Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

St. Michael Parish in Lincoln has continued a heartwarming tradition dating back to the 1970s, where parishioners mark children's first Communion celebrations with homemade cakes. Kathy Rentschler, a member of the parish, reminisced about the early days, saying, "We were a small white (frame) church back then, in the little town of Cheney. When they started making the cakes, five or six first communicants were the norm, and they would gather in the social hall afterward to receive their cakes."

The tradition has evolved over the years, with this year seeing the largest number of first communicants ever at St. Michael Parish, with 80 children receiving the sacrament. Despite the increasing class sizes, the tradition of homemade cakes remains a beloved parish project, evolving alongside the community it serves.

Rentschler highlighted the meticulous preparation involved in organizing the cake-making process, mentioning, "We have this down to a science. There is a great core of the Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) who are always willing to help, and that is what contributes to our success with this."

Father Kenneth Borowiak, pastor of St. Michael, emphasized the significance of this tradition, stating, "Making cakes for the first communicants gives a large number of parishioners an opportunity to be directly involved in the second-graders’ first Communion." He added, "We try to make the day just as special as we can for them."

The tradition of gifting homemade cakes is seen as an opportunity for the parish family to come together and create lasting memories. Rentschler expressed her hope for the tradition's continuation, saying, "I believe this tradition will endure, as we find joy in coming together to create lasting memories of a special day with Jesus and our parish family."

As the St. Michael parish family gathered once more to celebrate this sacred milestone in the lives of its youngest members, the tradition of homemade cakes reflected the parish’s longstanding faith, love, and commitment to community. Each cake, baked and frosted with care, served as a sweet reminder of the shared love and joy of the sacrament.