Grace Surrounds Us

Today we had Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

 Bishop John Folda was able to do the Confirmations.  This was a last minute change and we were so grateful for his kindness in coming to confirm the kids.

 There were six kids confirmed today.

 Blase picked Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati as his Confirmation saint.

 Stephen picked Bl. Miguel Pro.

 Cormac picked St. Padre Pio.

 Blase Keith Gerard Pier Giorgio with Bishop Folda.

 Stephen George Miguel  with Bishop Folda

 Cormac Micheal Pio with Bishop Folda

 The start of Mass.  The Knights of Columbus were there as well today.

 This was Stephen's second time serving Mass.  What a special treat to have Grandpa Bestgen and Uncle Loman there to watch as well as Aunt Courtney.

 Cormac getting ready to receive his First Holy Communion.  He picked Our Lady of Guadalupe as his First Holy Communion patron saint.  He told me he was praying for all his family, his Godparents, and the everyone he knows at Communion time.

 I almost cried...almost.

Then he came back and told me, "Mom, when I received the host I felt so happy inside."

Yes, I cried then.

 Cormac wanted a picture with the Knights of Columbus and their swords.  I am almost certain that Cormac will become a Knight if just to get a sword.

Father Johnson and Cormac

 Our extremely uncooperative family.  Maybe we should have tried taking a picture when there was no one else on the altar to distract the little ones.  Life isn't about perfect pictures, but the memories we have.  The day was wonderful and that is all that matters.  Even the punch spilled on white shirts and the swollen feet at the end of the day are nothing compared to the happiness.

 Blase with his Confirmation sponsor - Grandpa Roch Bestgen.

 Stephen's Confirmation sponsor was his Uncle John Bestgen, but he was unable to make it so Grandpa was the proxy.  We will get a picture of Uncle John and Stephen next time we see him.

Cormac also picked Grandpa Roch Bestgen as his Confirmation sponsor.

 The boys with their yummy cake.

Cormac with his cake.

Thank you to so many, many people for making this day special for our family.  We will remember all of you in our prayers this week.  Also, thank you to everyone who was unable to attend, but assured us of prayers and congratulations.  We are extremely grateful to Grandpa Bestgen and Uncle Loman for making the drive up to be here.  Also, thank you to Aunt Courtney Gebes for taking pictures and helping with the little kids.