Pastoral Council The Pastoral Council will meet after Mass this morning. Please pick up your brunch on your way to the meeting. If you are interested in being elected to the Pastoral Council, please let Sharon Backus or Kim Frome know immediately. Elections to the Council will take place at Mass next Sunday, the 22nd.

Holy Family Survey

The comments are very slowly trickling in. If you have forgotten to voice your opinion, please do so on line or use the bulletin form or request that we put extra forms out.

Council of Catholic Women

The Council will meet after Mass on the 22nd. Please plan to be there to discuss changes and happenings within the organization.

Addition of an additional Mass

To alleviate the crowding we have experienced in the past month (a blessing to be sure) we will add an additional Mass beginning on August 5th at 8:30 am. The additional Mass time will end on September 30th, and youth religious education (CCD) will begin on October 7th. There will be growing pains with the addition - for instance, music may be acapella, and we will undoubtedly be short servers. However, we will overcome these minor inconveniences as  we have overcome other obstacles to our growth.
 

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The feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel



“What’s that thing you’re always wearing?” And so began another discussion of the Brown Scapular that hangs around my neck. This time it was while visiting New Orleans with my sister. A city suffused with Catholicism plus voodoo shops, gris-gris and the like was, perhaps, the perfect place to explain the two small pieces of brown wool on a cord that I always wear. The Brown Scapular is neither a good luck charm, talisman, amulet nor gris-gris. It is a sacramental; a symbol of devotion and yoke of obedience to Our Lady of Mount Carmel whose feast we celebrate on July 16. Simply put, in the words of the always humorously orthodox John Zmirak, the Brown Scapular is “a sleek and minimalist version of the Carmelite habit.”(1)

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is – no surprise here – the patroness of the Carmelite Order. Mt. Carmel, near the modern port city of Haifa, Israel, is not far from where Christ grew up. This had been a holy mountain long before the birth of Our Lord and by the twelfth century it had become a home to Carmelite monastics with a particular devotion to the Virgin Mary as their patroness. By the end of the thirteenth century assorted political and religious strife had caused the Carmelites to depart from Mt. Carmel and travel to Europe. Some Carmelites established monasteries as far north as England.

For more background, a brief yet thorough explanation of the history of the Brown Scapular has been written by the brilliant Discalced Carmelite writer and translator, Reverend Kieran Kavanaugh. It can be read here.

It was in England in the thirteenth century that one Carmelite, St. Simon Stock, is said to have received the Brown Scapular from Our Lady after having written the beautiful Flos Carmeli prayer. In (small t) tradition, St. Simon Stock was also given Mary’s promise of final perseverance and the Sabbatine privilege to those who die wearing the Brown Scapular. Simply put, the Sabbatine privilege consists of the intercession of Our Lady to take the soul of the scapular wearer to heaven on the first Saturday after his death. As I said, small t tradition. The Carmelites themselves have said, “Well-meaning people have often spread the devotion with extravagant claims that have no historical background and which are difficult to reconcile with sound Christian Doctrine.

The Carmelite Order certainly does want to share Our Lady’s patronage with those devoted to her and still extends their habit (in the form of the Scapular) and affiliation to the Church Universal. Regarding the promises made to St. Simon Stock, “Carmelite Superiors then point out that private revelation can neither add to nor detract from the deposit of faith in the Catholic Church.”(3) Rather than dwell on concerns of scapular promises, it may be better to remember the words of the great Carmelite, St. John of the Cross, “Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world disturb it; reflect that all must come to an end.” (wordonfire.org)

The Pastoral Council will meet next Sunday after Mass
 

Holy Family Survey
The comments are very slowly trickling in. If you have forgotten to voice your opinion, please do so on line or use the bulletin form or request that we put extra forms out.


The month of July traditionally honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. It is the blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, which cleanses from sin, therefore the Church developed a devotion to Jesus' physical blood and its mystical power, just as it did for his Sacred Heart from which his blood poured out on the Cross. The Precious Blood of Jesus courses through the Church spiritually, giving eternal life to the Body of Christ through the sacraments. Many saints had a devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus, most notably St. Catherine of Siena. Devotion to the Precious Blood spread greatly through the preaching of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, a 19th century priest and founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, and was later approved and recommended by the Holy See. The feast day of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus was on
July 1st.

Wednesday Evening Mass
The evening Mass for July will be celebrated on Wednesday the 11th at 6:00 pm.

Rosaries

Ali has a beautiful selection of rosaries in the display case if you are looking for a special gift. Take a look and if interested, ask her for details.

 

 

The Knights are hosting an after Mass picnic this morning. There will be ham-burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, ice cream and lots of fun. 

 

The Finance Council will meet after Mass this morning to work on the budget. 

 

4th of July Parade 

Holy Family is again planning to have a float in the 4th of July parade in Thayne. Please meet at the church on Tuesday the 3rd at 5:00 pm to decorate the float and at 9:30 am Wednesday morning at the Star Valley Medical Center on Peterson Park Way for the parade. 

 

Dynamic Catholic 

“Truth is beautiful, and the truth about you is beautiful. You and I are not perfect, but we are beautifully imperfect.” 

 

Job Vacancy 

The Diocese of Cheyenne has an opening for Director of Pastoral Ministries. The Director of Pastoral Ministries assists the Diocesan Bishop in developing and directing a Pastoral Ministries Plan for the Diocese of Cheyenne. Bilingual (Spanish and English) conversational and written, preferred. Submit an application, letter of Interest and a current resume by mail, e-mail, online, or in person by July 24, 2018 to: Tammy Skala, Human Resource Director, Diocese of Cheyenne, 2121 Capitol Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, Office: 307-638-1530 -tskala@dioceseofcheyenne.org - Find all information online, including complete job description and application:www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/employment.html
 

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Pastoral Council

 

We are in the process of gathering nominations for an upcoming Pastoral Council election so we are seeking volunteers for the council positions. This is a great opportunity to serve God and serve Holy Family. The Pastoral Council investigates, considers, and proposes practical conclusions about the things that pertain to the pastoral works of Holy Family. More specifically, the Pastoral Council may be involved with planning; catechetical, missionary and apostolic initiatives; improvement of sacramental life of our members; pastoral activities; raising awareness of concerns of the Church; and reviewing studies and recommendations regarding ministries. When money matters are involved, the Pastoral Council communicates with the Finance Council.

We are a Church so obviously our primary focus is furthering Jesus’ ministries here on earth. Some of you are likely to be ideally suited for development and improvement of ministries. Others may have skills that are ideal for decisions regarding the physical building and grounds. Some of you may possess talents for both. The Pastoral Council will function best with a mix of both talents represented. Don’t be afraid toexpress your interest and let us know your talents.

The Pastoral Council meets the 3rd Sunday of every month, but may be called to meet more often if circumstances warrant it. In order to reorganize the council so that terms are staggered, there will be 1, 2 and 3 year terms at this time. Going forward all terms will be 3 year terms. Initially, the electedmembers’ terms will be decided by lot for fairness. Generally, the meetings are after Sunday Mass.

Some of the qualities that would make one a good candidate for Pastoral Council are:

~Enthusiasm for the Church, in particular Holy Family
~Sincere interest in promoting the good of the Church
~Willingness to serve and devote some time to the Church Cooperative spirit, while still possessing the ability to express one's own opinions
~Willingness to try new ideas
~Ability to follow through with assignments

According to the Statutes of the Diocese of Cheyenne, members of the Pastoral Council must be: fully initiated Catholics; outstanding in firm faith, good morals and prudence; and free of any canonical penalties or impediments including an irregular marriage.

If you are interested in serving but not able to serve on PastoralCouncil, you may want to serve on one of the Pastoral Council’scommittees. Some committees are permanent and some are temporary, but all are important. If this sounds like the right place for you, please contact us about this also.

Kim Frome kimf@silverstar.com or Sharon Backus at pkjosnig@gmail.com

4th of July Parade

Holy Family is again planning to have a float in the 4th of July parade in Thayne. All of our youth are invited to ride their decorated bikes in the parade or ride the trailer and throw candy. Please meet at 9:15 am at the Star Valley Medical Center on Peterson Park Way. Details to follow.

Knights brunch/after Mass picnic

The Knights will be hosting an after Mass picnic next Sunday, July 1st. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, ice cream and lots of fun. Finance Council members fill your plates before heading for your meeting.

Dynamic Catholic

“Eventually, we need to get out of the driver’s seat of our lives and let God be the driver.”

Catholic Rural Life - June Blessing

"Land and life go hand in hand. Our daily bread comes from land as well as much else that sustains us. The land is beautiful for its mountains and plains; its beauty resounds in the canyons and draws. Its goodness thrives in the forests and fields; every plant emerges from it."

Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father -June - Universal Social Networks

That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

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Music Ministry

The music team would like to invite instrumentalists and vocalists to join them for this summer. Please visit with Polly Zeren, Laurie Arnold, or Chip White about an opportunity to put your talents to work.

4th of July Parade

Holy Family is again planning to have a float in the 4th of July parade in Thayne. All of our youth are invited to ride their decorated bikes in the parade or ride the trailer and throw candy. Please meet at 9:15 am at the Star Valley Medical Center on Peterson Park Way. Details to follow.
 

Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council will meet this morning after Mass in the classroom area.
Please remember to get your brunch on your way to the meeting.

“There are plenty of ways to share the faith. It doesn’t have to be teaching the entire Catechism; it can just be a simple ‘God Bless You’ or an invitation to Mass.”

“The things of this world, no matter how flashy, will all pass away. What matters is where we spend eternity.”
 

"God never caused the virtues and singular merit of Joseph to shine with greater splendor than when He said to him by the mouth of the angel, “Take the Child and His mother”; for in them He committed to him His most precious treasures, giving him thus the preference over all the blessed spirits of Heaven; and Joseph received these two sacred persons into his care, to be their protector, their guardian, and defender. If, then, Heaven made Joseph the protector of Jesus and Mary, we may rest assured that he was at the same time made protector and patron of all men."

Survey Enclosed

We know how valuable your time is, but please take a moment to review it and either return the form in the offering basket or fill out the form online. Thank you

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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY from a successful father

Everything we know about the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus comes from Scripture and that has seemed too little for those who made up legends about him.
We know he was a carpenter, a working man, for the skeptical Nazarenes ask about Jesus, "Is this not the carpenter's son?" (Matthew 13:55). He wasn't rich for when he took Jesus to the Temple to be circumcised and Mary to be purified he offered the sacrifice of two turtledoves or a pair of pigeons, allowed only for those who could not afford a lamb (Luke 2:24).
Despite his humble work and means, Joseph came from a royal lineage. Luke and Matthew disagree some about the details of Joseph's genealogy but they both mark his descent from David, the greatest king of Israel (Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38). Indeed the angel who first tells Joseph about Jesus greets him as "son of David," a royal title used also for Jesus.

We know Joseph was a compassionate, caring man. When he discovered Mary was pregnant after they had been betrothed, he knew the child was not his but was as yet unaware that she was carrying the Son of God. He knew women accused of adultery could be stoned to death, so he resolved to send her away quietly to not expose her to shame or cruelty. However, when an angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him, 20 "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins," he did as the angel told him and took Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:19-25)

When the angel came again to tell him that his family was in danger, he immediately left everything he owned, all his family and friends, and fled to a strange country with his young wife and the baby. He waited in Egypt without question until the angel told him it was safe to go back (Matthew 2:13-23).

We know Joseph loved Jesus. His one concern was for the safety of this child entrusted to him. Not only did he leave his home to protect Jesus, but upon his return settled in the obscure town of Nazareth out of fear for his life. When Jesus stayed in the Temple we are told Joseph (along with Mary) searched with great anxiety for three days for him (Luke 2:48). We also know that Joseph treated Jesus as his own son for over and over the people of Nazareth say of Jesus, "Is this not the son of Joseph?" (Luke 4:22)(catholic.org)

 

The music team would like to invite instrumentalists and vocalists to join them for this summer. Please visit with Polly Zeren, Laurie Arnold, or Chip White about an opportunity to put your talents to work.

4th of July Parade

 

Holy Family is again planning to have a float in the 4th of July parade in Thayne. All of our youth are invited to ride their decorated bikes in the parade or ride the trailer and
throw candy. Please meet at 9:15 am at the Star Valley Medical Center on Peterson Park Way. Details to follow.

Congratulations and prayers for our newly ordained Father Bryce Lungren and Father Clark Lenz. Father Bryce will be assigned to Saint Stephens’s Indian Mission and Father Clark will be assigned to Sheridan.

Survey Enclosed

Enclosed in this weeks and next weeks bulletins you will see the Holy Family Ministry Input survey. We know how valuable your time is, but please take a moment to review it and either return the form in the offering basket or fill out the form online. Thank you!  " https://goo.gl/sffsHC"
 

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The Month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart. The Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost. In addition to the liturgical celebration, many devotional exercises are connected with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Of all devotions, devotion to the Sacred Heart was, and remains, one of the most widespread and popular in the Church.

Understood in the light of the Scriptures, the term "Sacred Heart of Jesus" denotes the entire mystery of Christ, the totality of his being,and his person considered in its most intimate essential: Son of God, uncreated wisdom; infinite charity, principal of the salvation and sanctification of mankind. The "Sacred Heart" is Christ, the Word Incarnate, Savior, intrinsically containing, in the Spirit, an infinite divine-human love for the Father and for his brothers.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most popular Catholic devotions. Although it was beloved in previous centuries, Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673, showing her a vision of the now-famous image of His Sacred Heart, surrounded by flames. He said to her: “My Heart is so full of love for men that It can no longer contain the flames of Its burning love. I must discover to men the treasures of My Heart and save them from perdition." She was given the special mission to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart throughout the Church. Jesus gave St. Margaret Mary many promises associated with this devotion, and requested that a feast day in honor of His Sacred Heart be instituted on the Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi. In 1856, the Feast of the Sacred Heart was spread to the Universal Church, and in 1899 Pope Leo XIII solemnly consecrated all mankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, calling it “the great act” of his pontificate.

In the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus gives these twelve promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart.

I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life. I will establish peace in their families. I will console them in all their troubles. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy. Tepid souls shall become fervent. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.  I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the

First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

Brunch Volunteer

With the small size of our High School youth group, we occasionally run into a Sunday without a brunch sponsor. The 10th of June has no volunteer to prepare a brunch. If you would like to help out, please write your name on the calendar on the front of the refrigerator in the kitchen.

Thank you in advance.

DYNAMICCATHOLIC.ORG

“Develop the habit of thinking far into the future. This is how we learn to take the long view.” “We must not allow the mistakes of our lives to discourage us from boldly living our faith.”
 

PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral Council is forming a subcommittee to prepare a long-range plan for Holy Family Church. This group is tasked with preparing a proposal that considers the reality of continued growth in our congregation, which has increased from 80 families at the time of the 2011 groundbreaking, to over 344 families. The proposal will include a a comprehensive evaluation of our ministries and a proposed schedule and budget to facilitate long-term growth. We would like to especially invite volunteers not currently participating in church ministry in order to involve as many parishioners as possible. If you are interested in serving on this temporary committee, please call or email Deacon Bill at:(williamhill2@me.com, or 307-389-6005)

Bishop Barron's recent talk at Google HeadquartersReligion and the Opening Up of the Mind has quickly become one of the most popular and provocative Talks at Google!

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Holy Family has grown spectacularly thanks to the dedication and hard work of all members of our church, the earthly Body of Christ. Without each of you, we would not be able to function as the successful mission that we have become. To gain the most insight about where we are and where we should go, we are pausing to ask two questions.

#1. With which ministries are you satisfied? #2. Which ministries need more attention?

Secondly, the ability to move in new directions and enhance the ministry of the church is not possible without volunteers. God has given each of us gifts to share. As a member of the earthly Body of Christ, please prayerfully consider the following question.

#3. With which ministries would you be willing to volunteer?

Beginning next week, we will have a “tear off” response sheet in the bulletin to collect your input. Please review the list below and prayerfully consider how God is calling you to help.

Worship – ministry related to mass and worship services, including sacristan, lector, extraordinary minister, decorating, janitorial, altar server, Christmas nativity, adoration, communion services.

Religious Education – ministry related to parishioner and candidate education, including teachers, assistants, librarian, nursery, youth ministry, adult education ministry, young adult ministry, summer vacation bible school, Jr. High trip, RCIA/T/C, bible study.

Sacraments – ministry related to preparation for and reception of Catholic sacraments, includingbaptismal prep, marriage prep, annulments, anointing of the sick, reconciliation, penance services, funerals, funeral dinners.

Church Community – ministry related to growth of church fellowship, including bingo, Sunday brunch, holy family feast day celebration, parish carnival, parish picnic, OLM and diocesan relations

Physical Plant – ministry related to the physical development and upkeep of church property, includingexterior/interior maintenance, snow removal, weeds/grass/tree services, parking lot, playground, access road, rectory, property acquisition, plot plan.

Outreach – ministry related to bringing Christ to others, including homebound visitation, nursing home visitation, hospital visitation, house blessings, fair animal blessings, 4th of July parade, Star Valley Ranch 4thof July carnival, Christmas bazaar, interfaith activities, Thayne nativity display.

Philanthropy – ministry related to serving others in the Body of Christ, including Rice Bowl, Fill Bottle for Crisis Pregnancy Center, Food Bank, Those in Need.

 

 

 

The CCW will meet this morning after Mass. If you are new to the area, please plan on joining this group of young women.

 

If you want God to open & close doors, let go of the doorknob. 

 

PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral Council is looking for volunteers to help in strengthening our MEPPs - Ministries, Events, Programs, & Projects. We will be asking for help with everything from additional members for the Pastoral and Finance Council, to volunteers for cleaning, religious education, decorating, planning, Christmas decorating, snow removal, lectors and extraordinary ministers. The list goes on and on. As a volunteer congregation, your volunteerism is what makes us tick. In the coming weeks we will be formalizing our search. Please prayerfully consider what you may be able to do to help our congregation grow and flourish.

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FORMED.org (54063)

Episode 3 of Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist is now on FORMED!

An Augustine Institute Studios original series, Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and its mem- bers. Watch episode 3 now on FORMED, and check back each week for a new 

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The feast of the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth (Thursday May, 31, 2018) invites us into a deeply personal moment of the Scriptures (Luke 1:39-56). The Precursor and the Lord are both hidden from each other. Yet even before the two women embrace, John leaped for joy in his mother's womb, having recognized the presence of the Lord and Messiah in the womb of Mary. Both births are hailed by two beautiful canticles: the Benedictus sung by Zechariah, father of the Baptist at his son's birth (1:68-79) and the Nunc Dimittis prayed by Simeon, the "righteous and devout" man in the Jerusalem temple, as he takes the infant Jesus in his arms (2:22-35).

There are two aspects of the Visitation scene to consider. The first is that any element of personal agenda of Mary and Elizabeth is put aside. Both had good reason to be very preoccupied with their pregnancies and all that new life brings. Both women had a right to focus on themselves for a while as they made new and radical adjustments to their daily lives. Mary reaches out to her kinswoman to help her and also to be helped by her. These two great biblical women consoled each another, shared their stories, and gave each other the gift of themselves in the midst of the new life that they must have experienced: Elizabeth after her long years of barrenness and now sudden pregnancy, and Mary, after her meeting with the heavenly messenger, and her "irregular" marriage situation and pregnancy.

The second point of this moving story is Mary's haste. Luke tells us that she undertook in haste the long and perilous trek from Nazareth to a village in the hill country of Judea. She knew clearly what she wanted and did not allow anyone or anything to stop her.

In his commentary on Luke's Gospel, St. Ambrose of Milan describes this haste with an almost untranslatable Latin phrase, "nescit tarda molimina Spiritus Sancti gratia" which could mean: "the grace of the Holy Spirit does not know delayed efforts' or 'delayed efforts are foreign to the grace of the Holy Spirit." Mary's free choice to move forward and outward is reflective of a decision taken deep within her heart followed by immediate action.

How many things exist in our lives that we dreamed of doing, should have done, and never did? Letters that should have been written, dreams that should have been realized, gratitude that was not expressed, affection never shown, words that should have been said, etc.? Postponements and delays weigh heavily upon us, wear us down and discourage us. They gnaw away at us. How true St. Ambrose described Mary's haste: the Spirit completely possessed the Virgin Daughter of Nazareth and compelledher to act. Such possession by God's Spirit is the only possession worthwhile, life-giving, hopeful and joyful.

The story of the Visitation teaches us an important lesson: when Christ is growing inside of us, we will be led to people, places and situations that we never dreamed of. We will bear words of consolation and hope that are not our own. In the very act of consoling others, we will be consoled. We will be at peace, recollected, because we know that however insignificant our life and issues seem to be, from them Christ is forming himself. The women of today's Gospel show us that it is possible to move beyond our own little personal agendas and engage in authentic ministry. saltandlighttv.org 

Knights of Columbus

The Knights Council will meet after Mass this morning.

Dynamic Catholic.com

“It’s only by accepting God’s unconditional love the we become capable of showing that same love to others.”

Congratulations to our First Communicants

Trenton Edward
Kendall Emilio
Cesar Torres
Cameron Timothy
Trefren Nicholas
Henry Blutt
Gabriel Henri
Danna Miranda
Lucena Yaretzi Vasquez

Catholic Rural Life - May Blessing

“We share in God’s work through our human labor. Work is not drudgery that our Creator has imposed on us, nor is it a penance for our sinfulness. Work is a gift: human participation in the creative activity of God.” 

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Why a Child’s First Holy Communion is a Big Deal

 

For children who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion, this is a big deal. And for all of us, no matter how many times we have received Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, it should always be a big deal.

What makes it so special the first time is the same thing that makes it special every time! Jesus comes to us in a unique way in the Eucharist. When He comes, we receive Him into our body and our soul. This is very beautiful, personal, and intimate. We should not take it for granted!

This is why the first time a family member makes their Holy Communion, it is and exciting event for the whole family. The boy or girl preparing for this sacrament is going to be profoundly united with Jesus in a way that they never have before!

It is such a holy, joyful occasion. Our souls become the bride of Christ. That is why girls wear white dresses and boys wear suits. Relatives are invited. Parents take pictures. We celebrate. And the very act of celebrating reveals our belief in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Father Roger Landry of the Diocese of Fall River in New England says,
“...what makes one’s first Communion a truly blessed event is not the adjective but the substantive: not the ‘first’ but the ‘communion.’ Because of whom we receive, the second, third, next, and last Communion should always be as special.“

Unfortunately, for many of us Catholics, First Holy Communion has become simply a right of passage. The essence of the celebration is lost among the parties and gifts. “Parties and gifts are fine,” says one priest, “as long as the focus never strays from what the celebration is truly about.” First Holy Communion is, without question, a time of great joy. The saints in heaven, who are delighted to intercede for us, are celebrating along with your family.

“You come to me,” says Saint Maximilian Kolbe to Jesus, speaking for all of us, “and unite Yourself Intimately to me under the form of nourishment. . . What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such!” St. Mother Teresa also has words for you and your family: “Jesus has made Himself the Bread of Life to give us life. Night and day, He is there. If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist...”

Yes, the celebration of a child’s First Holy Communion IS a big deal. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! (catholiccompany.com)