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Byline: Margaret Ramirez and John Biemer
CHICAGO _ At St. John Cantius Catholic Church, black bunting billowed over the entry to mark the passing of Pope John Paul II and a papal skullcap he once had worn was placed on a small table near a side altar.
But nearby, two dozen fidgety 2nd-graders in immaculate white dresses and crisp shirts and ties momentarily overshadowed the church's period of mourning. In one of the most important rites of Catholicism, the children lined up to receive their first Holy Communion.
"It's kind of a joyous day," said John Esposito, 51, as his 8-year-old granddaughter, Brianna, smiled for photos on the front steps of the Near North Side church. "I think he'd be so happy with the kids having their first communion. The church continues."
Grief was still heavy Sunday in churches across the Chicago area as the Catholic faithful mourned and prayed for the departed soul of John Paul II. Yet, as feelings of sorrow lingered over the loss of their spiritual leader, many priests and parishioners said the life of the church went on.
At several churches, baptisms, first communions and weddings were held as…
Source: HighBeam Research, Parishioners celebrate the life of Pope John Paul II.