By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
St. Michael the Archangel School students pose for a group photo with their plush lambs given as a first Communion and reconciliation gift to remind them that they are part of Jesus's flock. Also in the photo is St. Michael's director of religious education, Alfonso Balmaceda (rear left), and St. Michael's pastor, Father Francisco Diaz (rear right).
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
St. Michael the Archangel School students light candles during a first Communion retreat.
MIAMI| St. Michael the Archangel School second graders received their sacrament of reconciliation in preparation for their first communion May 20. Children from third to seventh grade who participated in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) also celebrated with them.
As students prepared to receive the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time at St. Michael's, they kept in mind the lesson that “We are the lamb of God.” After confessions, students walked to the Altar of Thanksgiving and knelt in front of a banner with the message "Jesus the good shepherd," where they told God how much they loved him and thanked him for his forgiveness. After their prayers they each lit a candle as a sign that they are the “light of the world.”
Each student received a small plush lamb symbolizing each child being part of Jesus’ flock. The lamb also had a tag with the inscription "He lives,” reminding students of the resurrection and the vitality of the sacraments that they just received.
Students also participated in a Communion retreat which included washing of the feet and the last supper.
