgive. The sincere purity of forgiveness restores our weakened character and gives us confidence to move past our sins. It helps us to clear our conscience of any unpleasant thoughts that have held us in bondage. With a clear conscience the Enemy can no longer remind us of our shortcomings. As for myself, not a day goes by without my committing venial sins. I attend daily Mass because I desire to remain in the good graces of God.
Children’s minds are pliable for a reason; we must, at a young age, introduce Christ. This is referred to as the “age of reason.” This takes place around the second grade, when children understand the difference between right and wrong. At this age children are aware when they have sinned. They also understand that sin is breaking God’s law. We all want our children to become productive members of society. This is why, as parents, it is our God-given responsibility to introduce them to Christ at a young age. This is part of the molding of children’s spirits and characters as servants of Christ. Parents who do not instill Christianity in their children’s lives will suffer the consequences of wayward children. These are the kids who will fall for every wind of doctrine. This is all due to the lack of a solid Christian foundation. Yes, many of these children will succeed, but they will always feel that sense of void in their lives. This void is in their spirits waiting to be awakened by serving God. There is nothing more fulfilling.
Our job as parents is never done because we must continue to pray for our children. I have been praying for my grandchildren to continue in their Christian walk and I’m also praying for their future helpmates. I know that both of my grown children are instilling Christ in their families. Nothing is more pleasing to me as a Christian parent, because what the future holds for them will be fulfilled, they will be complete.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, move upon the hearts of parents who are failing to introduce Christianity in their children’s lives. I pray for all students who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. May their hearts be filled with the desire to serve You, and may they ingest Your most precious body. Amen.
