It’s the standard question from my two daughters every Sunday morning during Eucharist. March 28th, more than 250 participants (100 first communion candidates and their families) gathered to celebrate and learn at the First Communion Extravaganza. Participants divided into groups that rotated between different stations.

Jesus Eats a Special Supper with His Friends: A Do and Discuss Drama: We joined Jesus (Larry Sheehan and Mary Donovan) at the Passover meal. Jesus washed the feet of the first communion children, asking and explaining, “Do you understand why I just did this? I am your leader, and I just helped you by washing your feet. If you want to be great, you need to help others like I do.”

Jesus broke bread (matzo) and drank wine, and the first communion participants were invited to share. Jesus and his disciples (Cheri Sheehan and daughter) reminded us that the bread was Jesus’ body and the wine was his blood. This station concluded with a first communion song.

Moses and Miriam: In the candlelit Egan Room, the children sat in a circle as Moses (portrayed by Ed Hengemuhler) explained how the Hebrew people had suffered in Egypt. Moses described their hard work and difficult lives under the Pharaoh and how God had sent the plagues. Finally, the Pharaoh agreed to free the slaves. When they reached the Red Sea, they saw that Pharaoh had changed his mind and sent soldiers after them. With yet another miracle, God parted the sea so that his people could escape. After telling the story, Moses answered questions while Miriam, portrayed by Kaye Mason, passed out bread and sheep’s meat to the children.

Bread and Wine: First communion children went to one of two different stations (Becka Watry and Anne Hoops). First communion participants sampled bread, grapes, grape juice and wine (optional). They discussed the making of bread and wine and the significance of these elements in communion. The kids even got to dissect their own wheat grains, grind them up and add ingredients to make the bread.

Church: “The most important part of communion is ‘union,’” began Kathy Itzin. She talked about the importance of making peace with others before taking communion. First communion participants practiced eating the bread and drinking the wine.

“They’re going to say, ‘Body of Christ?’ and you’re going to say, ‘Amen.’ This means, ‘Yes, I believe.’ Look them in the eye and say it in a strong voice,” advised Kathy. She also said it was “good church manners” to eat the bread right away.

“You don’t have to drink the wine. That’s something that you decide. If you don’t have wine, just walk past the person with the wine. It’s OK not to have it. Many people don’t drink the wine.”

Sacristy: Kris Sundbergh led a scavenger hunt in the sacristy. Every child was given a list of items that are kept in the Sacristy. Among the items were the priest's vestments, baptismal candles, communion supplies and even the sink where the unused wine is disposed of. First communion participants found these items and discussed their use. After finishing, the group looked at the pews and kneelers. After viewing the kneelers, one mother reflected on her own first communion experience. “There had to have been 300 of us, and all we did was recite and practice. This night is so meaningful.”

Kari Fisher Kari Fisher and her three children (10, 8, and 3) recently joined St. Joan of Arc. Kari teaches English (full-time) at Normandale Community College and GED (one morning/week) at Spruce Tree Probation Office. A former Catholic Worker, Kari has been teaching adults for fifteen years. She writes short stories, non-fiction and poetry. Having been baptized a Presbyterian, raised as a conservative Baptist, and confirmed in a Methodist Church, she is enjoying St. Joan's (where she feels at home).

My daughters and I agreed. Yes, I’m sure I’ll hear the question, “Can we go up there today?” several times before April 22 (the other First Communion is April 29). After the First Communion Extravaganza and the meaningful ministry of this night, we’ve learned that it’s more about “coming together” than “going up.”