Testimonials from Catechists

- Angela Garcia, Director of Faith Formation, Michigan

Dear Mrs. Bannon - My name is Angela Garcia and I am the Director of Faith Formation at St. Mary Catholic Parish in Pinckney, Michigan. I just wanted to let you know how beautiful your book - A Handshake for Heaven is. This book has touched many lives here at St. Mary. I ordered this book the beginning of January 2007. I read the book and automatically feel in love with it. Being the DFF there are a number of ministries that I direct from Rel Ed (k-8) all of the Sacramental Preparation, Adult Faith Formation and one of my favorites the RCIA. (I gave your book to my coordinator for the RCIA/Children to have her see if she would like to use it when she prepares the children for their first Holy Eucharist. Well -little did I realize when I gave it to her that it was going to touch her the way it did. Jan just lost her elderly mother last week. During her mother's last hours on earth, Jan sat at her bedside and read this book to her mother. Within 24 hours her mother 'took God's hand and did not let go as she entered into heaven.' By reading this book Jan was able to let go of her mother and put her completely in God's hands. Jan even read this awesome book at her mother's funeral Mass. Directly after the Mass - I had three request to order this book for various people. I returned to my office and ordered five more!!!! Thank you for writing this book and being an instrument to bringing many people to and closer to our Lord in the Eucharist. May God continue to bless you in all that you do!!!

Sincerely in Christ, Angela

- Virginia Gelhar, Second Grade Teacher, St. Joseph Catholic School, MN

You do such an amazing job expressing your love of the Eucharist and it is such a treat for our students to see that excitement and joy firsthand. Your enthusiasm is contagious and you easily engage my students in discussion. You bring the message of a personal connection with Jesus in the Eucharist to a level that they truly understand and they begin to realize what a privilege it is to have the honor of receiving Jesus.

We just love your A Handshake from Heaven book to read as we prepare the second graders for their First Eucharist.

- Nicole Carroll, Catechist, Ohio

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. Bannon does a perfect job of relating to young children and help them, through her story grasp the concept of the enormity of receiving the body and blood of Christ. I purchased this book for every one of my second grade students as a gift when they received their First Holy Communion. I have a copy for myself and bought one for each of my own children. It is by far, my favorite religious children's title. This is such a wonderful story! Definitely perfect for a First Communion gift! I showed the Religious Ed. Director at our church and told her she needs to add this book to the classroom lesson plans for the teachers. She was as impressed as I and will be purchasing your book as well.

- Jan Bartek, Catechist, Michigan

It is such a pleasure to tell you my experience with your book. I work with the children in the RCIA process in our parish & I was given your book by my DRE to look over with the thought that I might use it when we talk about the Eucharist formally. However, my mother recently died. I read your book to her at her bedside and knew then that I must read it at her funeral. I did this last week right after communion at her Mass of Thanksgiving (only through the strength of the Holy Spirit) & I want to thank you for such a wondrous teaching that went far beyond your intentions more beautifully than anyone could imagine. I trust that God touched many people that day. From the comments shared with me, I know that He certainly did touch a few.

- Carolyn Ravichandran, Cathechist, Illinois

Ms. Bannon: I received your book today. It was beautiful. I plan on reading it to my Second Grade First Communion Class. Thank you!

- Gena Lindyberg, Faith Formation Coordinator for Blessed Sacrament, NY

We have just received your book. It is wonderful! It is a gift to our only 1st communicant this May. Keep up the good work.

- Stacie Fralic, Catechist, Navarre, Florida

I received the book and love it!! I can't wait to share it with my Sacramental Class in the Fall. Thank you!

-Kathy Bardsley, Catechist, Kansas

Hi Carol, the kids LOVED their books! On our last class, the Tuesday before their first Communion, I showed them my book and we passed it around as each read and showed a page to the class. (your illustrator is amazing!)l They thought it was awesome that you had signed my book- how special! Then I told them that you were so happy for them to receive their First Communion, that you had signed a book for each of them as well. They were overjoyed! Then I signed their books and they all signed each others books. Thank you for making it a special gift.

- S. Martinez, Florida, Amazon.com customer

Excellent choice for all ages! This is such a great book. A friend recommended it to me & I have shared it with my First Communion class & all of their parents. It is a beautifully done book with a wonderful message.

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