Above and Beyond 

3/4s Reflections on Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

RECONCILIATION

Our Year 3 and 4 students celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Thursday 7th April with their families. Mrs Byrne helped our students make clay hearts where they wrote a word that they would like to carry through their faith journey. 

Below are their reflections. 

Jack B - My Reconciliation was with Father John. I felt nervous at the start but afterwards I was really happy. My family were all there and I got to do my Reconciliation with my brother Finn. My heart said Joy. 

Finn B - I went to Father John for Reconciliation. While waiting for my turn I felt very nervous but after I felt happy and excited. My heart said Peace.

Archie C - I saw Father Nadeem and I felt nervous at the start but then after I felt forgiven by God. My heart said Kind. 

Max D - I went for my Reconciliation and spoke to Father John. I was very nervous at the start but then I felt happy after. My heart said Honesty. 

Edith F - For reconciliation I saw Father Nadeem. I felt very nervous but after I felt forgiven. My heart said Love.

Mabel G - When I was doing my Reconciliation I felt a bit scared at the start but after speaking to Father John I didn’t feel scared anymore. My heart said Love.

Zara H - My Reconciliation was with Father Nadeem. At first I went and sat in the pews with my family. I felt a little nervous but brave.  

Hamish L - Reconciliation means that you are sorry for something that you have done. At first I felt scared but after speaking to Father John I felt happy.

Clarke M-T - Sam, Hugo and Oscar came with me for Reconciliation. I saw Father John. I felt nervous at the start but after seeing Father I felt a bit more calm. 

Olivia M - I went to Father John for Reconciliation and my heart said Respect. I felt nervous but afterwards I felt happy and forgiven. My mum, Alex and Billy came with me.

Evelyn (Evie) N - I went to Reconciliation with my dad and I saw Father John. I was a bit scared in the beginning but then I felt thankful. My heart said Joy because Great Nan's name is Joy.

Maisy T - I went to Reconciliation with my mum and grandpa, who was visiting from England. I felt calm after speaking to Father John. My heart said Peace. 

Anna T - My whole family came to my Reconciliation. I was excited and happy to speak with Father Nadeem. My heart said Respect.

Harriet W - At first I felt like I had butterflies in my tummy but afterwards I felt calm. My heart said Learn. My mum brought me and we went home and had homemade pizza with my family.

HOLY COMMUNION

Over two nights our year 4 students celebrated their First Holy Communion. During the lead up to these two nights, the students had a Reflection Day where they were able to participate in activities surrounding their First Eucharist. The students made bread, reflected on the meaning of Eucharist through prayer. They also made memory boxes that they decorated and held special symbols of their faith journey. 

Below are their reflections. 

Corbin B - I felt very nervous celebrating my Eucharist, it was the first time I tasted the bread. It was really special to have my Nana, Grandpa and Mum come along to the Mass with me. I was the first person to walk in with my memory box. 

Jack F - I was excited and nervous at the same time for my Eucharist, luckily Mum and Dad were there with me. I was relieved when it was all done. 

Joe C - Eucharist is the third sacrament that I have received. I felt very excited. I made it on Thursday night. It was the first time I got to taste the bread. 

Matilda C - I felt very proud to walk down the aisle with my memory box and to eat the bread. I felt it was a very important sacrament to receive. 

Tahlia C - I made my First Eucharist on Thursday night. It was special for me to take the bread. I was really happy my family was at the Mass with me. 

Xavier M - When I arrived at the Church I had butterflies in my stomach, I felt nervous and excited. After I did the first reading I was more relaxed. It was very special for me to have my family and godmother there. I was proud to make the Sacrament of Eucharist. 

Raine F- As soon as I walked in and received my Eucharist pin off Miss Lumsden I felt it was going to be something I would remember forever. I was really happy my aunty, uncle and cousins could be there for me. 

Lachlan L - I was nervous to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist, I had to take up my memory box and the wine up to the Altar. The bread tasted different. I went out for dinner afterwards. 

Olive E - My mum, sisters and nan came to my Eucharist. I was excited but a little bit nervous. I wish that I had the sash that was the same as my sisters. Afterwards we went out for pizza and we stayed there a while before we went home.

Lochlan W - I was so excited to celebrate my First Communion. I was so happy when I finally got to have the bread because I always wanted to know what it was like. 

Eric L - My dad came to Eucharist with me. I was nervous when I took the gifts up. After I felt happy and relaxed that it was over. 

Ella K - I was excited, I finally got to have the bread at Church, when I took the bread I felt connected to God. I was really nervous to do my reading at the Mass. 

Harry M - Personally for me it was nerve wracking just thinking about doing my reading in front of all the families, but surprisingly after I did it, I felt calm and proud. I was also nervous to receive the bread in case I got it wrong, but it was much easier than I had thought. 

Anna T - I felt nervous and excited to taste the bread and receive the Sacrament of Eucharist with my brother. It was a lifetime experience that connected me with God. I wore a beautiful white dress.