First Communion

First Communion for Graham and thirty-six, second graders.  Eight-year olds drinking wine is frowned upon most of the time, but on this occasion we could not be more proud of our man. During the Saturday evening mass at the Mark Twain Village Chapel, Graham and is classmates took their first communion. Father Jim Bets conducted the service, and Angela and I were able to take part by lecturing and ushering the children.

Graham looked especially sharp in his Italian pinstriped suit as he walked into the church holding his candle. He and the other children all did a great job during the mass.  Fortunately, no one set anything (or anyone) on fire or used their candle as a sword. Father Bets shared a simple story that explained the meaning of communion. 

When Graham saw that the Blood of Christ was clear, he concluded that it in Germany, they must use apple juice.  After his first sip, he quickly realized it is different in Germany but nobody watered down the Blood of Christ, it is a white wine.  After taking the wine, one of the children said, “It tastes like whisky.” Her mother is from Ireland, so we let it slide and did not ask questions. 

Angie coordinated a party with four other first communion families. She and her friend made enough lasagna and cake to make Garfield drool.  With some help, the Dads set up a party tent. The weather cleared, the sun came out and it warmed up just in time.

Around forty people attended, including Father and most of our stairwell. The kids ran around the yard and were on the playground while the adults enjoyed food and drink. Angela’s cross shaped cake was very nice, and each child had a cake with their name on it. It was a great day and nice to spend it with friends.