A favorite gift for First Communion!
Join Maria and Riley and their classmates as they offer to help Father Hugo solve the Mystery of the Eucharist. Learn about the Church, the Mass, music and prayer. “Look in the Back of the Book” for clues and information on the sacrament. A keepsake book to record events of the day.
This book carries the imprimatur of the Catholic Church.
Price: $19.95 hardback gift edition
Join Maria and Riley as they enter their church to begin First Communion classes. The children’s anxiousness gives way to curiosity and finally to confidence as they offer to help Father Hugo solve the Mystery of the Eucharist!
Although initially taken-back by this offer, Father Hugo deftly turns it into a teaching opportunity. He challenges the children to look throughout the church for clues to solve the Mystery. Then he explains how the things they find point to the Eucharist.
Other members of the parish staff get involved too! Deacon Paul helps the class with their prayers. Sister Mary Rose, the music minister, invites them visit the choir loft and discover the importance of music. Their teacher, Ms. Kelly, brings it all together as she explains the Mass to the children.
When it’s Father Hugo’s turn to explain the Eucharist, he makes the connection between the Last Supper, the Mass, and the clues the children found in the church during their earlier classes. However, Maria and Riley continue to struggle with the Mystery.
Following an evening of family participation in Benediction and Adoration, Maria and Riley find their prayers are answered. A miracle happens and the Mystery is solved. (Sorry, you have to read the book to discover how the Mystery is solved!)
Full of confidence and joy, Maria and Riley receive the Eucharist at their First Holy Communion.
Today I Made My First Communion is a storybook, a reference book, and a memory book. The “Look in the Back of the Book” reference section contains a rendered drawing of ‘Our Church’ and expands the understanding of prayers, the commandments, and the ‘Parts of the Mass’. The “Memories of My First Communion Day” section allows the First Communicant and his or her family to personalize the book and create a lasting memory of this special day.
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AMSNews
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(Archdiocese of Military Services) Vol 2 No 3, 2003
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“Spreading the Faith” a letter from the Archbishop
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“I was especially taken by a series of colorful, highly informative and attractive gift books ($19.95 each), ‘Today I Was Baptized’, ‘Today I Made My First Communion’, and ‘Today We Became Engaged’, each solid, amazingly comprehensive and bound to appeal to the whole family.” Edwin F. O’Brien, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA
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The Daily Journal
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August 7, 2003
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Book makes prepration for First Communion fun
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Learning about Holy Communion in the Catholic Church can be fun. Just read the new book, ‘Today I Made My First Communion’ ($19.95 by publisher Aunt Dee’s Attic), written by Dianne Ahern, who grew up on a farm near Dwight. Although it explains the Catholic church’s sacrament of Holy Communion and its origins in terms children 9-12 years can understand, their parents also may find it a learning experience. Ahern’s latest book is structured into three parts all within the same book: the story, a very handy reference section of definitions and a memory book. The author says she made her First Communion at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Campus, Illinois, at the age of 7. Growing up on a nearby family farm, she learned to appreciate her faith, family, and freedom to pursue the world. The book tells the story about the steps Catholics take to prepare for First Communion through the eyes of two children, Riley and Maria, who are about 8 years old. Both are very concerned that the 12 weeks of classes will be really hard — even confusing. But Father Hugo makes the experience interesting by presenting it as the “Mystery of the Eucharist.” The clues to solve the mystery can be found as the children study different elements of the Catholic religion: Prayers, the Commandments, parts of Mass, and, of course, what Communion actually means. Father Hugo said, “When you and I receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion, we receive special sacramental graces that help us to live our lives according to His rules. And, if we believe in Him, love our neighbors, and live our lives according to the Commandments, we will live forever with God in heaven.” The text is broken up by the eye-catching illustrations of Katherine Larson. One is a large, colorful picture of the interior of a church which names all the different parts, from stained glass windows to the holy water font. Their definitions are explained on the next page. Behind that are pages giving prayers, explaining the Rosary and giving a detailed explanation for each part of the Mass. Adults who are not familiar with the Catholic faith, will find these pages very helpful. At the end of the book are seven pages where children can put the name and pictures of the people who shared the day with them to help make the First Communion experience even more memorable. There is a lot to learn, so children may need several nights to absorb everything, listening and asking questions as they go. But the book will help them understand that going to church is much more important than just a Sunday morning habit. The author has also written “Today I Was Baptized, “Today We Became Engaged” and other books. |
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CRUX of the News
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August 18 AD 2003
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Workbook, keepsake
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Cleverly designed, illustrated and written, ‘Today I Made My First Communion’ combines the fun of a mystery story with the helpfulness of a workbook and the joy of a keepsake for children and their parents as the child receives First Communion. The book begins with two friends who are preparing for their First Communion, and are determined to figure out the “Mystery of the Eucharist.” Author Dianne Ahern and illustrator Katherine Larson combine their talents to tell a story that will keep the children involved and interested. Farther back in the book are the workbook and keepsake parts. The former includes a “map” of the church that shows the different parts (ambo, baptismal font, holy water receptacle, etc.) and defines them in terms that children can understand, as well as prayers that children should learn, and an explanation of the rosary, the ten commandments and a thorough look at the parts of the Mass, with definitions. Following that is the keepsake protion of the book, allowing children (and parents) to write thoughts and dates, places and times, as well as place for pictures or drawings. A fun idea for teachers and children.
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Faith Magazine
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(Diocese of Lansing), June 2003
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Reviews, Today I Made My First Communion
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‘Today I Made My First Communion’ is a beautifully designed storybook, which proceeds into a reference section and ends as a keepsake memory book. Written, illustrated and published in Ann Arbor, it is presented at a level at which everyone — including those making their First Communion and the parents — can understand, learn and enjoy. A delightful, informative children’s story comprises the majority of the book. As readers join members of a First Communion class trying to understand the mystery of the Eucharist, some may recognize St. Thomas the Apostle Church and Fr. Roger Prokop in the wonderful illustrations. A reference sections follows, which contains things such as an illustrated “map of our church” and a step-by-step explanation of the order of the Mass. It also features the Commandments and popular prayers, including a guide to praying the rosary. Lastly, a memories sections is provided, offering the opportunity for this book to become a personalized First Communion keepsake. This local treasure is a perfect way to create a lasting memory and grow in understanding of this special day. |
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The Southern Cross
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(Diocese of San Diego) April 17, 2003
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Children’s Book on First Communion Helps Teach About Eucharist
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What to get a child for First Communion? You have your rosary, your First Prayer Book, a crucifix, a medal, a necklace. Perhaps you should consider ‘Today I Made My First Communion’, a new book in the Aunt Dee’s Attic series of books on the sacraments. This book is written primarily for children who are about to make their First Communion and their families. However, it may help others to learn about the Catholic Church and the Eucharist, as well. The book would also make an excellent ‘refresher’ gift for a confirmation candidate. The picture book, with lengthy and informative text, tells a tail about what happens when an affable parish priest is confronted by a pair of curious second graders who want to know about the Mystery of the Eucharist. The story follows Maria and Riley as they enter their church to begin First Communion classes. The children’s initial anxiety gives way to curiosity and finally to confidence as they offer to help Father Hugo solve the Mystery of the Eucharist. Although initially taken aback by this offer, Father Hugo deftly turns their questions into a teaching opportunity, challenging the children to look throughout the church for clues to solve the Mystery. Then he explains how things they find point to the Eucharist. ‘Today I Made My First Communion’ is wonderful combination of storybook, reference book, and memory book. In the storybooks section, the author mixes a bit of ‘who-done-it’ drama with traditional religious education to uncover the mystery of our faith. The reference section includes things children should know when making First Communion, including a rendered drawing of “our Church” and expands the understanding of prayers, the commandments and the ‘parts of the Mass.’ The Memories of My First Communion section allows the First Communicant and family to personalize the books and create a lasting memory of this special day. |
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The Catholic Telegraph
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(Archdiocese of Cincinnati), March 5, 2004
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Books help children solve ‘the mystery of the Eucharist’ |
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What happens when affable Father Hugo, a parish priest, is confronted by a pair of curious second-graders who want to help him solve “the mystery of the Eucharist”? In Today I Made My First Communion ($19.95 hardcover), author Dianne Ahern, a Catholic writer from Michigan, turns a second-grader’s confusion into a story of a pastor who finds himself blessed with the opportunity to teach the first Communion class at this parish school about the sacrament. Among characters figuring prominently in the book are the two children, the parish deacon, the music minister and the second-grade teacher. The book uses the setting of the class preparation for first Communion to teach children — and adults — that the songs sung and prayers spoken all point to the Eucharist. There’s a bit of whodunit drama mixed in with traditional religious education so that children find a new way to uncover the mystery of faith. A reference section is also included, helping children learn the terms they should know when making first Communion. And the last section of the book allows a child and his or her family to record the events of their special day, making it a lasting keepsake. The book is the third in a series of books on the Sacraments authored by Ahern. “I want to preserve all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with our rites of passage,” she explained. “But more importantly, I want people to understand and reflect on how important certain events, and in this case, the sacraments are in our lives.” |
Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University. After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.
It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families. Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.
Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events. Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.
In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope. The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places. Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.
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This guidebook has over 125 responses to both common and rare pro-choice objections! Read either front to back or by individual chapter for quick answers to your pressing questions! Written from a holistic perspective, it focuses heavily on science, reason and logic, while also including religious and philosophical viewpoints. Topics include historical and legal analysis, life’s intrinsic value, beginning of human life, fetal development, abortion procedures, adoption myths, how to find common ground, and many pro-choice talking points.
Paperback: $17.95 | Kindle: $9.99
“This work is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in engaging others in meaningful dialogue around this critical topic. It is a speakers manual, providing a level of professional research collated in a user-friendly way that is unavailable anywhere else. In preparing for presentations through the years, I’ve spent hours trying to find the information so beautifully organized and presented in this work. The sections on chemical abortion are particularly important in this post-Roe era where internet marketers are selling death that requires only an internet connection to purchase. And, despite working over 30 years as an OB/GYN, the work centered on the breast cancer/abortion link is better than anything I’ve seen. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough.” – Dr. Christopher Stroud, OB/GYN CFCMC, Founder of Fertility and Midwifery, Care Center and Holy Family Birth Center
“Pro-Life, Pro-Woman, Pro-Science addresses the overarching issues in the debate on abortion that divides our country today. As a clinical OBGYN who has been on both sides of this issue, practicing life affirming medicine for over 30 years, my hope is that it encourages readers to move those 18 inches beyond the rhetoric of intellectual division to the real source of connection and transformation that is found in the center of our chests, the human heart. Well done, Bonita Pratt!” – Dr. John Bruchalski, FACOG, Former Abortionist, Author and Founder of Tepeyac OBGYN
“Pro-life, Pro-woman, Pro-science offers a grammar for understanding the legal, moral, and medical implications of abortion. Readers who are either unfamiliar with the pro-life position or who want to better present this position in dialogue with others will learn much from this work. I know that I did.” – Professor Timothy O’Malley, Author and Theologian
“Bonita Pratt excellently explains through this work what is needed today: for pro-life Americans to be equipped with the truth in a society that too easily embraces falsehood as fact. While the right to life is not a nuanced topic — the science that points to conception at fertilization is copious and clear — humans are complex beings with an instinct to think deeply about matters of morality. If you are seeking a way to think through your beliefs about human life and how to defend them, the right resource has reached your hands.” – Prudence de Bernardo, Former Anchor of EWTN Pro-life Weekly
Bonita Pratt began her work in the pro-life movement in 2011. Her work has taken on many forms, from spending hours sorting through diaper bins, to speaking on EWTN during the March for Life coverage. Pratt spent two years as a pregnancy counselor, helping women feel supported and able to choose life for their babies. In 2021, she founded her organization, Pro-life Apologetics, through which she teaches a yearlong class for high schoolers and travels giving talks to young adults, equipping them with the best tactics for defending the pro-life movement. What brings her the most joy is her lifelong best friend and now husband, Tony, and their daughter, Zelie.
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This book explores the profound mystery of human suffering through a lens of Christian faith. Drawing from theology, philosophy, and personal witness, Keithen Hamilton reflects on how pain, while deeply challenging, can become a place of encounter with God. This compelling work offers spiritual insight, hope, and purpose to those navigating trials, presenting suffering not as meaningless, but as a paradoxical path to healing, transformation, and divine intimacy.
Paperback $12.95 | Kindle $9.99
“Keithen Hamilton’s The Suffering Paradox is a powerful invitation to discover grace in pain. It reframes suffering as sacred encounter—deeply theological, beautifully written, and spiritually transformative. A must-read.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists
Keithen Hamilton is a Catholic, a devoted husband, and the father of four boys. The Suffering Paradox was not something he set out to write—it emerged from a deep, inescapable inner compulsion. After much prayer and reflection, he came to believe he was called to write this book for those who carry the quiet, persistent weight of daily suffering.
While many books address catastrophic loss, few speak to the unseen struggles—those who must rally themselves just to face each day. Hamilton writes for the ones who minimize their pain with thoughts like, “My suffering is nothing compared to my ancestors,” “Toughen up, this is what it means to be a man,” or “It’s not about you, it’s about your family.” He speaks to those who, day after day, pray for change or simply for an end.
Though born and raised Catholic, Hamilton spent more than a decade exploring atheism and agnosticism, wrestling deeply with the problem of suffering. What began as a search for religious truth became an extended study of suffering itself, including five months focused solely on understanding pain and its role in the human experience.
What he found was unexpected: suffering is not to be avoided but embraced as a uniquely human path to Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. This book shares that discovery, challenges the prevailing view of suffering, and invites readers to recognize the divine in what is so often dismissed or feared.
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This book gathers the profound spiritual insights of Fr. George Aschenbrenner, S.J., offering a lifetime of wisdom on prayer, discernment, and inner transformation. These collected essays invite readers into a deeper relationship with God, drawing from Ignatian spirituality and pastoral experience. With clarity and depth, Fr. Aschenbrenner guides the soul toward authenticity, healing, and strength in Christ. A treasured resource for spiritual directors, retreatants, and all seeking interior renewal.
Paperback $19.95 | Kindle $9.99
“Over his decades of ordained ministry, Father Aschenbrenner has assisted countless priests and their formators in grasping the essential role that prayer and discernment play in their own well-being and in the fruitfulness of their ministerial endeavors. In this book, you will find the best of Father Aschenbrenner’s written contributions to the spiritual life of priests.” – Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston
Father George Aschenbrenner, S.J., was raised in Reading, Pennsylvania and graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a degree in English. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1954 and received both his Licentiate in Philosophy and Sacred Theology before being ordained to the priesthood in 1965. He is the author of Quickening the Fire in Our Midst: The Challenge of Diocesan Priestly Spirituality and Stretched for Greater Glory: What to Expect from the Spiritual Exercises.
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All proceeds support the mission trips to Jamaica.
This book recounts the founding of a grassroots nonprofit delivering health services to underserved Jamaican communities, beginning in Mount Prospect. Sparked by Mahfood’s nursing career and deep family ties, the organization launched a health fair in June 2025 despite major funding and logistical challenges. Through faith, volunteers, and community support, Miadibes Cares provided screenings, supplies, and education. The book offers both inspiration and a practical guide for replicating the effort, aiming to expand care and advocacy in rural Jamaica.
Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99
“Miadibes Cares is a radiant witness to faith in action. Kelly Mahfood’s mission embodies the Gospel call to serve the least among us with dignity and compassion. This inspiring journey from vision to impact is a masterclass in perseverance, love, and community upliftment. It deserves our full support and prayers.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Archbishop Richard Henning of Missionary Priests in the Homeland: Our Call to Receive
Kelly Mahfood is a seasoned nurse, dedicated caregiver, and the passionate founder of Miadibes Cares, a nonprofit organization devoted to improving healthcare access in underserved communities—starting with her beloved Jamaica in the town her grandmother resides, Mount Prospect.
With over 25 years of experience in nursing, Kelly has worked across various healthcare settings, bringing compassion, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose to every role. Her deep roots in Maryland, New York, Georgia and Jamaica inspired her to launch Miadibes Cares, blending her clinical expertise with a lifelong mission of service.
Kelly is more than a nurse, she’s a visionary. Her commitment to uplifting others through health, education, and community empowerment came to life during the Miadibes Cares inaugural mission trip to Mount Prospect, Jamaica in June 2025. This book is a reflection of that journey: the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the powerful connections made along the way.
When she’s not coordinating health fairs or mentoring future healthcare leaders, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, tackling one of her many DIY projects, traveling, and dreaming up new ways to serve those who need it most.
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