Dear Parishioners,
Our parish joyfully congratulates the children who received First Holy Communion this weekend. After months of prayer, learning, and preparation, they approached the altar for the first time to receive Jesus in the Eucharist—an important and grace-filled milestone in their journey of faith.
We give thanks for these young parishioners and for their families, catechists, and all who supported them along the way. May the Eucharist strengthen them, deepen their love for Christ, and guide them each day as they continue to grow as members of the Body of Christ.
St. Francis of Assisi teaches us to slow down, to gaze with wonder, and to recognize God’s presence hidden in simplicity. Nowhere is this truer than in the Eucharist. With reverent awe, Francis contemplated the humility of Christ, who chooses to remain with us under the gentle signs of bread and wine—quiet, vulnerable, and full of love.
As our First Communicants receive Jesus for the first time, they are invited into this sacred mystery of presence. The Eucharist is not only something we receive, but Someone who comes to dwell within us, shaping our hearts in silence and love. In this simple moment at the altar, heaven bends close to earth, and Christ gives Himself completely, asking only that we receive Him with trust.
In the Franciscan spirit, we remember that this same Christ continues to meet us beyond the church walls—in the beauty of creation, in moments of stillness, and in every person we encounter, especially those who carry suffering or need. Nourished by the Eucharist, we are gently formed to live with humility, compassion, and peace, becoming reflections of the One we receive.
May our First Communicants grow in quiet reverence for this gift, learning to listen for God’s presence in their hearts and in the world around them. Rooted in the love of Christ and inspired by the example of St. Francis, may their lives become a prayer of gratitude, peace, and joyful simplicity.
Please keep our First Communicants in your prayers as they continue to walk with Christ in faith and wonder:
Eve-Marie Armstrong, Leo Barney, Saoirse Bavinger-Sulaimana, Caroline Bentley (receiving May 17), Ava Bouzas, Ella Burch, Derek Busciglio, Viviana Calder, William Coyle, Sophia DuCoin, Claire Ferguson, Evelyn Gargasz, John Hay, Maeve Heffelmire, Price Henderson, Jackson Howard, Peter Linn, Alaiia Lopez, Carter Mairink, Logan Mairink, Nicholas Maniscalco, Michael Martino, Davis McCrory, Cecilia McLamore, Aubrey Mendoza, Cullen Owens, John Pasteur, William Pugh, Mark Sarver, Julian Vazquez.
Prayer for our First Communicants: Loving and humble God, we thank You for the gift of the Eucharist, through which Your Son remains with us in love. Bless our First Communicants as they take this sacred step. May their hearts always recognize Jesus present—on the altar, in creation, and in one another. Form them in the way of St. Francis, to walk gently, to love generously, and to become instruments of Your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike
