My child’s First Communion falls on Masters Sunday.

Masters Sunday holds a cherished place in many golf fans’ hearts, marked by traditions as varied as the viewers themselves. For me, it typically involves clearing the schedule well in advance, ensuring errands and chores are wrapped up before the leaders tee off. In the past, I’d indulge in a quick morning round before settling in for the broadcast, but with parental duties, I now savor the quiet moments during my children’s afternoon naps to catch up on the tournament.

However, this year’s plans take an unexpected turn. Upon reviewing my kids’ school schedule, I discovered a conflicting event: my daughter’s First Communion, scheduled for the same afternoon as the final round of the Masters. Initially in denial, I eventually accepted the inevitable, albeit reluctantly. Sharing the news with my husband and friends brought some solace, as we commiserated over the unfortunate clash of events.

Despite the disappointment, I’ve come to terms with the situation. While I won’t be able to watch the tournament uninterrupted, I’ve found a silver lining. We’ll still enjoy the morning coverage together, and during the Communion, I’ll discreetly check the leaderboard on my phone. Gratitude for modern technology and the IBM Masters app will accompany my prayers of thanksgiving for my daughter’s milestone.

Later, as we host a gathering for family and friends, we’ll catch the tail end of the tournament, making the day a blend of celebration and golf. It may not be the Masters Sunday I envisioned, but it promises to be memorable nonetheless. And while I’ll cherish the special moments with my daughter, I can’t help but hope for better scheduling luck next time around—if my son’s First Communion coincides with the Masters again, I might just have to make a call to the Archbishop.