“What does it mean to receive Jesus in Holy Communion? It’s like Jesus is giving us a big hug, saying, ‘I love you so much. I want you to be close to me always,’” says Russell Pollitt, S.J., pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Johannesburg and chaplain to Catholic elementary and middle schools, to the children preparing for their First Communion.

In this episode
00:00 Why First Communion is Really About God’s Love
01:30 Meet Father Russell Pollitt, Jesuit Priest in Johannesburg
03:39 Helping Kids Understand God’s Love for Them
07:12 Sacraments Are About Community, Not Checking Boxes
08:37 Preaching: Sacrament, Scripture, or Feast?
11:11 A First Communion Homily That Connects with Kids and Adults
19:53 Talking Directly to Kids: Why It Matters
25:21 Do We Celebrate Sacraments or Receive Them? Why It Matters
31:54 Preaching Sacraments in Schools vs. Parishes
35:00 A Message for Life: “You Are Special, God Loves You”

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