Christina's First Holy Communion

Our dear Christina received Christ for the first time last Sunday! Of course the anticipation has been building in our house for weeks.  I knew she was well prepared, thanks to me being her catechist for the past 2 years in our homeschool formation class.  It's been nothing but a joy...truly...to watch her and 8 other children grow in their faith, and prepare them for such an important event. 


Along with preparing Christina, there were other things to do.  We cleaned the house from top to bottom, rushed to finish last-minute laundry.  I made homemade granola, and 3 dozen muffins to feed the onslaught of family coming into town.  Christina decided to have pizza, fruit, cupcakes and cookies for her after party.  She didn't know how grateful I was to hear that!  All I had to do was pick up the phone and call our favorite local pizza joint. ;-)


Early Sunday morning, I helped Christina dress and fix her hair.  She had a beautiful floral halo made by our close friend, Lara from LZ Floral Designs (aka Theresa's godmother).  Grandma Reisinger gift of a cross and matching earrings completed her ensemble.  I know I'm biased, but I thought she looked so pretty. 

When we got to the church, I left my niece and Rebecca in charge of saving seats for the rest of the family.  We met my co-teacher Cathy, and the rest of the kids in our class.  If they were nervous, they didn't show it.  I was anxious myself, and tried NOT to let it show.  At one point, I got choked up when we had a group shot taken.  Cathy's son Jacob and Christina were baptized on the same day...and it brought back sweet memories.  Cathy took one look at my face, and said, "That's not allowed today!"  But she did pass me tissues during Mass. ;-)

After all the kids processed in, and we sat down, I finally started to relax a bit.  Because I was Christina's catechist, I sat with her and the class.   The rest of the family sat one section over and a few pews back.  That's how they do it in our parish.  Christina let me hold her hand a few times, and next thing I knew, we we saying the "Our Father."  It was time!


I watched Christina receive the Body of Christ, and then the Blood of Christ.  She did great.  David was able to discreetly come up closer to the front of the church and take a few pictures.  One of our parishioners, Julie took an amazing shot of the exact moment Christina took Christ.  I was so happy and grateful she shared that picture with us!  

Photography by Julie Nanni

The rest of our class received Christ, and did it perfectly.  I was so proud of all of them. :-)

After Mass, I was able to take more picture out in the narthex.
  

Christina with Grandpa and Grandma Reisinger

Godparents--Uncle Peter and Aunt Stephanie

With Mommy and Daddy. 

Me with my precious girl. :-)

With Fr. Norbert


Back at the house, everyone changed clothes, and I set out snacks while we waited for the pizza.  You should have heard the charge down the stairs when the doorbell rang...my goodness!  Kids!


All the family was gone by 2:30 (since most of them had to drive back to Dallas).  After some cleanup, David and I collapsed for a few minutes.  Hosting 9 adults and 14 kids for a weekend is hard work. ;-)  But it was well worth it to have them here for Christina's First Communion.

We love you very much Christina, and are so happy to share this day with you.  May Christ always dwell in your heart!