Can anyone receive Jesus into his heart and not die? ~ Blessed Imelda

Sweetie received her First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 12, 2012.  It was a sweet consolation for Sweetie to receive our Lord on the feast day of Bl. Imelda Lambertini, patron of First Communicants.

Lord Jesus Christ, you received into heaven Blessed Imelda who loved you in the Eucharistic banquet. By her prayers may we learn to approach your holy table with that same fervent love and so fulfill our longing to be with you, who live and reign with the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

~General Calendar of the Order of Preachers

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PRE COMMUNION

We started formation in the home and Sweetie received formal preparation from Fr. L.

FHC Practice

First Confession – Fr. S

We moved forward with the physical details once Sweetie completed her FHC test from Fr. S.

We had initially decided to let Sweetie wear a dress from her sisters’ collection.  However, Grandma & Grandpa wouldn’t have it.  They contributed to Sweeties dress fund.

I found four dress and was able to narrow it down to two options.  I brought them home for Sweetie to try on.  She chose the simplest dress with the less “poofy” veil with the headband, of course.  In typical Sweetie fashion, she changed her mind the following day.  She opted to wear Rose’s Jessica McClintock flower girl’s dress with the overlay that Great Grandma Helen made for Rose’s FHC.  Her veil was left unchanged.

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BEFORE MASS

We managed to leave the house at the right time.  We said a rosary on the way to church for the intentions of Sweetie and all the First Holy Communicants. 

We had plenty of time to spare before Father collected the children.  Sweetie made a visit to Jesus.

She returned outside to greet her guests and visit with her friends.

Here is Sweetie with her fellow Little Flowers.  There were a total of 12 LF receiving FHC.

This is Sweetie with her dear friend.

We managed to get our family pics before Mass.  Hopefully someone, out there, has a decent pic of us.  If not, this will have to do.

We were filled with joy for the blessed gift that Sweetie was about to receive for the first time.

The children began to line up to process into Mass.

The MC organized the First Holy Communicants.

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MASS

AFTER MASS

The children re-entered the church after Mass for their enrollment in the Brown Scapular.

O God, Who hast honored the Order of Carmel with the special title of Thy most Blessed Mother Mary, ever Virgin: mercifully grant, that we who celebrate her memory this day with solemn office, may be shielded by her protection and deserve to come to everlasting joys: Who livest and reignest. ~ Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

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CELEBRATION

Sweetie was blessed to have wonderful turnout of family to join her for FHC – Auntie, Uncle, Teo, T, Lea, Grandma, Uncle R, Auntie S, Uncle E, Ari, Aunt Y, Nino & Nina and three of her Godsisters.  Sadly, Papa and Nana could not be physically present.  Papa was in the Respiratory ICU.  They were both missed but Sweetie understood that they were with her in prayer.

Sweetie with her Nino & Nina (Godparents).

We were sure not to miss a photo opp with any one of our blessed priests. We did, however, miss the presence of Fr. D.  He is no longer able to travel long distances.

Sweetie received her FHC instruction and First Holy Communion from Fr. L.

Fr. M is our Pastor.  Fr. S administered Sweetie’s First Confession.

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There were 36 First Communicants.

DEO GRATIAS

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Linked to First Communion JOY – Party

My Beloved Jesus,
On This Joyous Day,
I Have Been Given
The Opportunity To
Receive In Communion,
Your Body, Your Blood,
Your Spirit And
Your Supreme Divinity:
May I Prove Worthy And
Appreciative Of This Most
Scared Gift Bestowed.

~ Communion Invitation