Sound Bites & Snap Shots

Today was finally Mason’s First Reconciliation.  He had been preparing for several months.  Mason made a special book with the Ten Commandments and an example of each in his own words and the Act of Contrition. 

As a special part of the celebration, Mason received an envelope with letters written from many friends and family members sharing their love for him.  Mason read each one very carefully and I could tell from his expression that these letters were meaningful.

We were told in advance that there would be a number of diocesan priests present for the Sacrament. One of the priests from our parish, Father Attila, had visited Mason’s class and coached them on how to receive the Sacrament.  I knew this visit put Mason’s mind at ease because he mentioned it to me a few days before Reconciliation. I asked him if he knew which priest he would like to hear his confession.  He responded that he wanted to see Father Attila.  When I pressed him and inquired why, he replied, “Because he told us he would go easy on us.” 

I happened to run into Father Attila a few days after that and I related our conversation.  He laughed and told me Mason should be prepared to tell him a joke.  Father Attila has a great sense of humor so we practiced and practiced the joke to be sure Mason could tell it without flubbing the punch line.  The joke he told was this:

How does a skunk start his prayers?

He says, “Let us spray.”

Mason and his teacher, Mrs. Schmitt

Mason had a very positive experience with Father Attila and he returned to me with a smile from ear to ear.  In fact, Father Attila was still laughing when I sat down to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation myself.  When we were both finished, we headed home with Bill and Walker for a feast in Mason’s honor.