Celebrate First Communion Anniversaries

Celebrate First Communion Anniversaries:

Most of us receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist when we’re in the second grade. We’ve prepared all year, and now, filled with joyful anticipation, the moment we will receive the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ is here. Really reflect on that for a moment. As Catholics, every Sunday (and weekday), we have the opportunity to receive Jesus—His body, soul, and divinity—in the Holy Eucharist, and continue to join in communion with him. Wow! When you reflect upon this amazing reality, the word “wow” does not even begin to describe the truth that is contained in the Holy Eucharist. Now, years after making our first communions, I wonder... Do we continue to approach and receive Him with the same enthusiasm and excitement we did as children on our First Communion Day? Or do we take this treasured sacrament, and He who is present in it, for granted; merely going through the motions instead of reflecting upon whom we are receiving into our bodies and inviting into our hearts? I’ll be the first to admit that there have been times in my life when I’ve merely gone through the motions and not truly appreciate the sacramental gift I have been given, but I’ve found that when I reflect and prepare through prayer, I’m able to see holy communion as the sacrament that it is and be aware that I am walking towards and receiving God the Son. Each time you receive communion, not only is it a chance for you to receive a sacrament, but it is an opportunity to connect with Jesus and Jesus with you in an intimate and extraordinary way! I challenge you, and myself, to approach the altar, and Jesus in the Eucharist, with the heart of your first-communion-self. When your first communion anniversary arrives, don’t overlook it. Celebrate your first communion anniversary and reflect and celebrate upon the beautiful sacrament of the Holy Eucharist each time you approach the altar and receive our Lord hidden in the veil of bread.

Some additional ways to celebrate your first communion anniversary:

1. Go to Mass

2. Go to reconciliation

3. Spend some time in adoration

4. Have a sweet treat

5. Look through your first communion photos with your kids,and talk about the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist with them

(Below are pictures of me on my first communion day)

(Here is a picture of my husband when he made first communion)

(A holy card I received on my first communion—I love this image!)

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