First Reconciliation

Oh my God, 

I am heartily sorry for having offended you. 

I detest all my sins, because of your just punishments. 

But most of all, because I have offended you, my God, 

who are good and deserving of all my love. 

I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, 

to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.

Amen.

We're so proud of CC, who made her First Reconciliation last night. What a milestone! I reminded her, on our way home, that this was the first time she's chosen a sacrament. Baptism was her first sacrament, of course, but MJ and I chose that for her, because she was just a baby. But she willingly prepared for and participated in her First Reconciliation.

There were ten priests there, to assist with the hundreds of kids that were all making their First Reconciliations. "I don't want to go to a priest that's a stranger, Mommy!" she said. 

"That's the best way to confess!" I laughed.

But fortunately, she ended up with our own pastor, a familiar face. And despite having a last-minute case of nerves, when it was her turn she calmly sat down, feet dangling far off the floor, and began talking. Very softly. He leaned forwards, then leaned forwards more, then had to scoot his chair close enough to bump her knees. I giggled from the front row, watching an 80-year-old priest try to hear a nervous little 7-year-old.

But a minute later he blessed her, and she came skipping back to me with a huge smile. "I feel so light and happy, just like my teacher said!" she exclaimed.

We came home and celebrated with a little cake. Congratulations, CC! I can't believe how big she's getting. Now, full steam ahead towards her First Communion!