St. John Evangelist Catholic Parishes recently issued the following announcement.

Preparing children to receive the Sacraments is one of the most important things that we do at St. John Evangelist Parish. This year 16 second graders, 3 fourth graders, a fifth grader and a sixth grader have been preparing for their First Communion for many months. Originally this was to happen on May 3rd but, because of the pandemic, it will take place this month; half of the First Communicants on September 13th and the other half on September 27th. Their volunteer Catechists, Susan Vavra, Crystal Dalkin and Assistant Kelly York and their Parents, have prepared them well and we thank them for sharing their faith so well

This month we celebrate and rejoice with all of these children and their families. Just like a toddler's move from high chair to the family table is a significant event, First Communion is just such a memorable occasion. A child, baptized as an infant into the family of God, we call Church, takes a place at the Lord's Table with grownups and older siblings. Others join the child's immediate families in celebrating the event.

We congratulate all those who are receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus for the very first time this month and we pray that these children will always have faith in God and that they will continue, both now and in the future, to use the many gifts that they have been given to reach out in love and service to others

Jeanne Bitkers, Coordinator of Religious Education 4K- Grade 6

Original source can be found here.