This time of year marks a special time for children and families of the Catholic faith, for those who have come of age, they will be taking their First Communion. This is one of the most holy and important occasions of a Roman Catholic persons life.

Recently my brother was visiting family and was given a box of “old things”. Inside he found a treasure of photographs, one of them being our father’s First Communion portrait from 1941! Being 1 of 7 children in a poor immigrant Irish family during the depression, my dad and his siblings didn’t enjoy many luxuries. He often tells stories of how they received oranges in their Christmas stockings because they couldn’t normally afford them. While my aunts love to refute that story, I know money was hard to come by and yet my grandparents knew the importance of documenting the milestone of their children’s First Communion. I am so grateful to them for making the sacrifices they must have made in order to provide our family with these forever memories of that generation.

When I look at this portrait I can see my dad! Behind his beard and his aging face, that little boy is still in there! Many of you know my dad is battling dementia and his memories of stories and events are quickly fading and getting mixed up. When he looked at this photograph he instantly started to recite scripture in Latin and recalled stories of being an alter boy! How crazy is that?

I also see my son James in that smile. He makes the same faces from not only this portrait but others my brother discovered. How amazing is that? Separated by 2 generations and the expressions are the same.

One look at this portrait and not only do the memories of stories come flooding back, but also to see the family resemblances and feeling of connection.

Only a photograph has this kind of power.

I want to help this generation create this same magic for the future. I want the children I photograph today to be able to show their First Communion portraits to their grandchildren and tell them the stories of when they were young and why this is such an important and sacred occasion.

Saturday – April 27th

On Saturday April 27th we will be offering First Communion Sessions at the studio from 9am – 2pm. These will be 30 minute sessions to celebrate your child getting ready to take their First Communion.

Each session will be photographed on a beautiful timeless background and you will be able to view and select your portraits right away. Our goal will be to have the artwork completed and printed in time for any celebrations you are planning in May.

The First Communion Session Special is $95 and includes the following:

• 30 minute portrait session
• View and Order immediately following session
• Your choice of an 8×10 print included

We will have additional portrait packages available for you to order that day.

Call the studio today at 813-994-4552 to reserve your session time and preserve your child’s First Communion for generations to come.