Think of sacraments as a s’more, or so Fr. Marcin Szymanski O.P. told the congregation at the Mass of Renewal on May 18.

350 second graders from ten different Catholic grade schools joined the Bishop Blanchet community for the mass.

The gathering celebrated the the sacraments of renewal, specifically the second graders’ first communion and the confirmation of several Braves.

In his homily Fr. Szymanski likened the sacraments and our faith life to toasting marshmallows for s’mores.

“You have to tend to it,” said Szymanski. “You don’t want it to be too burnt.”

The mere mention of s’mores lit up the spirits of the second graders sitting on the floor.  The lesson stuck.  Students learned the importance of tending to our spirituality, paying careful attention to our lives, and continuing to participate in the sacraments.

For those newly confirmed, Symanski offered words of encouragement.  He described the role of the sacrament as a step towards a mature faith life.

Both the second graders and those confirmed were given medals to recognize the renewal of their commitment to Christ.