I love the traditions of Catholicism. When I was growing up I knew nothing different-I thought everyone believed in the same thing. I never knew what made us different. I thought everyone adored Mary, and that Saint statues were common. I remember talking with a friend of a different religion who didn't think that was all so cool-weird even. I never gave it much thought, but I decided to delve deeper and have spent my adult-hood reading bits and pieces about my faith-things I took for granted, or maybe they all just went straight over my head in religion class as a child.
I am grateful my parents passed down the tradition of Catholicism to me. I am grateful that my mother lit Advent candles every year, and encouraged us to sacrifice during Lent. I am grateful that she and my Dad spent their hard-earned money on a Catholic education, and I am also grateful that I was taught by some strict, perfection-loving nuns back in the day. :) I am grateful that I was baptized and I will still remember the day I received First Communion. (Most of those memories had to do with a dress and flowers-oh, I wanted a veil so badly, but my mom made me a beautiful little wreath out of fresh spring flowers. It's ok Mom, I'm over it!).
When I am in our beautiful church, I think of all the prayers said, all the brides and grooms married, and babies baptized, and loved ones put to rest. It is a strong base, a reminder of the largeness of life, and how much good there is in the world.
What a beautiful church! I agree with you. I feel like I appreciate my parents' gift of Catholicism to us even more now than when I was younger. Maybe because my children are older, I have more time to spend thinking about it and reading more about it.
ReplyDeleteI feel very lucky to have come into the Catholic church from the outside and having been welcomed with open arms. And every year I discover something new that makes me love it even more. Love our church!
ReplyDeleteI agree 100+%! I only became Catholic in my 30's, and I wish I had sooner. My kids attend Catholic school, too. People that think Catholics are weird are hopelessly uninformed. My RCIA teacher said that those that criticize the Catholic faith will be in for a surprise later. He says they are Catholic, too, but just don't realize it yet! Love your blog, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI was raised Catholic, too and went to Catholic school as well. I have a lot of fond memories of that and the traditions. I chose to raise my kids in the Presbyterian church, but sometimes I think that was a mistake and I should have raised them with the traditions of Catholicism that I guess I took for granted--I didn't realize that other Christian faiths didn't have all of that. I am really, really loving Pope Francis and have been considering going back to the Catholic church.
ReplyDeleteHope this isn't too personal, but I will pray that you do "come home"!
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ReplyDeleteI think this is awesome! I see/read countless mormom blogs..but your is the first Catholic one and I loving it! I grew up Catholic as well but I haven't been active in the Church for a long time. This post makes me realize how great our Church is! Thanks for that! =)
--Ana
I couldn't agree more Sarah. My oldest will be confirmed this year, and my husband was baptized 5 years ago. I'm so grateful for my faith.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I'm with Ana Carolina in that I see/read countless mormon blogs (and I have one myself), but I love learning about the Catholic faith, how it influences your life, and the aspects that you find so comforting and fulfilling. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are going through RCIA right now :)
ReplyDeleteMy mother was raised in the Catholic church and loved her upbringing there so very much.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to faith. To yours and to mine. Sometimes I wonder if we don't truly appreciate our political freedom to worship according to our conscience. Recently I've felt like I need to do better at teaching my kids how invaluable these liberties are, in addition to specifically passing on the tenets of my faith.
A beautiful post, I admire the Catholic faith immensely. My partner is Catholic and we have baptized our son Catholic too, and he will attend Catholic school and the like. I look forward to learning more of the faith.
ReplyDeleteI shudder to think where I'd be without my Catholic faith. We are so blessed! There is always more to learn and to discover--I recommend the "Surprised by Truth" series for any who are curious about what makes the Catholic faith different from others.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love my (not Catholic) faith too - it's a wonderful blessing to have been raised with faith, I don't know where I'd be without it. What a beautiful church!
ReplyDeleteI love my Catholic faith as well and am so thrilled to have found your blog. It is so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I love this post. I'm not Roman Catholic, but I have deep respect and appreciation for the Catholic church. Many of the most wonderful and devoted Christians I know are Catholic. Everyone who relies on Jesus as Lord and Savior is part of a great family, and I am grateful for every part of that family. Thank you for being a shining light for all that you believe hold dear and for encouraging others to shine their light as well. God bless you, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI love my catholic faith too and will probably never let it go, its engrained in me.
ReplyDeleteI love the traditions too, singing in church with all my classmates (8 years I went), secretly laughing - our special code during the songs, but still our deep respect and admiration for each other, I'm 50 and I recently reconnected with my first grade best friend...soo sweet....and some of those songs we sang, are so special to me now..."I am the bread of life..." ...and so many others...
so inspirational to see your kids growing up catholic....(like an extinct animal)....you are good parents thats for sure...
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, I feel the same as you, after growing up Catholic I didn't realize other churches didn't believe the same things. We never thought of not raising our children Catholic but when a coworker (fallen away Catholic) questioned our beliefs, I really starting learning all I could about our faith and realized just how beautiful it is and how blessed we are to be Catholic.
ReplyDeleteI just watched The Mary Movie last night with several people from our parish including both of our Priests. If you have a chance to view it I highly recommend it. It is beautiful to see the mother son relationship and how much trust and joy she has in the Lord. I encourage all mothers to see it if you have the chance Catholic or not. It is beautiful. Bring lots of tissues.
Sorry the real name of the movie is Mary of Nazareth.
DeleteI think of you in Church often when I am trying to get my two year old to cooperate. I remember you wrote once about whispering in his ear. It's amazing how this works. I have become a stronger Catholic as a result of teaching our children about our faith. It's a wonderful gift to give them (and us.)
ReplyDeleteI may not be Catholic, but I love this post. I feel much the same way about my Methodist church! Worshipping God every Sunday and all of the traditions of my church that I've known since I was a kid fill me with so much joy and gratefulness. Wonderful post! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for putting into words all the reason's I love our Catholic faith! I was re-awakened to so much of its timeless wonder when I sponsored my husband in RCIA. As a cradle Catholic I was amazed at how much I learned along side him. Have you ever ready Matthew Kelly's "Rediscovering Catholicism"? - If not I highly recommend all his books...
ReplyDeleteI have read that book and it is AMAZING! Every Catholic should read it. It has changed how I pray, how I pray with my children and so many other things. You should also read Confessions of a Mega Church Pastor. It's a quick read but excellent!
DeleteLove this post. I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic schools growing up. I had my two older children baptized Catholic and then we started going to another church. I thought I had found what I was looking for...not really sure what I was looking for. A few years ago a family member passed away and when I walked into the church I just started crying....I knew that I had made a mistake by leaving what was home to me. I love my Catholic faith and am so excited that my daughter will be starting the Catholic high school I went to in the fall.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for all of the good Catholics like you and your family in our town. I am not Catholic (Mormon here) and when we moved here from out west I was nervous about finding a good community for my children. I couldn't ask for a better community. I love how your church focuses on family and good moral standards. I am so thankful for my son's friends that are Catholic and that they have our same standards.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written! I was baptized Catholic, and confirmed Methodist. My husband is Catholic and we have decided to raise our children Catholic. This year, my daughter will be making her first communion and so will I (through RCIA). Very special time for our family. I have read your blog for four years now and through sharing stories of your upbringing and your family traditions, you have been a part of my desire to return to the Catholic Church and go through the sacraments myself. Thank you Sarah!
ReplyDeleteLove this post. We too sacrifice for our kids to attend Catholic school like we did. I have the pleasure of going to Church this morning to listen to both of my girls read at all school Mass. My devotion has grown much deeper in the 5+ years since I lost my mother and I am so grateful that I have become so close to God. I read an awesome book call Confessions of a Mega Church Pastor. It's a quick read but it speaks to some of the traditions you mention. I think you would enjoy it.
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