Here's my long thoughtful post on the Health and Human Services mandate that all institutions that provide health care for their employees, including Catholic employers, have to provide birth control, including known abortifacients.
That is a violation of the First Amendment, which prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances.
And as I say to Maria 1000 times a day, that's it. Period. The end.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
I Smell Children!
The title refers to that awful guy in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the one who can smell out the children? Before I was married and had kids, I used to always imitate him when I was working in a restaurant and had to wait on lots of kids. It's mean, I know.
Which brings me to my next point. There's a blogger that I follow on Twitter, and she pointed to a post by another blogger, and it concerned me for several reasons.
We are having a conversation about it, of sorts, on Twitter, but I wanted to quickly write out this post because, funnily enough, I have to get ready to go to Mass. Mike just got back from 9:30 and I am going to 11:30.
Before I had Felicity, we all went to church together at what we thought would be our new church. We would all go in and sit and then when Anthony got too loud (and hoo boy can that get loud), either Mike or I would take him out into the huge foyer that they have at this church. It was ... not great. First of all, we had to stop taking turns because Mike had to take him to the toilet once we started training. Second, and this was more problematic, everyone and their brother came out to the lobby during Mass and it got a little crowded and a little hard to hear the priest. Also, if you stand near the doors, you can see everyone coming late (and I do mean late, like barely in time for Communion!) and it's a little disheartening to be out in the foyer because your child can't behave and to see all these neuro-typical people behaving horribly, just because they can. Is that irony? I can never tell.
Now that I've had Felicity, I usually take her on Saturday nights and Mike takes - well, he used to take Maria and Veronica but now he just takes Maria because Veronica is HORRIBLY behaved. She's loud, she takes off her shoes and blows you a raspberry when you tell her to put them back on, she runs up toward the altar, etc. There's no way for Mike to bring them both.
So I read this post and I think, hmmm. Really? Really we're not setting a good example for our kids? We're not taking responsibility for our children because we don't take them to Mass? Veronica is TWO! What is she getting out of Mass?
It is a great, great concern of mine, about Anthony and God. I pray every day that he will some day come to know God in a more real way. I would love it if he could make his Communion in a real way. I think he can make his First Communion regardless but I would like for him to know what is going on and be able to express stuff enough for Confession. If Sacraments give us grace, I wonder, where is he going to get his? I mean - I know that he is taken care of, I truly believe that God loves Anthony and that somewhere in his heart, Anthony knows God (as well as any 6.5 year old anyway) but I worry about this stuff anyway, is my point, and then to read a post that basically confirms my worries is ... um, worrisome.
Also, I flat out don't think kids of a certain age should go to Mass. I don't really think it's cute for a two year old to be waving her hands around at the Host. It drives me MAD when people talk about Jesus and the Suffer the Children quote, because, fine, those kids were AROUND in town or whatever, but you notice there were NONE at the Last Supper! They weren't invited, probably, because they should have been in BED!
So we disagree, this blogger and I, about kids at Mass. But I also disagree with sweeping statements like:
As Catholics:
We say that we are champions of Life, but are unwilling to help the unwed, pregnant mother.
We say that it’s everyone’s job to help those in need, but avert our eyes and shift in our seats when the beggar comes into the Mass.
We talk about how children are a blessing and the future of our Church, but we don’t want children interrupting OUR Mass.
We talk about how Jesus loves everyone and we should too, but then kick our son or daughter out of the house when they reveal to us they are gay.
Um, what Catholics are doing this? I used to go to church with some people in New York that I'm SURE didn't have a home. Almost all the churches I went to in the city were commuter churches and didn't have a regular parish EXCEPT FOR the homeless people. I can't speak for myself because I am not great with the volunteer work lately but my mother has been a long time volunteer for Birthline, which TOTALLY helps the unwed, pregnant mother. And believe me, she has OPINIONS about being unwed and pregnant, which have nothing to do with the help that she gives people. We are ALL sinners, I figure, and we all need help.
I just think there are a lot of sweeping statements in this post. I have a hard time when Catholics make sweeping and possibly untrue statements about Catholics because I feel like we get a hard enough time from everybody else!
That said, I am happy to have another Catholic blogger to follow, even if we don't completely agree.
Which brings me to my next point. There's a blogger that I follow on Twitter, and she pointed to a post by another blogger, and it concerned me for several reasons.
We are having a conversation about it, of sorts, on Twitter, but I wanted to quickly write out this post because, funnily enough, I have to get ready to go to Mass. Mike just got back from 9:30 and I am going to 11:30.
Before I had Felicity, we all went to church together at what we thought would be our new church. We would all go in and sit and then when Anthony got too loud (and hoo boy can that get loud), either Mike or I would take him out into the huge foyer that they have at this church. It was ... not great. First of all, we had to stop taking turns because Mike had to take him to the toilet once we started training. Second, and this was more problematic, everyone and their brother came out to the lobby during Mass and it got a little crowded and a little hard to hear the priest. Also, if you stand near the doors, you can see everyone coming late (and I do mean late, like barely in time for Communion!) and it's a little disheartening to be out in the foyer because your child can't behave and to see all these neuro-typical people behaving horribly, just because they can. Is that irony? I can never tell.
Now that I've had Felicity, I usually take her on Saturday nights and Mike takes - well, he used to take Maria and Veronica but now he just takes Maria because Veronica is HORRIBLY behaved. She's loud, she takes off her shoes and blows you a raspberry when you tell her to put them back on, she runs up toward the altar, etc. There's no way for Mike to bring them both.
So I read this post and I think, hmmm. Really? Really we're not setting a good example for our kids? We're not taking responsibility for our children because we don't take them to Mass? Veronica is TWO! What is she getting out of Mass?
It is a great, great concern of mine, about Anthony and God. I pray every day that he will some day come to know God in a more real way. I would love it if he could make his Communion in a real way. I think he can make his First Communion regardless but I would like for him to know what is going on and be able to express stuff enough for Confession. If Sacraments give us grace, I wonder, where is he going to get his? I mean - I know that he is taken care of, I truly believe that God loves Anthony and that somewhere in his heart, Anthony knows God (as well as any 6.5 year old anyway) but I worry about this stuff anyway, is my point, and then to read a post that basically confirms my worries is ... um, worrisome.
Also, I flat out don't think kids of a certain age should go to Mass. I don't really think it's cute for a two year old to be waving her hands around at the Host. It drives me MAD when people talk about Jesus and the Suffer the Children quote, because, fine, those kids were AROUND in town or whatever, but you notice there were NONE at the Last Supper! They weren't invited, probably, because they should have been in BED!
So we disagree, this blogger and I, about kids at Mass. But I also disagree with sweeping statements like:
As Catholics:
We say that we are champions of Life, but are unwilling to help the unwed, pregnant mother.
We say that it’s everyone’s job to help those in need, but avert our eyes and shift in our seats when the beggar comes into the Mass.
We talk about how children are a blessing and the future of our Church, but we don’t want children interrupting OUR Mass.
We talk about how Jesus loves everyone and we should too, but then kick our son or daughter out of the house when they reveal to us they are gay.
Um, what Catholics are doing this? I used to go to church with some people in New York that I'm SURE didn't have a home. Almost all the churches I went to in the city were commuter churches and didn't have a regular parish EXCEPT FOR the homeless people. I can't speak for myself because I am not great with the volunteer work lately but my mother has been a long time volunteer for Birthline, which TOTALLY helps the unwed, pregnant mother. And believe me, she has OPINIONS about being unwed and pregnant, which have nothing to do with the help that she gives people. We are ALL sinners, I figure, and we all need help.
I just think there are a lot of sweeping statements in this post. I have a hard time when Catholics make sweeping and possibly untrue statements about Catholics because I feel like we get a hard enough time from everybody else!
That said, I am happy to have another Catholic blogger to follow, even if we don't completely agree.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Confession
I can't believe how people seem to feel about Confession. I think a lot of people think of Confession as a very antiquated, old-fashioned thing that Catholics 'used to do'. I'm sure I felt that way, before Mike went through RCIA and I realized not only the importance of Confession, but the rule that says that you are supposed to go at least once a year. Our priest always suggests that you go four times a year, during Lent, Advent, and ... two other times that I am too harried to think of. When people tell him that they have nothing to confess, he always tells them that the Pope goes once a week! What do you suppose they are doing right that the Holy Father isn't doing? Ha! Nothing! We all need the grace given to us by going to Confession - it's a sacrament just like Holy Communion. Who are we to deny grace given by God?
I have a friend who is a Protestant and she is kind of mystified by Confession, as are a lot of people, Catholics included! The big thing, for people, it seems, is that you have to go THROUGH someone to get to God. Why, these people wonder, can't you just go to God directly? Well, of course you can, you can pray to God and ask God's forgiveness with no problem, obviously. But the sacrament of Confession is one that rules that you confess your sins to a priest - a priest, who is not the same as you. He is able to listen to your confession, to give you your penance prayers, and then to forget everything you said. I think it's amazing.
Ugh, I cannot STAND bold, bad Catholics. I mean, we are all sinners, I feel confident, but to just boldly ignore the rules of the Church and CROW about it on Facebook or whatever? It's rude and it's childish and it's annoying. I read this one woman who is always talking about how she'll just LEAVE the church if they 'make' them cover their hair, or if they 'make' them say different prayers. To that I say, LEAVE! BYE! My guess is that you are already ignoring the rules of the Church with the most famous transgression, practicing birth control, that you don't belong there anyway. No one even wonders about birth control anymore - no one even inquires. A friend of mine laughingly told me about how in her pre-cana classes, the priest had mentioned Natural Family Planning, and she and her husband laughed and laughed at the priest. Lovely.
But I wanted to say, about Confession, that I truly think that it is saving my spiritual life, ha, such as it is. The other day I went to church and it was PACKED. Some guy gave me his seat, but then a super old guy came in, so I gave him MY seat and I was standing out in the foyer, but it was freezing and there were a bunch of LOUD kids out there, so I figured I would just go stand online for confession. I wanted to go anyway and I figured that way I could stand and follow the Mass but also get to confession. So anyway, it was a visiting priest and I told him the usual, which is that I am impatient with my children and husband and that I worry that I have a severe lack of faith. He told me, among other things, that God loved me so much, that Gold wanted me to be very, very happy. And, I mean, I KNOW that, but it was something about hearing that sweet lilty voice say it, it really struck me. Or maybe I could just hear it more because I was on my way to being in a complete state of grace. I don't know, but following that Sunday, I had a very upsetting week and a lot of stuff happened and all I could think all week was that God loved me so much! That he wanted me to be so happy! I figured I better get on it, if that was the case, and it's really helped me. So far, so good.
I have a friend who is a Protestant and she is kind of mystified by Confession, as are a lot of people, Catholics included! The big thing, for people, it seems, is that you have to go THROUGH someone to get to God. Why, these people wonder, can't you just go to God directly? Well, of course you can, you can pray to God and ask God's forgiveness with no problem, obviously. But the sacrament of Confession is one that rules that you confess your sins to a priest - a priest, who is not the same as you. He is able to listen to your confession, to give you your penance prayers, and then to forget everything you said. I think it's amazing.
Ugh, I cannot STAND bold, bad Catholics. I mean, we are all sinners, I feel confident, but to just boldly ignore the rules of the Church and CROW about it on Facebook or whatever? It's rude and it's childish and it's annoying. I read this one woman who is always talking about how she'll just LEAVE the church if they 'make' them cover their hair, or if they 'make' them say different prayers. To that I say, LEAVE! BYE! My guess is that you are already ignoring the rules of the Church with the most famous transgression, practicing birth control, that you don't belong there anyway. No one even wonders about birth control anymore - no one even inquires. A friend of mine laughingly told me about how in her pre-cana classes, the priest had mentioned Natural Family Planning, and she and her husband laughed and laughed at the priest. Lovely.
But I wanted to say, about Confession, that I truly think that it is saving my spiritual life, ha, such as it is. The other day I went to church and it was PACKED. Some guy gave me his seat, but then a super old guy came in, so I gave him MY seat and I was standing out in the foyer, but it was freezing and there were a bunch of LOUD kids out there, so I figured I would just go stand online for confession. I wanted to go anyway and I figured that way I could stand and follow the Mass but also get to confession. So anyway, it was a visiting priest and I told him the usual, which is that I am impatient with my children and husband and that I worry that I have a severe lack of faith. He told me, among other things, that God loved me so much, that Gold wanted me to be very, very happy. And, I mean, I KNOW that, but it was something about hearing that sweet lilty voice say it, it really struck me. Or maybe I could just hear it more because I was on my way to being in a complete state of grace. I don't know, but following that Sunday, I had a very upsetting week and a lot of stuff happened and all I could think all week was that God loved me so much! That he wanted me to be so happy! I figured I better get on it, if that was the case, and it's really helped me. So far, so good.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thoughts for Thursday - First time on a Thursday!
What am I cooking?
I am making whole wheat spaghetti with meat sauce for dinner. I am trying desperate to use all of our food before we move in two weeks. It might make for some interesting meals!
What are my weekend plans?
We're supposed to go out tonight and try a new beer at one of our favorite downtown bars. Tomorrow night I'm supposed to go to a Mom's Night In at a friend's house and Sunday afternoon Mike and I are going out to lunch while my MIL comes up to spell us for a while. It's all questionable, as everyone has been kind of sickly around here.
What are my prayer intentions for the day?
The kids have been sick, so I am praying for them and also praying in gratitude for their relative good health. I am praying that we get through our move okay. I am always praying for a miracle for Anthony.
What can my children do instead of watching T.V?
Nothing, apparently. Maria has been lying on the couch all morning, sick. Veronica and I went upstairs before and she played with her stuffed animals, she puts them to bed, says "shhhh!". It's cute.
What have I done for my marriage this week?
Just the usual, I guess. I am trying to not be too needy.
What am I reading?
I don't think I've read one thing this week!
What’s challenging me lately?
I am filled with worry about this move, and Anthony, and our life and our future. I wish I could just chill out and trust God. I know I should.
Something that made me think?
Whenever my kids are sick with some small illness or bug, I think of people whose kids are really ill and I wonder how anyone survives it.
I am making whole wheat spaghetti with meat sauce for dinner. I am trying desperate to use all of our food before we move in two weeks. It might make for some interesting meals!
What are my weekend plans?
We're supposed to go out tonight and try a new beer at one of our favorite downtown bars. Tomorrow night I'm supposed to go to a Mom's Night In at a friend's house and Sunday afternoon Mike and I are going out to lunch while my MIL comes up to spell us for a while. It's all questionable, as everyone has been kind of sickly around here.
What are my prayer intentions for the day?
The kids have been sick, so I am praying for them and also praying in gratitude for their relative good health. I am praying that we get through our move okay. I am always praying for a miracle for Anthony.
What can my children do instead of watching T.V?
Nothing, apparently. Maria has been lying on the couch all morning, sick. Veronica and I went upstairs before and she played with her stuffed animals, she puts them to bed, says "shhhh!". It's cute.
What have I done for my marriage this week?
Just the usual, I guess. I am trying to not be too needy.
What am I reading?
I don't think I've read one thing this week!
What’s challenging me lately?
I am filled with worry about this move, and Anthony, and our life and our future. I wish I could just chill out and trust God. I know I should.
Something that made me think?
Whenever my kids are sick with some small illness or bug, I think of people whose kids are really ill and I wonder how anyone survives it.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thoughts for Thursday - Saturday Edition :)
I'm just behind on everything this week.
What am I cooking?
I've cooked exactly nothing today, but I did make an excellent black bean burger this week that I really enjoyed. Here's the recipe: http://brokeassgourmet.com/articles/black-bean-burgers-with-sriracha-aioli
Next time, I'd have more things to dress it up, like avacado, or lettuce and tomato. I also have to serve it with more. I didn't think I'd have time to make them on Thursday and then I did, so we only had chips with it and it wasn't enough. Maybe potatoes and a veg, or pasta salad and salad. But they were great!
What are my weekend plans?
I went out to dinner last night with my sister and a friend and I went to bed around midnight, which of course I regret because A was up at 4:30. 4:30! Tonight Mike and I are going out to dinner, we were supposed to go play cards but it got canceled because our friend who was hosting has a sick kid. I am going to Mass tonight and Mike tomorrow.
What are my prayer intentions for the day?
A friend of mine's ex-husband died very suddenly this week, so I am thinking of her. I have another friend who is having a baby soon, her first and I'm praying for her and her family. I started in a little prayer group this week and I'm praying for the women I met there and their families. As always, my little kids.
What can my children do instead of watching T.V?
We are playing outside, which SURELY must be the last chance. Also I am packing up the downstairs, and they are playing htere.
What have I done for my marriage this week?
We had a rough morning on Wednesday and Mike had plans to go out right after work, and I tried to keep everything going well so that I wouldn't sound desperate when I said "have fun, we're fine!". I wanted to really be fine and it worked.
What am I reading?
I'm still reading Half a Life and I'm doing some reading for this prayer group I'm in.
What’s challenging me lately?
I'm so tired. It's hard to not get depressed when you are so tired and people are so unhappy around you.
Something that made me think?
Hmmm. Because we were talking about God and marriage this week, I thought about my marriage a lot. I also think, often, what would I do without God? What would I do if I didn't have faith in something? I would like to be more appreciative of my life and my faith and stop acting like I don't believe what I believe.
What am I cooking?
I've cooked exactly nothing today, but I did make an excellent black bean burger this week that I really enjoyed. Here's the recipe: http://brokeassgourmet.com/articles/black-bean-burgers-with-sriracha-aioli
Next time, I'd have more things to dress it up, like avacado, or lettuce and tomato. I also have to serve it with more. I didn't think I'd have time to make them on Thursday and then I did, so we only had chips with it and it wasn't enough. Maybe potatoes and a veg, or pasta salad and salad. But they were great!
What are my weekend plans?
I went out to dinner last night with my sister and a friend and I went to bed around midnight, which of course I regret because A was up at 4:30. 4:30! Tonight Mike and I are going out to dinner, we were supposed to go play cards but it got canceled because our friend who was hosting has a sick kid. I am going to Mass tonight and Mike tomorrow.
What are my prayer intentions for the day?
A friend of mine's ex-husband died very suddenly this week, so I am thinking of her. I have another friend who is having a baby soon, her first and I'm praying for her and her family. I started in a little prayer group this week and I'm praying for the women I met there and their families. As always, my little kids.
What can my children do instead of watching T.V?
We are playing outside, which SURELY must be the last chance. Also I am packing up the downstairs, and they are playing htere.
What have I done for my marriage this week?
We had a rough morning on Wednesday and Mike had plans to go out right after work, and I tried to keep everything going well so that I wouldn't sound desperate when I said "have fun, we're fine!". I wanted to really be fine and it worked.
What am I reading?
I'm still reading Half a Life and I'm doing some reading for this prayer group I'm in.
What’s challenging me lately?
I'm so tired. It's hard to not get depressed when you are so tired and people are so unhappy around you.
Something that made me think?
Hmmm. Because we were talking about God and marriage this week, I thought about my marriage a lot. I also think, often, what would I do without God? What would I do if I didn't have faith in something? I would like to be more appreciative of my life and my faith and stop acting like I don't believe what I believe.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Thoughts for Thursday
My sister told me about this, it's from a blog that we both read called buildingcathedrals.com. Well, it's called Building Cathedrals, but that above is the address. You know what I mean. I just want to give credit where credit is due. I like the idea of 'checking in' weekly, but Lord only knows if I'll be able to do it. I'll give it a whirl:
What am I cooking?
Today I baked a cake for Mike's birthday, just from a box, because he likes a yellow cake and what is the point, I figure, of making a yellow cake from scratch when the people at Betty Crocker have already put it all together for me? I'm not fond of icing from a can, though, so I made some and WOW is it good. I made a double batch, the first batch didn't seem like enough. He likes yellow cake with chocolate icing and pecans, so as soon as everything cools, I'll ice it and put the pecans on. I'm happy with it all, looks-wise, so far, and that's half the battle, for me. We're having Cinnamon Carbonara today for dinner, Mike's mom and her husband and his sister and her girlfriend are coming over for dinner. His birthday is tomorrow, his last one in this house! I remember when he was only 36. :)
What are my weekend plans?
See? I should have done this on Thursday, but I'll backtrack. Friday night we had eggs for dinner and went to see a show called The Belle of Amherst, about Emily Dickinson. It was a one woman show and although I thought it was a SKOSHE long for a one woman show, overall I loved it. I thought the actress was wonderful, it was nice to see a play with Mike, which I haven't done for a long time, and the tickets were free! My sister babysat, which was also nice. Yesterday we went to the park, I went to Mass and then the grocery store. Today we're having birthday dinner.
What are my prayer intentions for the day?
I always pray for my children, especially Anthony, that his mind can be eased a little bit, today. I pray that he can get his sensory system in order and feel good and happy. I have a new friend on Facebook that I made, and her son just got diagnosed with autism, so I am praying for him and for her family, too. I always think of my cousin Sean around this time of year, tomorrow was his birthday. He died when he was 21 and I think he would have been 44 tomorrow.
What can my children do instead of watching T.V?
Play outside, today and tomorrow. It's going to warm up. They can also 'help' me with packing. Hopefully they can take a nice restorative nap today, as they were up early, because of the time change.
What have I done for my marriage this week?
I got up this morning with the girls! I want to be more mindful of not taking advantage of Mike and the fact that he always, always gets up with them. Now that I am sleeping more regularly, there's no reason I can't get up too.
What am I reading?
I'm finishing a novel called One Day, and I'm moving back to a memoir of sorts, it's called Half a Life.
What’s challenging me lately?
I wish I could be better on my diet. I wish I could be committed to exercising and eating better. I wish I could lighten up.
Something that made me think?
Meeting my new FB friend made me think about Anthony and when we got his diagnosis and how far we have come. I remembered trying to practice saying "Anthony has autism", like, in the car before I got places, so that I wouldn't cry when I said it. It rarely worked but I like to feel prepared. Anyways, it's better now, so I hope I can remember that no matter how bad it feels at the time, it always does get better. So far, anyway.
What am I cooking?
Today I baked a cake for Mike's birthday, just from a box, because he likes a yellow cake and what is the point, I figure, of making a yellow cake from scratch when the people at Betty Crocker have already put it all together for me? I'm not fond of icing from a can, though, so I made some and WOW is it good. I made a double batch, the first batch didn't seem like enough. He likes yellow cake with chocolate icing and pecans, so as soon as everything cools, I'll ice it and put the pecans on. I'm happy with it all, looks-wise, so far, and that's half the battle, for me. We're having Cinnamon Carbonara today for dinner, Mike's mom and her husband and his sister and her girlfriend are coming over for dinner. His birthday is tomorrow, his last one in this house! I remember when he was only 36. :)
What are my weekend plans?
See? I should have done this on Thursday, but I'll backtrack. Friday night we had eggs for dinner and went to see a show called The Belle of Amherst, about Emily Dickinson. It was a one woman show and although I thought it was a SKOSHE long for a one woman show, overall I loved it. I thought the actress was wonderful, it was nice to see a play with Mike, which I haven't done for a long time, and the tickets were free! My sister babysat, which was also nice. Yesterday we went to the park, I went to Mass and then the grocery store. Today we're having birthday dinner.
What are my prayer intentions for the day?
I always pray for my children, especially Anthony, that his mind can be eased a little bit, today. I pray that he can get his sensory system in order and feel good and happy. I have a new friend on Facebook that I made, and her son just got diagnosed with autism, so I am praying for him and for her family, too. I always think of my cousin Sean around this time of year, tomorrow was his birthday. He died when he was 21 and I think he would have been 44 tomorrow.
What can my children do instead of watching T.V?
Play outside, today and tomorrow. It's going to warm up. They can also 'help' me with packing. Hopefully they can take a nice restorative nap today, as they were up early, because of the time change.
What have I done for my marriage this week?
I got up this morning with the girls! I want to be more mindful of not taking advantage of Mike and the fact that he always, always gets up with them. Now that I am sleeping more regularly, there's no reason I can't get up too.
What am I reading?
I'm finishing a novel called One Day, and I'm moving back to a memoir of sorts, it's called Half a Life.
What’s challenging me lately?
I wish I could be better on my diet. I wish I could be committed to exercising and eating better. I wish I could lighten up.
Something that made me think?
Meeting my new FB friend made me think about Anthony and when we got his diagnosis and how far we have come. I remembered trying to practice saying "Anthony has autism", like, in the car before I got places, so that I wouldn't cry when I said it. It rarely worked but I like to feel prepared. Anyways, it's better now, so I hope I can remember that no matter how bad it feels at the time, it always does get better. So far, anyway.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Confession and Vocation
This is not a confession, it's about Confession, aka Penance, or the more obnoxious (to me) Reconciliation. Ugh. I like Confession and I think penance is what you get when you go.
The other day on my board, someone mentioned their cousin was making her first Penance and another person asked what that was. I said it was when you make your first Confession and someone ELSE clarified that Confession meant confessing your sins to a Priest. I thought that was a bit much - I think people generally know what Confession is, since people on tv and in movies are CONSTANTLY going to Confession, especially if they are not Catholic. Oh does that GRATE on my NERVES.
There is this baseball player who was an Oakland prospect who is leaving baseball to become a priest. I was listening to Dan Patrick on ESPN Radio, he was interviewing the guy and he asked him something about confession, I think swearing, maybe? Does he confess swearing? And the guy answered, laughing "every week". Dan Patrick went on to say that he remembered confession! And he used to count how many times he disobeyed his parents! Ho ho ho, it really seemed to stir up some memories for Dan. He didn't seem to be *not* Catholic anymore, I truly think that he thinks that Confession is for little kids and maybe people who are becoming Priests?
He's wrong. You're supposed to go to Confession once a year, a rule of the Church, and really you should go more often that that, really whenever you are aware of mortal sin. As my priest says, the Pope goes to Confession once a week and if HE can think of things to confess, I suppose we all can.
We're lucky that we have Confession available to us at our church all the time. I didn't go for a LONG time, like more than 20 years, but once Mike went through RCIA and before I got married, I went back and have been going regularly ever since. My sister goes now, too, which I think is lucky. I feel like we gained a lot by bringing Mike into the church, I feel like we got brought in a little bit more.
On vocations - Oprah had nuns on her show yesterday and they were so nice and sweet. They seemed so, so sure of their vocation and of course they weren't going to go on Oprah and cry about "I've made a terrible mistake" but I was jealous of them and their conviction. I do feel that I have been called to be a married person and I know that I have these kids and must be called to be their mother, but man. I am so, so bad at it. I was wishing I could just go to that damned cloister and play field hockey with those nuns and not have to be anyone's mother yesterday. I wish I felt more convinced of my vocation. Seven years those nuns have to go before they take their final vows! Seven! I am not even seven years into motherhood and already I feel like a failure most of the time, I wish I had ... what? Thought about it more? Prayed about it more? Ugh I don't know. They were nice, those nuns, is all. They seemed happy.
The other day on my board, someone mentioned their cousin was making her first Penance and another person asked what that was. I said it was when you make your first Confession and someone ELSE clarified that Confession meant confessing your sins to a Priest. I thought that was a bit much - I think people generally know what Confession is, since people on tv and in movies are CONSTANTLY going to Confession, especially if they are not Catholic. Oh does that GRATE on my NERVES.
There is this baseball player who was an Oakland prospect who is leaving baseball to become a priest. I was listening to Dan Patrick on ESPN Radio, he was interviewing the guy and he asked him something about confession, I think swearing, maybe? Does he confess swearing? And the guy answered, laughing "every week". Dan Patrick went on to say that he remembered confession! And he used to count how many times he disobeyed his parents! Ho ho ho, it really seemed to stir up some memories for Dan. He didn't seem to be *not* Catholic anymore, I truly think that he thinks that Confession is for little kids and maybe people who are becoming Priests?
He's wrong. You're supposed to go to Confession once a year, a rule of the Church, and really you should go more often that that, really whenever you are aware of mortal sin. As my priest says, the Pope goes to Confession once a week and if HE can think of things to confess, I suppose we all can.
We're lucky that we have Confession available to us at our church all the time. I didn't go for a LONG time, like more than 20 years, but once Mike went through RCIA and before I got married, I went back and have been going regularly ever since. My sister goes now, too, which I think is lucky. I feel like we gained a lot by bringing Mike into the church, I feel like we got brought in a little bit more.
On vocations - Oprah had nuns on her show yesterday and they were so nice and sweet. They seemed so, so sure of their vocation and of course they weren't going to go on Oprah and cry about "I've made a terrible mistake" but I was jealous of them and their conviction. I do feel that I have been called to be a married person and I know that I have these kids and must be called to be their mother, but man. I am so, so bad at it. I was wishing I could just go to that damned cloister and play field hockey with those nuns and not have to be anyone's mother yesterday. I wish I felt more convinced of my vocation. Seven years those nuns have to go before they take their final vows! Seven! I am not even seven years into motherhood and already I feel like a failure most of the time, I wish I had ... what? Thought about it more? Prayed about it more? Ugh I don't know. They were nice, those nuns, is all. They seemed happy.
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