UNDERSTANDING THE LITURGY by John J. O'Brien, C.P.

Celebrating First Eucharist at Saint Malachy Parish

For the past couple of years I have enjoyed writing a weekly column in our parish bulletin. Ordinarily I write for adults. Today I want to write to the fifty or so girls and boys who recently received first communion at Saint Malachy.

Dear Girls and Boys of Saint Malachy:

Greetings to you in this lovely time of year called the Easter Season and this season of spring. It is such a beautiful time, isn't it! The trees bud beautifully and the flowers blossom in splashes of color. The sweet smelling grass is fresh and the rich soil is alive. It is also a time when every girl and boy knows that soon school will be finished for this year and then you can get into summer. Alleluia!

I write to you to tell you that I am very proud of you and the step you are taking to receive the Eucharist today. I know that this is a big day of celebration for you, your wonderful parents, your grandparents, and your sisters and brothers. I am sure that all of your family is very happy for you today.

This is a day like your baptism. On that day God pledged and promised to be with you, to live in you, to walk with you, and to love you. God pledges a lot of love to you today. This is a day when you are celebrated as a special friend of God. This is a day when you are nourished with the bread of life and the cup of great joy and happiness. You receive the body and blood of Christ. What you receive today, the holy meal of Jesus will give you strength and help you each time you eat and drink. The Eucharist will also make you special friends with children of other countries and cultures. This is a wonderful part of being part of the body of Christ.

So, I congratulate you, girls and boys. Many times when I see you, I notice that you are really fine boys and girls. You have good friends, wonderful interests in sports and in music, in art and in church. You have splendid talents. You have a nice way about you. I notice this when you are kind with each other and help the smaller children go in procession to hear the Word of God together. I find that you are very wonderful.

I hope that your will share this holy bread at the Lord's table and that you will share your bread with children who are hungry and poor. I hope that you will share this blessing cup at the Lord's table and that you will share a cup of kindness with children who are thirsty and poor.

I want you to know that I shall pray for your and for your family. This first Eucharist is a new beginning for you. I am sure God will bless you with good luck now and always.

With best wishes,

Fr. John J. O'Brien, C.P.