Wow ! Reagan received her First Communion this weekend and was so excited! Her journey started in first grade with weekly homework and two exams. She was also required to learn six different prayers (Genuflection method and meaning, Grace Before Meals, Hail Mary, Our Father, Sign of the Cross, and Glory Be).
This year it got a lot harder. She had classes weekly, in addition to weekly homework in an activity book. She was required to attend mass and complete an Mass Attendance Worksheet weekly. This worksheet asked her to list the priest name, date/church attended, color of the vestments and a summary of the gospel and homily. If she missed more than three she would not be considered for receiving First Communion. In addition to weekly homework and the weekly mass worksheet she completed two workbooks that were over 60 pages each. These included drawings, crossword puzzles and other test questions about information she had read/learned in class. She was also required to memorize seven more prayers that were a little harder than the previous year (Guardian Angel Prayer, Act of Contrition, Act of Faith, Act of Hope, Act of Love, Morning Offering, and Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel). As part of her learning this year she also received her First Penance (confession).
She had two excellent teachers this year and last who helped her learn throughout the years and guide her on her journey. She was excited to have several friends from school attend classes with her and join her at her First Communion. I was very relieved that all the children received communion by mouth at the service. Unfortunately because she can't turn her left hand over, receiving by hand is not possible. As we entered church Sunday after First Communion on Saturday she asked if she could receive using her hands and my heart sank. I love her spirit for wanting to do things that are hard, but this is one that I think she's going to have to learn to accept.
We had a wonderful celebration at the house after the service with a few friends and family. We were so thankful for those who could join us and celebrate such a big day for Reagan. Given she was Baptized in the hospital a few days before her brain surgery we were not able to have a celebration at the church or at home after. So this day was especially meaningful to all of us...not only to be at the church, but to know how much God has graced her healing over the last 7 plus years. We pray that He continues to help her grow and become the woman He intends for her. We are so proud of her!!
Wow ! Reagan received her First Communion this weekend and was so excited! Her journey started in first grade with weekly homework and two exams. She was also required to learn six different prayers (Genuflection method and meaning, Grace Before Meals, Hail Mary, Our Father, Sign of the Cross, and Glory Be).
This year it got a lot harder. She had classes weekly, in addition to weekly homework in an activity book. She was required to attend mass and complete an Mass Attendance Worksheet weekly. This worksheet asked her to list the priest name, date/church attended, color of the vestments and a summary of the gospel and homily. If she missed more than three she would not be considered for receiving First Communion. In addition to weekly homework and the weekly mass worksheet she completed two workbooks that were over 60 pages each. These included drawings, crossword puzzles and other test questions about information she had read/learned in class. She was also required to memorize seven more prayers that were a little harder than the previous year (Guardian Angel Prayer, Act of Contrition, Act of Faith, Act of Hope, Act of Love, Morning Offering, and Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel). As part of her learning this year she also received her First Penance (confession).
She had two excellent teachers this year and last who helped her learn throughout the years and guide her on her journey. She was excited to have several friends from school attend classes with her and join her at her First Communion. I was very relieved that all the children received communion by mouth at the service. Unfortunately because she can't turn her left hand over, receiving by hand is not possible. As we entered church Sunday after First Communion on Saturday she asked if she could receive using her hands and my heart sank. I love her spirit for wanting to do things that are hard, but this is one that I think she's going to have to learn to accept.
We had a wonderful celebration at the house after the service with a few friends and family. We were so thankful for those who could join us and celebrate such a big day for Reagan. Given she was Baptized in the hospital a few days before her brain surgery we were not able to have a celebration at the church or at home after. So this day was especially meaningful to all of us...not only to be at the church, but to know how much God has graced her healing over the last 7 plus years. We pray that He continues to help her grow and become the woman He intends for her. We are so proud of her!!
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