“This is the day that the Lord has made!” were the words that rang out during the processional song as St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church welcomed nine new communicants during Sunday Mass. The Mass marked the Bessemer parish’s joyful First Holy Communion celebration, led by Father Paul Asih, M.S.P.

Charlie Lauren Lawson, holding a candle, led the processional of young parishioners.

Deacon Douglass Moorer from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Birmingham delivered the homily. Referencing the parable of the vineyard workers from the Gospel (Matt 20: 1-16), Deacon Moorer told the communicants: “Today is the beginning of your lives. Now when you walk through the doors of the church, you are entering the vineyard.”

He urged the congregation to continue to pray for, support, and encourage the young communicants.

St. Francis parishioners showered the communicants with gifts – rosaries, prayer books, prayer cards and money -- before the Mass ended with a jubilant rendition of “Oh Happy Day.” 

The 2023 class of First Holy Communicants: Bailey Marie Griffin and Brayden Idris Griffin (parents: Mr. & Mrs. Bradon Griffin); Cayden Amarii James (parents: Brea Morris & Lawrence James Jr.); Daniel Ikena Orji and Alex Emeka Orji (parents: Mr. & Mrs. Chicka Orji); Riley Elyse Smith (parent: Jameise Smith), and Cadence Alese Washington, Caylin Anne Washington, and Caliph Albert Washington (parents: Mr. & Mrs. Doug Washington). The First Communicants’ grandparents included Wendy Baldwin, Johnnie Mae Smith, Christine Washington, Ranetta Wilson, and Columbia Boswell.

St. Francis recognized the Catechists who prepared the young parishioners for their First Holy Communion. They were Edith Aguillard, Wanda Williams, and Ziva Hatcher.

After the recessional, a delectable breakfast awaited the communicants and their families.