I grew up in a Catholic family. My mom converted to Catholic when she married my dad and going to Church every Sunday was how we were raised. CCD classes were attended every Wednesday night by both of my older brother and I. When we reached the 9th grade, both of us made the switch from public schools to the Catholic High School in town. My little brother went to the Catholic schools from K - 8.
I can't imagine what life would have been like without my faith. It was in everything we did. Weddings, funerals, and baptisms it has always been there. I think that Faith has what got our family through some of the most difficult times with unexpected loss of my Uncle and the early loss of my little cousin. I know that some day, when it is my time, I will be reunited with them in Heaven.
Our family has always had some pretty awesome traditions that revolved around the Church as well. When we would visit Grandma Schmidt, she lived right across the street from the Catholic Church so her house was often a gathering point before and after Church. My favorite tradition was always Midnight Mass for Christmas Service. Usually it was 10 pm when people started gathering at Grandma's. Then at 11:15ish, we headed across the street to listen to the Choir. Afterwards, everyone would go back to Grandma's and we would enjoy, cheese, wine and a lot of munchies until 3 am or later. That is probably the one tradition I miss most during the Holidays!
When the going gets tough, I pray. When Finnegan was really sick, I went home that night and I prayed the Rosary. Prayed that God would make my decision with him clear, that he will guide me to do what is best for not only Finn but for my future as well.
While I struggle at times with some of the Church’s teachings, I know that without the Church, my life would not be whole. Some of the things are trivial and some are not. Catholics believe you have to go to confession to ask God for forgiveness. I have never fully understood why I have to go in this little box and tell a Priest what I did wrong and ask for forgiveness or risk going to hell. I believe that I can pray to God and ask for forgiveness without going to Confession. Of course, saying that, anytime I have had a major surgery, I find myself back in the confessional "just in case". I sometimes struggle with other teachings and wonder if that is really how Jesus would want them or if that is how the Church interrupted his actions?
I still go to Church. While I struggle to make it every week, I do try and make sure I am going at least once a month or more. It is hard working 7 days a week, 60 hours a week and then adding that time in there as well. In Texas, for whatever reason, you don't get out in an hour. Most weeks it is at least 75 minutes if not 90. But, I did find comfort in going so I am trying to get back in that routine!
This is my angelic picture of me as a Miniature Bride. My grandma made my dress. My hair was down to my waist at the time and I can tell you I remember spending a LONG time looking down because some how they french braided it all in! The dress was then modified (again by my awesome grandma) into my First Communion Dress.
Life update - Life is good right now! Busy, but good. I spent most of the weekend I wasn't at work helping the Skinny Biotch move into her new house. It is awesome to have a friend that owns her own place and gets the struggles of being single and a home owner! I am definitely just enjoying the ride life has me on right now!
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