Sophie's First Communion Day

"Somehow or other, it came just the same.....it came without ribbons!  It came without tags!  It came without packages, boxes or bags!"

This morning, after a longer preparation time than most, Sophie Ruth Doyle received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.  Last year, when she was the age to make her first communion, Sophie dragged her feet on the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Rather than pressuring her, we let her wait.   She was finally ready a month ago and met Fr. Larry after daily Mass to make her first confession.  Yesterday, she asked to go again in preparation for her first communion today.  She's come a long way.

Without a doubt, Sophie's first communion happened with the least amount of fanfare of any Doyle Dame thus far.  I was not occupied with planning a special Mass or hosting a huge party.  We ordered Sophie's dress and shoes on Amazon because the day we were supposed to shop, Grace sliced her forehead and got eight stitches.  Our shopping outing turned into a mommy/ daughter perusal of online offerings from the comfort of our back deck.

Despite the lack of frills, Sophie's first communion was beautiful.  I had so much time to fuss over my sweet baby, her hair and her pictures.  I was present with her as we waited in the back of the church for her time to process in with the priest.  She was nervous and asked me to read to her from some of the books left in the cry room for the little ones.  She sat on my lap and I enjoyed that time so much.  Not once did I wonder about food not prepared or gifts unwrapped.

Next week, an aunt and uncle and cousins will be here.  We will have cake and celebrate this very important event in Sophie's life in a louder way.  But without the party and noise, Jesus came today.  He was with Sophie and He was with us.  I felt His presence both in my little family and in our parish family.  Perhaps my heart, often small with all of its worries and cares, even grew a few sizes today.

 Our gift to Sophie

 Flag Day photo!

 She's come so far!

 Sophie with Fr. Larry and Deacon Don

 Our family

In Texas, we were regulars at Sonic after Mass.  It's a much longer drive to a Sonic now so this was a rare and special treat for the first communicant.