The Bread from Heaven

For the fourth time we have prepared one of our children for their First Holy Communion, and for the fourth time I cried as the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord came to dwell in my child's waiting heart. Yesterday, it was Sammy's turn.

He was ready. He was eager. He was adorable.

He answered the questions.He fulfilled his duties.(big brother Isaac is the altar server to the right of Father)

Best of all, he opened his heart to the Grace awaiting him.
It was beautiful.
"Let me solemnly assure you,
if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man
and drink his blood,
you have no life in you.
He who feeds on my flesh
and drinks my blood
has life eternal,and I will raise him up on the last day.
For my flesh is real food
and my blood is real drinkl.
The man who feeds on my flesh
and drinks my blood
remains in me, and I in him. " (John 6:53-56)

Welcome to the feast, Sammy!

The day was made even more special by the fact that it was the 23rd anniversary of Fr. Shawn's Ordination. Father was ordained exactly 2 weeks before Scott and I got married. We've known him since he was a deacon and are so thankful for his friendship and his priesthood. Father's orthodoxy is solid as a rock, and we know we can trust him to guide us in the Truth.
Thank you, Father and congratulations!
Father and Sammy celebrating:)

The Kiss of Jesus

Congratulations to my dear niece, Victoria. She received Jesus for the first time today. What a special time, what a happy day! Here are St. Therese's words about her First Holy Communion:

"I would not tell you everything, even if I could, for there are certain things which lose their fragrance in the open air, certain thoughts so intimate that they cannot be translated into earthly language without losing at once their deep and heavenly meaning. How lovely it was, that first kiss of Jesus in my heart -- it was truly a kiss of love. I knew that I was loved and said, "I love You, and I give myself to You forever."

Blessings to you, Tori!

First bit of curriculum planning

My sister-in-law and I hashed out our plans for two of our children who will be making their First Holy Communions next spring. I'd like to thank some online friends who shared their ideas with me. We are really excited to do this "main lesson book" style. I think the children will enjoy it and their notebooks will be a keepsake to look back on. Since I feel like I always "glean"(read: 'swipe') so much from other blogs, I would like to be able to give a little bit back. So, for what it is worth, I have shared our plans below:

First Holy Communion Notebook 2009-2010

1. Ultrasound picture w/bible verse, Psalm 139:13,14 copywork
2. Name Acrostic
3. Patron saints – color pictures and narration (Samuel and Peter)
4. Baptismal certificate and picture of Baptism
5. Seven Sacraments – cut construction paper, glue as ladder, see First Communion Baltimore Catechism pg. 35.
6. First Penance – 10 Commandments – cut out construction paper ‘tablets’, blue into notebook. Glue pre-cut strips of commandments in order on the tablets.
7. First Penance – Steps of Good Confession pg. 41 BC (glue strips in order) Color and glue Gentle Examen for Children (CHC) on opposite page
8. Act of Contrition – illustrate and glue into notebook; make bookmark (see Catholic Heritage Curricula second grade lesson plans)
************** Save page for pix of First Penance**************
TAKE PICTURES OF MASS KIT OBJECTS for next three lessons
9. Mass kit presentation – Set up altar and credence table, take pix of objects, have kids cut, paste and label
10. Mass kit presentation – Consecration I from Home Catechesis Manual, label and glue
11. Mass kit presentation – Consecration II from Home Catechesis Manual, label and glue
12.The Weight of a Mass read and narrate, place illustrated narration in book
****Take home Precious Life books and read this week****
13. Precious Life books – draw Chalice and Host picture (narrate child’s understanding of the True Presence depicted in the picture)
14. Passover and Last Supper(This lesson may take 2 sessions)—read stories from a children’s bible and have child narrate back. Point out symbolism and comparisons between:
a. Blood of the Lamb & Blood of the Lamb of God (saved its people)
b. Bread of Freedom becomes Body of Christ (Jesus used unleavened bread at the Last Supper/Passover meal)
c. Freedom from Slavery & Freedom from Slavery of Sin
15. John Paul II’s For the Children – picture of John Paul II holy communion with quote (cut and paste)
16. Anima Christi (prayer after Communion) illustrated
17. Pictures of First Holy Communion with child’s impressions of day

We will be reading the St. Joseph First Communion Baltimore Catechism, Little Nellie of Holy God, and perhaps Bl. Imelda Lambertini (a Windeatt book) to round out the curriculum. What a great way to prepare for the Sacrament!