Bless our First Communicants

From the Desk of Father David

Dear Friends in Christ,

             Last Sunday we celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd who not only died and rose to give us new life, He also accepts us as we are, blesses us every day with new blessings, guides our footsteps, picks us up when we fall and does this gently.  Only after we are with Him in heaven will we really know the number of times He did these things for us.  We will also know how many times He actually carried us through difficulties.  The poem “Footprints”, is a good reminder to us that Jesus walks right beside us sharing our joys and hurting when we hurt.  We are ultimately responsible to grow deeper in this relationship.  The Church, faith filled people, retreat directors and others can assist us but we are responsible to take action to follow Christ.  What are you willing to do to deepen your faith in Jesus Christ?  What can you do to help others follow Christ?

This weekend we have six children making their First Holy Communion.  I thank their parents, teachers, this faith community, and all those who have helped them to know Jesus and the beauty of the Eucharist.  Please pray the following prayer for them:

“Lord Jesus Christ, bless the children coming forward to receive Holy Communion for the first time.  May this day be the step toward a lifelong love of the Eucharist. Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to you for comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship. Thank you for their innocence and goodness.  May their hands, extended in anticipation of your body and blood, inspire all of us to cherish this sacred Sacrament.  Amen.”

Jesus as You nourish us with Your very self, help us to appreciate this great banquet and give of ourselves to nourish others with Your love, peace and forgiveness.  Amen!

In Easter joy,

Fr. David