SU MME R 2022
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ILLUMINE
FA I T HF U L C O N N E C T I O N by Allison Blalock and Sophie Lowrance
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t is our hope at Transf iguration that children receive Holy Communion when they show a desire to do so and as they receive and become more curious about the mystery of the table they are given an opportunity to participate in our First Informed Communion Retreat & Celebration.
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Our First Informed Communion Retreat is designed to help children and their parents connect more deeply with the act of sharing in the Eucharist by providing guided instruction about why we do what we do in worship. At the retreat, we tell the story of the Last Supper to help the children connect our sacred meal with Jesus. Clergy teach about the service, Altar Guild members guide children around the Sacristy, and then children create their own communion chalices. Allison Blalock, Director of Children’s Ministries, sat down with Sophie Lowrance to see what impact this year’s First Informed Communion Retreat had on her daughter Clara.
Why was it important to you and Nash to have Clara participate in the First Informed Communion class? Sophie: I grew up as a devout Catholic and received all my sacraments through the usual formal ceremonies. While I no longer align with many of the teachings of the Church, I have very fond memories of the excitement and extensive preparations (year-long catechesis) involved with receiving my f irst Holy Communion. For Clara, we wanted her to experience, understand, and celebrate the importance of receiving communion.
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