Josephine's First Holy Communion

Yesterday was Josephine's First Holy Communion. She was excited. All last week she'd bound in the front door off the school bus and ask to try on her dress and veil. Cousin Tessa generously loaned us hers. Jo counted down the days to Sunday. Saturday morning we were at the church to practice processing in and find our assigned pew. The children also got a first taste of the unconsecrated host and wine. And on Sunday morning Jo woke up at 6:30am gushing that her Communion Day was finally here. After lunch mom helped her put on tights, the dress, shoes and fix her hair. She wanted to wear new necklaces from GG and Auntie Sarah and a bracelet from Great Grandma Jo. She put on the veil last.

At the beginning of mass, Fr. Chuck invited the 54 first communicants to gather around the baptismal font to renew their baptismal promises. The children enthusiastically shouted I DO! on cue. They got a bit carried away and gave a resounding I DO! instead of AMEN for the last response.

When it came time to receive communion, Jo led us down the aisle. Dad holding Mallory and Mom holding Gloria trailed right behind her. Jo held her hands up just like she'd practiced and said Amen to receive the Body of Christ from Fr. Chuck. Then she turned to her teacher and said Amen to receive the Blood of Christ.

Jo was delighted to see so many family members at church for her special day. After mass Jo quickly collected the posters she made on retreat and her new Break Through! Bible. She couldn't wait to head home for the party and couldn't believe all the nice comments she received.

After eating ice cream cake Jo changed out of her dress so she could head to the park to play with cousins Audrey and Jeremy. And climb her favorite pine tree.

Tomorrow Jo will wear her dress again for her second communion at the little historic church at school with her 12 classmates. Stain-master Dad cleaned up her white shoes for the occasion.