The participants learnt about the symbols of Holy Mass and the meaning of religious rituals, they were led to a deeper understanding of their baptism and the topic of guilt and atonemen, which was dealt with according to their age. In that way they were prepared for the mystery of the Eucharist.
Thus the children experienced how they grew in faith within their group as they prayed together, sang songs, expressed emotions through gestures, asked questions, exchanged ideas, painted pictures and made their own candles.
The song that was sung at the end of each session was always the same and accompanied the children with its catchy tune on their way home.
Jesus, my friend, accompany me today.
Let me understand more and more the gift of your love.
Jesus, you yourself want to live in me now.
You give me love and strength for this day.
Some of the children were planning to sing that song at the service in front of the congregation.
The fact that their parent joined them in the weekly meetings made the children understand the momentum of that preparation, gave them the opportunity to ask further questions at home and talk about the preparation for First Communion within the whole family.
Thus the time of preparation made the children look forward to the celebration of First Communion in the parishes of Holy Spirit and St. Maximilian with great expectation.
Sr. Odilia Göller