May 2012

Dear Natalie, you have been looking forward to this day for a long time and now you are so excited. You are very special and important today and that is why we are all here for you. I have never seen you looking as pretty as you do this morning. You look like a little princess!

You have put on your new beautiful dress to meet Jesus in Holy Communion. But more important than the clothes you wear – is that you have also prepared your heart to meet Jesus. That is why you made your First Confession yesterday. You have been praying to Jesus for so long because you want to make sure your heart is ready for Jesus.

When Jesus comes to you, tell him you love him, and thank him for coming to you. After Holy Mass everyone will greet you. They are going to wish you all the best. Some people will even give you presents. But, you must remember the most important present today is Jesus coming to you in Holy Communion. Jesus coming to you is the best gift you will receive today and forever. Jesus is more important than all the money or presents, delicious food or cake.

Parents, for you this is a special day, and a happy day as well. Today you see your child taking a new step in faith as you present her to share with us all in the fullness of the Lord’s Supper for the first time. You were her first teachers in the ways of faith. You have to remember that it is through parents more than anyone else children come to know about God.

Even if you are a teacher, an excellent one, priest or parish, unless the children sense their parents’ faith they will not absorb faith. Teachers and priests cannot plant faith in the heart of children if parents do not.

Family, friends, people of the parish, this is a time of great rejoice for you too. You all in various ways have helped to lead Natalie to this special day. And I am sure you will help with her future growth in this faith. Please do so and please remember her in your prayers.

Finally Natalie the last word is for you.

I still remember my First Holy Communion and remember the place in the Church where I sat with my family. I hope you don’t forget today’s day too, your First Holy Communion Day. May Jesus make this day a very special one for you and your family. May he bring you great joy and fill your heart with his love.