Miraculously the rain stayed away for both First Holy Communion Masses in spite of the fact that heavy rain had been forecast. Fr. O’Donnell must have a big sway with the Almighty!
The children looked wonderful and it was lovely to see the families gathered on this happy occasion.
During the homily , Fr. O’Donnell told the boys and girls that children are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He said that Jesus liked children very much. He told the children that the first thing Jesus wanted them to remember is that he loves them very much. He told them that Jesus liked Children because they are happy and trusting. Secondly he said Jesus liked children because they are curious and always want to learn and that Jesus asks them to learn as much about Jesus as they can. Fr O’Donnell then said Jesus loves children because children are trusting and he said Jesus says that they should trust him always.
Fr. O’Donnell reminded the pupils that on their birthdays their mummies and daddies give them presents to show love and that today they were getting the greatest present of all - Holy Communion. Jesus was giving himself and that is what makes it such a wonderful day for them.
After mass the children received party bags. All agreed it had been a wonderful parish day. One mummy remarked that due to the small numbers in attendance she actually got to see her child receive holy communion for the first time- there is nothing more special than that.
We wish the boys and girls every blessing on this special day. We would like to thank the parents, the teachers , Mr Mc Closkey, Mrs Phetrapai and Miss Mc Hugh for preparing the children. We hope it was worth the wait from May.
Special thanks to Fr. O’Donnell and Mr Brett Lockhart for the beautiful ceremonies and Mrs Toal for enhancing the masses with her lovely music. Thank you to Mrs Grainne O’Neill for designing the First Communion party bags. They were a big hit! Thank you to the PTA for all the goodies in the bags.
In spite of the strange times we find ourselves in, there was great joy, much rejoicing and the wonderful sound of laughter and happiness in our fabulous parish today. We have a lot to be grateful for. Thank you, God.
