Last Sunday we had a beautiful First Communion Mass, and fortunately the skies cleared up for us.

I sat in front of the children and had a ‘dialogue homily’ with them, and they were so engaged and attentive: I was very proud of them.

But the real listeners are the parents and visitors. I am quite aware that there are those who are not very strong in their Faith, and those who do not share our beliefs at all, and I do pitch some of my comments at them.

I think Our Lord must have done the same. After all, we know there were children present at many of his gatherings: the Gospels tell us that on a few occasions, he called children to him and used them as examples for the adults. So I try to do the same.

It is my constant prayer after First Communion that the parents themselves might ‘catch the spark’ of Eucharistic fire, and be more faithful and fervent in their Mass attendance, to set a good example for their children. Please join me in praying especially for this intention.