Caroline's First Holy Communion!

 

Caroline made her First Communion on Saturday, May 11.  The church was filled with all the First Communicants from both the parish school and the parish religion classes (PSR) which Caroline was in.  She wore the same dress and veil that I wore for my First Communion in 1987 - that my mom made for me!!! It fit her almost perfectly!

 

Group photo time before the Mass began

 

 

The children all processed in at the beginning of Mass - here Caroline enters our family's pew.

 

The children all went up to receive Our Lord first, one at a time, before the rest of us did.  Here, Caroline's PSR teacher stands beside our pew to cue her to get ready to go up for her turn.

 

Caroline receiving the Eucharist for the first time!!  We also have a print of a close up from the side that they had someone taking to give to the families.

 

Each child made a banner to hang on the side of the pews.  I am not sure how or when this became the norm, but I made a banner when I was in 2nd grade preparing for my First Communion, too.  Except mine was on a wire coathanger instead of a nice dowel rod, ha.

 

After Mass, Father Patrick was available to bless any personal items the children had brought (Caroline brought a new rosary from Gramma and Grampa)...

 

...and to pose for a picture with them.

 

Caroline with her PSR teacher, Mr. Lewis, and the assistant, Ms. Theresa, at the reception afterwards.

 

Caroline with her friends Emma and Claire at the ceremony (yes, they are twins, and yes, Caroline is taller than most kids her age!).

 

Here she is with her friend Raina (who is one of the few kids her age close to her height!).  She also wore a family dress that had been worn by several older relatives for their First Communions!  These three friends (plus three more we didn't get pictures with)are all homeschooled... they made up quite a large chunk of the 2nd grade PSR class this year.

 

We stayed briefly at the reception and then headed home for our own family party, and for more photos!  Cecilia and Lucy posed with their big sister.

 

Caroline with her godparents: Karen, who was my best friend in high school, and Mike, one of my brothers.

 

Caroline with Gramma and Grampa...

 

...and Uncle Tim...

 

...and Daddy and Mommy...

 

...and Gran and Grandad...

 

...and Aunt Sara.

Then I finally let her go change her clothes! ;)

 

The party food - yum!  Tim monitors everything from his spot in the corner.  He'd gotten permission to come home from the seminary a day early and driven here from Ohio early in the morning to be able to make it in time, after having just gotten over an illness - we were so glad he could be here!

We had roast beef with horseradish, turkey, ham, cheese, rolls, a fruit tray with dip, blue cheese buffalo chicken dip with carrots and celery sticks, cheese cubes, an olive cheese ball and a cream cheese bacon dip with crackers, a veggie platter with dip, and ro-tel sausage cheese dip with tortilla chips... plus cake and cookies!

 

The cake, from Publix.  I had bought a decorative chalice to place on it, but... I couldn't find it. :/  Maybe it will make an appearance before Cecilia's First Communion!

 

The cookies!!  I made some lamb shaped cookies because Caroline prayed the Little Lamb of Jesus novena for nine days prior to her First Communion day.

 

I also made these chalice and host cookies and had a blast decorating them excessively with royal icing and sprinkles and shimmery powder stuff... trying to make them a super special treat for a very special occasion!

 

Here is a close-up of one of the cookies.  The sprinkles were done in several different patterns for variety.

 

And a picture with the flash.  I couldn't decide which was better.

 

You can see the First Communion  paper dessert plates we used under the cookies.

 

The best way I know to celebrate a huge milestone - lots of food for lots of family members!

 

Aunt Crystal helps Caroline put on a necklace from her and Uncle Mike.

 

Pretty!!!

 

The cookie recipe made a ton of cookies... more than 50 of them, I think.  So we served them on the table along with putting some out in a basket as favors for people to take home (and I still ate waaay too many of them!).

 

I found the First Communion tags here at Shower of Roses.  Just printed them out and tied them on the baggies with pretty white ribbons!  Everything white on this day!! :)

 

The drinks: mango iced tea with honey and coffee punch!

 

Caroline opening presents from everyone... she got so many generous gifts, including a Bible,bookmarks, jewelry, a rosary, and holy cards!

It was a special day for her - how I love to celebrate these special days in the faith formation of my children!

I just don't understand...

Lately I have noticed the overwhelming majority of people who are in favor of things like gay marriage sling the word "hate" around. It is the answer to any opposition they get on their opinion. If another person is not in favor of legalizing gay marriage, or of homosexual acts in general, then they must be "hateful." It seems that it is easier to point fingers and cry, "HATE!" than it is to try to understand the other person's point of view.

There are other issues that are like this as well, in which the opposing viewpoint gets stonewalled with, "You're just hateful and intolerant." But it is the gay marriage issue that I have noticed it in the most strongly, especially in places like Facebook. Two or three times in recent weeks and months, I have encountered people calling Chick-fil-A a "hateful" organization because they have donated money to Christian organizations which do not favor the legalization of gay marriage. In their eyes, opposing this is akin to barring people of their civil rights, and therefore any association with such groups must mean that Chick-fil-A "hates gays." People even make ludicrous jumps such as, "Chick-fil-A gives 25% of their profits to groups who run seminars to turn gay people straight and to political candidates whose sole purpose is to keep gay marriage illegal." Totally fabricated. I am particularly noticing these CFA attacks because my husband works for their charitable organization. People boycotting CFA make it less likely that he will keep his job - but fortunately, these boycotts are not harming the restaurants at all, and they all continue to do a thriving business.

I think the reason I get so discouraged and am not able to understand is this: when I hear an opposing viewpoint, I don't just launch back with, "Haters!" I think about the words the other person has said, and I weigh them in my mind and based on my faith - a faith that is completely rooted in common sense and truth, not in feelings or fashions or societal whims. I also try to consider where the other person is coming from - why do they hold this viewpoint? Usually, it is not because they are some evil person who hates others, and usually it is not because they are completely unintelligent. These are typically smart, caring people.

A good example of this is the topic of abortion. Usually when I come across somebody who is in favor of abortion remaining legal - "pro-choice," they like to call it, which I don't because while there are many choices I am in favor of, this ain't one of them! - they are not some baby-hating pro-killing jerk! They really and truly believe that abortion must remain legal because, while not the choice they would make personally, they think it is compassionate to have this option for others. They basically see no other way, and they have convinced themselves that some babies are better off being aborted than being born into poverty or whatever other unfavorable conditions may exist. They think abortion being legal is a "necessary evil." These "pro-choice" advocates really, for the most part, think they are being compassionate. They do not "hate babies," at least I like to think that most of them do not. So, I can understand their position. I absolutely 100% disagree and believe they are misguided, but that doesn't make them mean, it doesn't make them stupid, and it doesn't make them hateful. Calling them that will never get them to listen to our reasoned pro-life arguments anyway! So I choose to say, "I understand where you are coming from, but I strongly and completely disagree," rather than, "You baby-killer! How hateful you are!"

As a side note, I see abortion as a much, much larger violation of human rights. It actually kills another human being, which is the worst thing to do. It isn't merely harming their bodily integrity (think genital mutilation here). It isn't merely denying their desire to have the law recognize their relationship. It is depriving them of their very life. If the law tomorrow suddenly stopped recognizing my marriage to my husband, then would it change things? Sure, some... but I would absolutely still consider myself to be married and behave as such, and the Church would still view our marriage as valid. Those are what are most important. But if the law suddenly stopped protecting me from being killed? That is an outright denying of my basic human rights, endowed to me by my Creator, as is said in the law of this land.

Unfortunately, I have yet to see an attempt to understand from the pro-gay marriage side. I have yet to see a conversation in which people attempt to explain why they think my side is wrong without playing the "hate" card. I understand their arguments and disagree. They don't understand my arguments and decide I must be "hateful." I am sure there are people out there who do hate gays in general regardless of their actions or positions on legal issues, and of course it is wrong to call people names or try to hurt them because you dislike them in general. But that is not the reason most people are opposed to gay marriage - at least not for other faithful Catholics - and I am sick and tired of the assumption that our reasons are rooted in hate and ignorance. Why is it that we must tolerate the gay marriage views while they refuse to tolerate the fact that some people disagree for real reasons and not just out of fear and hate?

Interestingly, I never hear mention of the fact that there are some homosexual people who dislike their homosexual urges and do think that homosexual sex acts are disordered, and therefore they disagree with the legalization of gay marriage. In the logic of some of the pro-gay marriage side, do these people "hate" themselves? No, of course not - in fact, these people refuse to define themselves based solely on their sexual tendencies. And it must take great courage and strength for them to do this!

Another issue where this stonewalling happens is whenever anyone mentions the Church's teachings in relation to condoms and AIDS and Africa. Instead of trying to understand the very real reasons why the Catholic Church won't distribute condoms, even in Africa where AIDS is widespread, people just assume the Church is "mean" and "intolerant." The Church must "want people to die." They refuse to acknowledge that maybe the Church thinks there are better ways to handle this (and more moral ways to boot). Or if they do acknowledge that, they assume the Church is "stupid" and that of course they could never think of any good alternatives to deal with the AIDS crisis in Africa. The very real answer is that if you don't have sex with multiple people, you are far less likely to get AIDS. If you hand out condoms, you are sending the message to continue to engage in risky behavior - increase it, even, since you have "protection" now, protection which is not guaranteed. There is even evidence-based research showing that condom distribution is not the answer, but since it seems like a common sense approach, any other idea is automatically discounted or seen as "mean" and trying to hurt rather to help. Many people (ahem, mainstream media) paint the Church as being archaic and "out-of-touch," when the opposite is true. People just won't take the time to dig in and explore further and jump to conclusions and make assumptions.

Can we not all just have the best assumptions of each other unless proven otherwise? Can we just assume that people can be mistaken, misled, and/or misunderstood, and that underneath that we generally do have good intentions and wish the best for others, even if we have different ways of going about it? And this does not mean that we back down on our positions - not at all. We shouldn't waver and capitulate on issues as important as the ones our world is faced with today. We should absolutely hold fast to what we believe, especially if we believe we have Truth on our sides. Those with Truth can present their side without being ugly about it, without refusing to discuss the issue and calling out, "Hate!" instead. We can discuss things with reasoned patience rather than bewildered anger at "those hateful bigots." We live in a day and age where the terms "hate" and "bigot" can be thrown at somebody as an immediate way to shut down the conversation. That is what they want - to not have to discuss it because they have decided your arguments are merely hate-based, so why discuss them? Or perhaps they have an inkling that you may have something logical or reasoned to say and don't even want the conversation to get to that point... in other words, they won't tolerate your view, so they shut you down by calling you "intolerant" lest your words actually have some sense in them.

Don't be afraid to stand for the truth, and don't be afraid to do it in love, in patience, and in knowing that you can disagree with somebody out of Truth and not just because they are "hateful."

Graduation at the Pontifical College Josephinum

My youngest brother, Tim, just graduated from the Pontifical College Josephinum with his undergraduate degree. He will be returning to the seminary there for another four years of theology and then become ordained as a priest shortly after that. The Josephinum is in Columbus, Ohio, so we had quite a little road trip! The school was beautiful, and all of my brothers were able to be there, so I am very glad we went! The girls were real troopers on the drive... we didn't even have to stop for the first five hours of the trip and made it from North Georgia to Lexington, Kentucky in one stretch, amazingly!

My parents had reserved hotel rooms for everyone, so we arrived with just enough time to check in and then head over to the main chapel at the college, where we were attending evening vespers. In true Nadolski fashion, we got there about two minutes late... but this time, it was actually not our fault, as the lady at the hotel check-in desk had told my dad about a "short cut" to avoid the traffic light that has a reputation of being awful at rush hour. So it took us almost twenty minutes to get "across the street."

Vespers was beautiful, lots of music, and I only wish we had a book of the Liturgy of the Hours so we could have followed along better! After vespers, there was a cookout for the graduates and their families and friends. We all headed to the basement of Tim's dorm, where there is a pub. What an awesome school, huh? ;) We had lots of appetizers and drinks, and then bratwurst, burgers, potato salad, and baked beans for dinner. Some of the underclassmen spoke about each of the graduates, and then the rector spoke.

Caroline and Cecilia got antsy after dinner and acted a bit crazy with Uncle Stephen, Grampa, and Uncle Tim, who always rile them up even by just sitting there doing nothing!

Following this was a dessert social in the school's cafeteria, which they call the refectory. Multiple kinds of cheesecake, a chocolate fountain with strawberries and marshmallows to dip into it, and cordials... we were well-fed on this trip!

The next morning we had a baccalaureate Mass back in the chapel, followed by a brief break with... you guessed it, more refreshments! Coffee and lemonade, English muffins and fruit...

The girls had a bit of lemonade and toasted English muffin, and then they hung out with Uncle Stephen.

We also used this time to take a few photos by some of the many beautiful statues that are everywhere on the campus. There are lots of detailed photos of the beautiful decor and architecture, and any of these images can be clicked on to see in better detail:

The girls spotted and immediately identified St. Therese in the refectory.

Tim told me that this is a statue of St. Francis.

Caroline was excited to find this wooden carving of her patron saint, St. Anne, with young Mary.

The graduation ceremony was held in the main chapel again, and as we enetered through a side door, I noticed this printed at the bottom of the doors. It is very visible when you notice it at eye level as you come up the steps of the stairwell.

Despite getting there 15 minutes before the ceremony began, we had lost our seats. Apparently leaving programs and a sweater strewn across the pews isn't obvious enough. ;) I took the time before the ceremony started to take some pictures of the chapel. This relief carving of the Last Supper is on the front of the altar table.

I liked these ornate candle holders.

The huge organ in the back of the chapel

very high ceiling... and this chapel is located on the second story of the building!

pretty stained glass

a spiral staircase leads to the organ

This is the front of the church... apparently there was a beautiful painting that covered the entire front wall, and somebody in the 70s (of course) had the idea to plaster over it. Tim says they are hoping to re-renovate it and get some of the original parts back.

Waiting for the ceremony to start... Cecilia and Grampa.

They were so patient overall... this was the third event in this chapel in an 18 hour period, and they handled it all so well! They are used to being in church, but I was surprised at how well they did after a long drive and the excitement of being on vacation!

Tim processes in

waiting in the pews

Tim gets his diploma...

...and his scarf thingy (don't know what those are called!).

More beautiful artwork... a statue of St. Joseph (with somebody walking in front of it)

a painting of Mary hanging on a wall outside the chapel

We went outside to take some family photos. Tim said they used this statue of Mary for a May Crowning... a "May" Crowning that they did on April 30th, he says! I am hoping to host a May Crowning in our own yard for some friends sometime within the next couple of weeks...

This is to the right of the Mary statue. I think it would look so pretty at night with some of the prayer candles lit... although I am sure it's not that practical, being outside where it can rain on them and all...

Tim with our parents

now showing the inside of his diploma

all the siblings together (and the girls had to be in the picture as well)

Stephen, me, Tim, Mike: from shortest to tallest, we are oldest to youngest.

You can't really see it in this photo, but Mary is standing on a large concrete block. It is just a plain block... and Tim says it used to be the altar table inside the chapel! I'd say they have made an improvement there already, ha ha!

the cross up at the very top of the main building

a view looking up... gives you an idea of how big it really is!

Tim holding his diploma with the rector and vice-rector of the college

On either side of the main entrance, there are these beautiful statues... I couldn't remember who Tim said they were, but I am assuming this one is St. Peter since he appears to be holding a large key.

This statue is on the left, and I asked Tim to remind me again who he was: St. Paul.

There is also one of St. Joseph higher up which will appear later... I didn't notice him until Tim pointed him out later on that day.

Tim puts his hat on Caroline...

the main entrance

a side view of the main building

After the graduation ceremony, we had a nice lunch in a reception hall at the college. The girls tried to figure out what all the forks were for...

Uncle Stephen was no help with identifying their purposes... Daddy showed Caroline the salad fork, dinner fork, and dessert fork.

Cecilia shows a tired moment... no naps and a previous day of 7:00 am to 9:45 pm, and she was still doing quite well other than a few moments like this! Those green beans were all gone just a few minutes after I took this photo!

Tim took us on a tour after lunch...

Here is St. Joseph, way up on the first peak of the main building.

This cross and statue are to the left of the main entrance...

...and these prayer candles are to the left of the cross.

These beautiful, fragrant flowers were in bloom along a walkway.

This statue is at the end of the walkway and is of the founder of the college. It was originally founded as a seminary for Germans because the Irish priests didn't want the Germans coming to their schools, Tim says... strange.

looking back at the main building from the statue

Okay, here is a view of the "altar" on which the Mary statue is standing... pretty lame excuse for an altar, huh? ;)

This beautiful column is just inside the main entrance...

..and the floor there is quite ornate as well.

the ceiling in the old auditorium

Tim says they are planning to turn it into a multimedia room with a projector... as long as they replace the old seats which were made for "skinny German kids," ha ha.

This is in the sacristy behind the chapel... the picture frames contain information about the priests' vestments, in Latin! In the center you see a reliquary, although Tim didn't know whose relics it contains.

This is the ceiling of the sacristy... very pretty!

This small chapel is off the sacristy as well... it used to be the nuns' chapel, back when they had some nuns here who taught classes and such. We got to have a private Mass on Saturday evening here, to meet our Sunday obligation before we all had to travel the next morning.

This painting is on the back wall in the small chapel

Cecilia looks at one of the stations on the wall... apparently, somebody tried to clean them, with an abrasive cleaner... oops. It took the paint off!

windows in the nuns' chapel

Cecilia and Caroline enjoyed checking out the confessional in the back of the chapel

a view of the entire room

In one of the courtyards, a mother duck has been coming back for about twelve years to lay her eggs and raise her babies until they can fly away. The seminarians have put a kiddie pool out there for the ducklings to learn to swim in! They also take out a plate of cornmeal for them to eat.

a beautiful hallway

This is in Tim's dorm building, outside the chapel there... the girls are standing with St. Pius X, the patron of my high school.

This Marian statue is in an alcove at the top of the stairs inside Tim's dorm.

This is the outside of the chapel... the seminarians living in this dorm building use it for their morning prayers, early each day.

This painting depicts the way the main chapel used to look, before the painting on the wall got plastered over.

After our tour, we went back to the hotel to change into slightly more casual clothes before heading back to the nuns' chapel for our Saturday evening Mass. Then we had dinner reservations at a nearby steakhouse... Stephen had a return flight home in the middle of the afternoon, but everyone else came, including Father Dan, a priest who was at St. Pius high school with Tim and was influential n his deciding to enter the seminary. He had come up to attend the graduation as well. The restaurant was very good... I have decided that lobster macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food!!! And they had a delicious crab bisque... oh, now I am getting hungry! ;)

After dinner and the girls were in bed, my parents and Mike and Tim came to hang out in our hotel room... Tim and Mike stayed until 1:00 am. A bunch of night owls, we are!

And here are the girls outside our hotel room the next morning, ready to head to Indianapolis to meet some friends (although they didn't know that yet!)... posts on that segment of the trip coming soon!