C HU R C H O F
Saint Mary
The Joys and Blessings of First Holy Communion
Parishioner Brenda Primus Reflects on Preparing Young Catholics for Sacrament
F
irst Holy Communion is a special event for everyone who is blessed to experience it. It is the first time that a baptized Catholic receives Jesus Christ — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — in the Eucharist.
Church of Saint Mary 755 Kraft Drive SE Melrose, MN 56352 MASS TIMES: Saturday: 5:00 p.m. (English) Sunday: 10:00 a.m. (English) & 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) DAILY MASS: Monday: 6:30 p.m. Friday: 8:30 a.m. VER AL DORSO PARA ESPAÑOL
MAY/JUNE 2023
(320) 256-4207 www.oneinfaith.org/stmarys
Parishioner Brenda Primus understands the importance of this sacrament and is inspired by watching the next generation of God’s children grow in relationship with Christ as they receive their First Holy Communion. For the past 19 years, Brenda has served as a teacher for the second-grade sacramental preparation class and has led hundreds of kids to Christ through her lessons on the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. “I want the kids to have religion,” Brenda says. We believe that the Eucharist is truly our Lord Jesus. When we receive the Eucharist at Mass, we are united to God in his real physical and spiritual presence. The Church teaches that this union is so powerful that it makes us one with Christ. For most Catholics, the reception of First Holy Communion occurs in second grade. To prepare our young second-graders, St. Mary’s has a long-standing sacramental preparation program. Preparation for First Holy Communion starts in September and ends in April. Classes are held once a month on Saturday mornings. Each class is focused on teaching these young people God’s love and forgiveness, and sharing the practical wisdom of what is going on during the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. “One of my favorite lessons is on the story of the Prodigal Son,” Brenda says. “In this lesson, I get to share continued on page 6