Branson's first communion, part 1: he partakes of bread and wine

Scot Starheim, as circumstance prevented you from being here on this important day for you, your son, wife and family, this post is for you:

Branson is seven now, and his Catholic faith teaches this is the age when he can understand the significance of Holy Communion and so invites him to partake for the first time. I begin this little picture story not with Branson, but with the altar boys who carried in the cross and candles to begin the ceremony.

Here is Branson, the rowdy little hockey player, hands clasped in reverence.

Father Scott Joseph Garrett sprinkles Branson - along with the entire congregation - with holy water. Two rows behind him, just to the front of Father Garrett's hand, is Branson's grandfather Tony Villasenor, mother Carmen, grandmother Eva Villasenor and his Aunt Theresa.

Above, a wooden sculpture of a dove appears to observe from just below the ceiling of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

All the proper rituals are followed, appropriate hymns are sung.

Branson and his peers kneel to pray.

At a certain point, everyone was invited to shake the hands of those near to them and to say, "Peace be with you!" As Branson happily shook the hands of the boys near him, the hand of a girl kept reaching through the other boys toward him, but not quite making it. Then, just as the handshaking comes to an end, the hands of Branson and the girl connect. "Peace be with you!" she greets.

"Peace be with you," Branson shyly responds.

Soon, it is time. Branson falls in line to receive communion.

At the last supper, Christ broke bread, gave it to his disciples and said, "this is my body." Branson now accepts the wafer that to Catholics is the body of Christ, in the same manner as was the bread he fed his disciples.

After eating the bread, Branson makes the sign of the cross.

At the last supper, Christ gave his disciples wine and said, "this is my blood."

His grandfather, mother, grandmother and aunt beam with pride.

First communion rehearsals have been taking place at Sacred Heart every Saturday for the past two months. Branson and Carmen did not miss a single practice. After communion is served to all those eligible who want to partake, Father Garrett calls Carmen and Branson to the front and gives them a gift to honor their perfect attendance.

The gift will be revealed in "Part 2."

Branson, with family and friends. From here, they will move to Metro Cafe to celebrate - as will be seen in "Part 2."

Comments

[Kathryn]

Congratulations to Branson and his family for reaching this most important goal.

[Sunnyjane]

Lovely. Thank you for sharing Branson's special day. Peace be with you.

[Barbara Beckmann]

This was a very special day for Branson, one he will remember his entire life. I fondly remember my First Holy Communion 50 years past. Peace Be with you Branson, hold tight the Love of the Lord close to you heart for he will always be by your side. We Love you little one. Eric & Barbara Beckmann