It was a BIG week for Sweet Caroline as she turned eight (gulp) and made her First Holy Communion this week. Now, this may be because I am her Mom, but I truly think she was the prettiest girl I had ever seen...she was just glowing with happiness.
We went to mass as a family and both sets of grandparents were in town as well as my own grandmother. The Gospel was given to the kids in a very special way by our priest who instead of reading it from scripture, he told it to them as a story in his own words on their level. We had lunch; opened gifts (lots of jewelry, woo hoo!), and celebrated with cake.
They couldn't get any cuter, could they?!
As Catholics, this is a special time in our life because it is a sacrament of initiation; it brings you closer to God is another way we encounter Jesus in a very physical way. We don't merely think that we are symbolically receiving Christ, but in the Eucharist we are literally receiving Him.
Caroline's teachers did a beautiful job preparing the children for this and our priest gave a great homily on "happy meals", which this Eucharist is. "Eucharist" means "thanksgiving" and that is what we as parents are trying to instill in our children...having an attitude of gratitude and knowing from where it all stems; Jesus.
Oh Kristen, she is beyond beautiful! So happy for her and the twins look sooooo grown up all dressed in their Sunday best! Sure hope we get to see you all this summer.
ReplyDeleteJulie