Celebrating First Reconciliation

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Yesterday, D celebrated his First Reconciliation. 

Little J decided that behaving in the sanctuary was not going to happen.  Part way through the service, I had to go out into the narthex and walk him around.  We did go back inside to help guide D to one of the four lines for individual confession. 

D cracked me up when asked about which priest he wanted to see.  He said that he didn’t care who it was, he just wanted the shortest line so he could get it done quickly!

We found the shortest line for him, although the particular priest seemed to spend a little more time with each child than some of the others.  Personally, I think that’s a good thing.  I was a bit surprised that the priest with the shortest line was Father Ben, the parish’s previous pastor (who’s almost to the point of returning to the Philippines for good.)

After they made their confession, they could hang a lamb that they had decorated during this week’s class onto a screen.  D’s is the one on the left on the second row (green bow.)

Unlike the experience we had in Ohio, once the child had hung their lamb and received a special pin to commemorate the occasion, you were free to go.  Also, D noticed that he was one of the few kids dressed nicely for the occasion.  (This mama is proud that he picked out a sports jacket and khaki combo all on his own!)

I had hoped to have the opportunity to make my own confession this morning.  But, with J’s behavior, that just wasn’t going to happen.

Remembering how P and R both had cake after their First Reconciliation (at a group ‘party’ immediately after the big event), D decided we should bake a cake to celebrate. 

He selected the cake mix and helped with many of the steps.  D even used some of his own M&Ms to decorate the top.  He’s looking forward to surprising his dad and big brothers when they return home from a Boy Scout camping trip.

The rest of the afternoon had D, J and I being leisurely at home with both of them taking short naps and watching some shows.  Well, that’s when J wasn’t exhibiting his ability to throw a tantrum!

But, he was all smiles when he had a small piece of D’s special cake.

Here’s a quick video clip of J enjoying the cake.  Listen closely and you’ll hear him say M&Ms in his own special way!