As the seasons change so do our lives. This week Spring begins. We start getting out more as the weather brightens and our children are involved in new things and finishing up old ones. We currently have one class left for instruction on March 23rd. (This class will be totally devoted to the Eucharist---and questions from the children) Then comes Holy Week and Easter. April 6th we will be getting ready for First Holy Communion. This class we are asking parents and children to attend together. (It does not have to be both parents and it can be a grandparent---whatever works.) It will be almost the same time frame---give or take a few minutes. It is meant for families to have a little time together before the actual First Communion. I have met with Father Chris we have gone over everything. We are going to gather in church at 9:00 am. Father will talk about the mass and what will take place. It should be about 10-15 min. with him. (And you know Father, He will be on time.) Then, I will go through where approximately families will be sitting etc. ) We will then go downstairs to the large meeting room. There is a video that we will watch that takes about 15 minutes from the Augustine Institute Series called You are Loved. It is about the Eucharistic Rite of the Mass. We have piloted parts of the program this year and have had great response from the children---especially with the video portion. After the video, we have a small project for the children to work on---with some adult support. It's not a banner. So, it should be easier and less time consuming. When they are done with it, they will bring it to the back of the room, to one of the instructors. We are going to finish it up so it can be picked up following the First Communion Mass in the Kennedy Room. When your child is done you are free to go. So, judging from past experience you may be done before 10:00am. It all depends. Families have asked about the time frame for the April 12th Mass. The April 12th Mass is blocked off on the Church Calendar from 6-8pm. The Mass itself should be about the same length as other special occasions. (About 50 min. to 60 min. and Father will start at 6pm) Following the mass, you are free to take pictures. Father is very generous and will stay as long as families like for him to be in photos. (We usually have one big group photo taken with him and the children.) So, it is really up to you following mass how long you want to stay.
The class yesterday was devoted to the mass and what is happening during it. It had a lot of information and we tried to get everything in. It was one of the most important besides this Saturday's class which will focus on the Eucharist. I have one video this week for both you and your child on the mass. It takes about 20 minutes and tries to put everything into perspective from a child's point of view. Yes, it was done a while ago, but the presentation and information make it still watchable and relevant today for First Communion Candidates and families. Please try and view it with your child before we meet April 6th. May you have a great week and are able to find some of God's Blessings along the way.