I Welcome Jesus
Every year hundreds of thousands of Catholic children worldwide make their First Holy Communion. The catechetical formation they receive is extremely important. Yet, it can easily overlook the spiritual preparation of their hearts, which need to be opened to an exchange of love between themselves and Jesus Whom they are soon going to meet. Holy Communion is the beginning of a lifelong personal relationship between the child and Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. This Sacrament is the primary source of the graces we all need for growth in holiness.
We know that children are capable of sanctity – even heroic sanctity – giving witness, even in some cases at the cost of their lives, to an intense love for Jesus, a strong desire to practice virtue and avoid sin. I Welcome Jesus can foster spiritual development and instill these same desires in Catholic children of today.
Because of the Novena format, children need this book to start their preparation at least two weeks prior to First Communion Day!
This beautifully illustrated, softcover, 96-page book is priced at only $12.99.
Creation Reflects Truths About God
I Welcome Jesus is a new edition of a 1952 vintage First Communion novena for children. It is based on nine flowers corresponding to nine virtues the child seeks to practice before receiving Jesus for the first time.
Creation is portrayed as reflecting God's Goodness, Truth and Beauty. A new Introduction lays the foundation for ‘nature theology,’ helping the child to understand how the natural world, especially plants with their own particular characteristics and Latin names, can remind them of theological truths about Jesus, Mary, the Saints and Catholic Church teaching.
An explanation of how each flower and virtue are related, and the author's own photographs and paintings, enhance the original version.
God Communicates Through Beauty
I Welcome Jesus is a book written especially for children of First Communion age that appeals to their growing sense of what is good, true and beautiful.
The book presents to the child a metaphor by comparing their heart to a beautiful garden that will be full of flowers for Jesus on First Communion Day.
Poetry and prayers that speak directly to children’s tender and innocent hearts are included. They will treasure this book as a memento of First Communion Day and use it often, planting the seeds of habitual virtue that can grow into a life of holiness.
A Floral Reminder….
On the day of their First Communion they may even wear a little corsage or boutonniere made of these flowers as a symbol of their efforts.
Parents, pastors and teachers alike will see this book for children as a unique and indispensable part of preparing for this most Important Day.
Grandparents and friends of Catholic children will want to give this book as a gift, and spread the good news about it to others.
Instructions for Florist
To make it easy for your florist, here is a handy printout of the instructions in the book:
Testimonies
Thank you for creating such a beautiful and meaningful novena and corsage for Julia's First Communion! We look forward to praying the Novena with her as she prepares for her First Communion. Brittany
We did the novena and Nick really was into it. He has a special heart and I pray Jesus will always be there! Keep up doing these because I just think they are so wonderful! Jennifer and Jason
I absolutely love it! It's a wonderful book and I'm so glad I did reach out to get it, it's really a treasure. My son is super excited to make a beautiful garden for Jesus, he's amazed that he can give a present to Jesus on this special day for him, for us. Gabriela
My favorite flower and prayer was the bluebells because my First Communion was a happy day. Thank you for your prayers. Jacob
Sample Pages - Take a look inside…
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Parents, pastors and teachers alike will see this book for children as a unique and indispensable part of preparing for this most Important Day.
The book presents to the child a metaphor by comparing their heart to a beautiful garden that will be full of flowers for Jesus on First Communion Day. Each flower is associated with a particular virtue the child strives to practice.
Creation is portrayed as reflecting God's Goodness, Truth and Beauty. This lays a foundation of ‘nature theology’ helping the child to understand how the natural world can remind them of theological truths about Jesus, Mary, the Saints and Catholic Church teaching.
Each flower is associated with a virtue to practice that day.
Devotion to Mary and the Rosary are encouraged.
Each Day's flower and virtue end with a loving Prayer to Jesus.
The beautiful and powerful Pantocrator icon from Mount Sinai accompanies the child's prayer the night before First Communion.
The children consecrate themselves to Mary and pray to her for the virtue of Purity.
Devotion to Saint Joseph is encouraged as patron of work, of holy family life and the Church.