ST COLUMBA’S PUPILS CELEBRATE 1st COMMUNION Shona MacLean
Preparations for this special day began in January when six pupils from St Columba’s Primary School, Fort William, began weekly sessions in school. This year has even more significance with sessions being led by acting head teacher Shona MacLean using new resources being trialled by the Diocese and that, due to Covid-19, we have not been able to have First Communions since summer 2019. The communicants were supported in their preparations by school staff, their families and prayer partners as well as members of the local parish – Father David Connor, Deacon Thomas Wynne and Kevin Cameron, Director of Music at Carfin Grotto. The Parent Council also played an active role in arranging the First Communion breakfast in the Alexandra Hotel, decorating the room and arranging a piper to escort the children from St Mary’s over to the hotel. The cake was donated by the chairperson of the parent council, Claire McIntosh. Each week there was a particular theme
around developing the children’s knowledge and understanding of the messages in the Gospels, the significance of various parts of the Mass and the link between the school, the parish and home. The home sessions were positively received. The children have most enjoyed ending the home sessions with a hug and a snack. This reinforces the message that each child is loved and is provided for by their families and by God. On the day
of receiving this sacrament of initiation, the children receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time. The Body of Christ is consecrated bread that is symbolic of the promises held between God and his people. The act of receiving communion is a significant milestone in the journey of faith our Communicants are undertaking. From now on, they are able to receive communion at any Mass they attend.
LOCHABER LIFE
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