Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Solemn Holy Communion in Woodville
October 18, 2023
On Sunday, October 15, at the Parish of Saints Volodymyr and Olha in Woodville, Adelaide, six children received their Solemn Holy Communion. It was an extraordinary day for the parish community, which came together to celebrate this important event. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Father Zenon Racki, the administrator of the parish.
The children underwent three weeks of intensive preparation led by Father Zenon Racki and his wife Nadia, with the support of their parents at home. During the preparation, the children learned the basics of faith, the Ten Commandments, and the Seven Sacraments, with a special focus on the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Their questions and curiosity demonstrated their desire to understand the significance of Jesus’s sacrifice for us and our salvation.
The preparation concluded on Saturday, October 14, when the children participated in their First Confession, confessing their sins for the first time. On Sunday, October 15, the church was adorned with white floral arrangements and ribbons, and the children entered the church with lit candles, symbolizing their sacred journey towards Holy Communion. They sang the hymn “Praise God” under the guidance of Ms. Nadia Racki and read the Epistle in both Ukrainian and English.
Father Zenon delivered an inspiring homily in which he emphasized the importance of faith, family, and friendship in the children’s lives. He encouraged them to choose their friends wisely, be obedient to their parents, and nurture their faith through prayer and regular attendance at the Divine Liturgy. He stated, ‘During your Holy Communion, Jesus comes to you. He wants your relationship with Him and with others to be holy. The most important things in life are faith, family, and friends, as these are gifts from God.’
In conclusion, Father Zenon said, ‘Today’s Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus allows you to become a blessing for your family and to become the best friends of Jesus. May God continue to bless you, your family, and your friends.’ After the Liturgy, Father Zenon presented each child with a certificate as a keepsake of this significant event in their lives. Afterward, the children and their families gathered in the parish hall to celebrate with a festive meal.
