First Holy Communion

 

Iver had his first Holy Communion at St. Mary's this Sunday which is a big deal for Catholics and a reason for my in-laws' current visit. Iver has been working hard in two years of preparation via Sunday school taught by some wonderful women and community members (Patty and Traci), whose kids also were participants. 

There was a Confession and rehearsal on Saturday. 

Sunday morning, we took some family deck photos (after I had unsuccessfully tried to talk Kelvin out of wearing a navy blazer with black pants and brown shoes along with a plaid shirt and striped socks. He did change the shoes.). 

So grown up!

Pepper is still part of the family-- for now!  (And yes, that is a carrot "sword" in a quiver on Niall's back).

We got to the church early. 

Liz, the mother of one of the other boys, is a professional photographer and took lovely photos. 

Niall also "practiced" kneeling and praying. He's also been going to Sunday school and may be Communion-eligible in a couple of years.

 

 

Iver and the other boys getting their First Communion were major participants in the service, helping bring flowers up the aisle and each doing a reading.

First Communion! (the disgusted look on one kid, Michael's, face after he tasted the wafer dipped in wine and then turned back to the pews, was priceless!). Niall asked me if he could have some and I told him "Not yet." "But I ate some 'Body of Christ' at home before!" (we'd had some old wafers at home at one point that we told him were like the Communion ones!).

The four recipients with the priests and altar servers

Family photo time!

So much support!

Some of our friends, including Lori, Sara, Brenda, and the Rosses, joined us for the Mass and then lunch in Arcata.

Iver did so well preparing and reading for the mass. Our friends and family were so generous to come and support him and for showering him with gifts.  I think he truly felt special and "grown up." We hope this is just the start of a long life of faith for him!