My son will be receiving his First Communion tomorrow, a day that I should be approaching with great reverence and pride. After all, it seems like he was being Baptized just yesterday — except it was really 7 years ago!! Wow. I’m very glad that Michael and I decided to send our kids to parochial school. I am always amazed by how much Reilly knows about being Catholic. He has taught me things! I think it’s so cool that he will have a solid knowledge and understanding of his faith.
That said, I fear that tomorrow is going to be stressful. For me, mostly. Well, me and every other parent whose child will be receiving the sacrament. Thanks to the religious education coordinator who has made the entire preparation for this momentous day less than pleasant. Today was really the last straw. The children had to go to a rehearsal this morning, and afterwards, they had a “lottery” for seats for the service tomorrow. (You know . . . the one we’re not allowed to take pictures at, lest they take away our cameras!?!) Let’s just put it this way . . . I most likely will not actually be able to SEE Reilly receiving his First Communion. Parents don’t get to sit with their child, and thanks to their lottery system, we’re not even guaranteed to be able to see them. The way the seating is arranged, if I can see him proceed in (the only time I can take his photo) then I won’t be able to see him during the rest of the service. I opted to sit on the other side, losing my photo op, so I can try to catch a glimpse of him during the mass. I don’t have a good feeling about this though. The “reserved” seating didn’t amount to much in the way of good positioning! **Sigh**
I’m trying not to get too irritated and upset. I’m trying to keep it in perspective. But I thought that this is supposed to be a FAMILY occasion . . . and the throughout the preparation theparents have been treated like 2nd class citizens. It really burns my biscuits.
So, I am going to be doing a lot of deep breathing and counting to ten. I hope I don’t hyperventilate. Or worse yet, cause a scene when they try taking my camera away from me . . .
Reading their blogs has inspired me so much. I think that has a lot to do with it. (Call me a poser . . . I deserve it!)
