A few months back I taught a class on the Catholic Rite of Marriage and Ordination to the Priesthood to the 3rd and 4th Grade Religion class.  We had a "marriage" complete with bride and groom, best man and maid of honor, and father of the bride who walked her down the aisle.  I also "ordained" a young man to the priesthood.  We decided that a wedding/ordination reception was in order, but we wanted it at the Rectory in the springtime so we could avoid tromping up the hill in boots and winter coats.

     So this week the whole class came to the Rectory for the reception. The new "priest" said grace for the couple, the "best man" offered a champagne toast (red punch, actually), the "bride" and "groom" fed each other cake, the "bride" tossed the bouquet to the other eligible girls and then we had a dance. Before the dance, though, the boys wanted the groom to throw the bouquet to the other eligible boys to see who the new husband would be next year!

     I love this photo capturing a moment of the dance at the reception. The kids had a great time dancing to surfer music.  I hope they will always remember their experience in Religion class at Good Shepherd Catholic School and their "wedding" and "ordination" day.  They are great sports and are so enthusiastic about learning.

Written By: Father Lance W. Harlow

Date Published: June 5, 2025