A very holy first Eucharist...

(Brendan)

We are extremely proud of our eldest, Clara, not only for being who she is but especially because she has great spiritual maturity for her age. We have seen this in her for years, and she's only almost 8 (in June). She has always approached her faith and pursuit of holiness with such reverence and seriousness and purpose, it's at times amazing to witness. So, when Clara's first Eucharist approached, we knew this would be the highlight of her year, and indeed she was sooooo excited! Molly and I were both privileged to teach Clara's first sacraments class at the Church of St. Paul in Ham Lake, MN and were able to see her grow in her appreciation for the Eucharist and for the sacrament of reconciliation throughout the year. As each passing day went by, getting closer and closer to her first Eucharist, she talked about it more and more until it was basically all she talked about for a few weeks straight. She also knew how important this moment would be for her faith, and how this physical reception of Christ into her body must be accompanied by (and would aid) an ever-growing spiritual acceptance of Christ into her heart and soul. 

With all this background, enjoy these pictures of Clara's first Eucharist! (Thanks to my sister Allison who took great pictures AND made Clara's dress)

(Click any pictures to enlarge)

Our class of first communicants processing in (that's Molly and I on the left, Clara is second in line)...

Clara's Godfather, uncle Evan, served at the mass.

Clara brought up the gifts with other first communicants...

.

Clara receiving her first Eucharist...

Molly getting a little teary :-)

Clara back at home at her party, receiving some gifts...

Clara's even more excited to go to every mass now!