Margaret's First Holy Communion

[The professional photos were added to this post a couple of weeks after posting.]

Our third child, daughter Margaret, had her First Holy Communion on Sunday! What a blessed day and joyous sacrament!

Margaret had done such academic and spiritual preparation for the prior year, and very much praying in the final weeks. She asked permission to do holy hours in her bedroom on her knees, and would cry on Sundays because she could not yet receive.

Her great aunt Erica had arrived from the West Coast earlier in the week, and on Saturday we were joined by her godparents and grandparents for a houseful of festivities. I was already a couple of days into a stretch of laryngitis and incessant coughing such that I could barely croak, but I'm sure I was of more use quietly working than gabbing about!

We hosted a big celebratory dinner on Saturday evening, and I greatly thank my mother-in-law for bringing along numerous dishes she had cooked.

Menu:

• HoneyBaked Ham
• Corn Casserole
• Broccoli Casserole
• Scalloped potatoes
• Applesauce
• Bread rolls
• Ice cream bar for dessert

One of two full tables of guests!

After dinner, Margaret opened her thoughtful and treasured religious gifts.

In the morning, I set out a continental breakfast of leftover ham, store-bought muffins and croissants, Chris' hash browns, and berries.

We then arrived at the church two hours before Mass for a session with the professional photographer hired by the six communicants' families.

Finally there was nothing left to do but wait for Mass to begin, and what do we do when we wait? We read the books we (almost) always carry with us!

My dear Margaret reading "Where the Red Fern Goes"

Our pastor giving final instructions to the first holy communicants

The procession about to enter the church

Margaret was beaming after her First Holy Communion and cried tears of joy.

After Mass, some of the mothers hosted a lovely hors d'oeuvres and cake reception on the quad, after which we retired home for board games and leftovers from the night before. An early night was had by all (except Mary--her story yet to come!) because we were having the final burial of my mother and stepfather's cremated remains the very next morning.

Sweet Baby David playing in the grass after Mass

John playing the Game of Life with his godparents