A Change Of Plans

I went to Mass this morning and ran into Sr. Annette.....We talked about what my next step was to take and I was surprised to find out that I would not be able to get confirmed until my present marriage is valid, and to do that I need to make an appointment with Fr. Mark and there might be classes to attend, which is no big deal. I was a little worried that my hubby would not want to make a big deal out of this and could possibly decline to marry in the Church (this is something I do want to do!) I was not really shocked at his response but didn't  think that it would not be a resounding "whatever it takes, we will do it!" I know better than this he has always supported me in anything I've wanted to do!  He's a great guy, I've very lucky to have him!

So little by little I am inching toward being a "COMPLETE CATHOLIC".  I am so excited about the process, each step I take it that much closer to to my goal.  I'm not really in a big hurry to get all of this done I want to enjoy the journey as each task is started and completed.  Something that I probably would have not  wanted to do if  I were younger.....always in a hurry to get things done and over with.  I think this is the good Lord allowing this to happen at this time in my life when I can take it slow and appreciate each minute of the journey.  There are a lot of things that are not so great about getting older, but having patience and letting things unfold at a slower pace is one thing that is good!

Almost A Complete Catholic

I am well on my way to being a "Complete Catholic", I got my letter from the Tribunal yesterday and my first marriage was annulled!  I am no longer married to my first husband in the eyes of the Church!  I'm sure I will have to have my present marriage blessed in the Church which is not a big deal but the thing I've wanted most and what prompted me to get the annulment to begin with is that fact that I was not confirmed as a kid. Of course that was another long story that I will not get into now.

I am so excited at the fact that I am eligible to attend the classes to get confirmed!  I'm sure it won't happen until Spring but that is okay....I can wait, I've waited this long a few more months are going to kill me!  After  I get confirmed I want to attend classes to be able to give communion.  I think when things get into place I will be doing a lot more in my parish.  I didn't realize all the things there are for lay people to do in the church and I want to be involved with all of that.....but can't do anything until I get confirmed!!   I have to say...THANK YOU JESUS!

I Tried Something New!

Thursdays are my day off, and I decided to go to Mass today, not sure what prompted me to do that, but I just kind of  felt like I needed to be there.  It was a small group which was kind of nice and Mass was only 25 minutes long.  I, for the first time took wine at communion, I usually don't ever do that but it seemed it was just a natural thing.  I don't know why I don't do it when I go to Mass on Saturday but I might just start doing!  I don't really like the taste of the wine, but it was a new experience and I really didn't mind doing it as much as I thought I would.  So another first.....probably a thing I will start doing from now on.

I think since I started reading The Little Oratory book I am looking around at the things I can use for my own alter.  I finally picked a spot, but not really sure what I want on the table.  I have a Scentsy warmer that has a metal cross on it and I just love it I think that I am going to incorporate in my alter for use.  I also have several Willow Tree figurines and angels that I would like to use as well, it's just a matter picking and choosing.  Hopefully I can get it together soon.  I'm excited to actually have a place dedicated to prayer.

Religious Intolerance

I really can't believe how people that (are not Catholic) go around putting down the Catholic Church. Unless you are willing to do some research on the Catholic Church why would you say anything nasty about the church or to someone who is Catholic?  I for one would NEVER even think to say anything negative about someones religion!!!!  What gives others the audacity to walk up to a Catholic and tell them that they should find a new religion because priests in the Catholic Church are nothing but "gay" or "pedophiles". WOW!

The other day I was talking to a lady that attends a Bible church, in the course of  the conversation she asked what religion I was and where I go to church.  I told her, and she immediately told me that Catholics don't go by the bible, that most of the Catholic Church is based on man made rules.  Another WOW!  I told her that it was not a true statement and she preceded to tell me that she knows lots of Catholics and she "knows" all about the Church.  Another WOW!   I tried to set her straight but she was not going to have any of it.

I for one have been to a few churches (for weddings/funerals) that were not Catholic and I would never say anything like that to any of them!!  Where are people's manners?  Personally I think the Mass is so beautiful....it can not be topped!  These other churches I've attended, seem to not have a structure to them, I always feel like they jump around a lot.....I am NOT putting them down it's just an observance I have made.

So here's to the people that don't think highly of the Catholic Church.....PLEASE come to Mass, find out what we do and what we say.....I think you will find that we do take everything from the bible,  my priest is not "gay" or a "pedophile" he is very loving, giving, and sometimes funny guy! Last but not least, respect my religion as I respect yours!

As always.....I will pray for you....

Let's Get Something Straight.....

CATHOLICS DO NOT WORSHIP statues of anyone..........I am so tired of having to go over this subject time and time again!

 We don't worship anything but GOD, the same GOD that Protestants worship, what we do different from other religions we ask the Saints, Mary, etc to INTERCEDE on our behalf.  Which is EXACTLY like asking your friend  to pray for your dad if he was ill.

People need to stop spreading falsehoods about the Catholic Church!!!  There is a wealth of information on just about any subject of the Catholic Church available on the Internet....take the time to look it up BEFORE  you spout off about something you know nothing of!!!

Stop saying that the Catholic Church does not go by the bible, and they make up their own rules!!!  Again, check it out on the Internet or find a Catholic to help you dispel the myths your are spreading!!

Again, the Catholic Church is NOT A CULT! I wonder how you would feel if I said that about your religion?  If you took the time to find out about Catholicism you might be surprised at what your find.  It's a beautiful , deep, rich, and reverent religion.

Last but not least....if you are going around putting down other's religion then you are in serious need of some
spiritual guidance!!!

I will be praying for you............

The Little Oratory

I saw a post on one of my favorite blogs about making a home altar and was totally intrigued. I bought the book "The Little Oratory" as a guide.  It is full of information, not only how to set up your prayer corner/table but how to use it for prayer.  I have a spot all picked out for this I just need to figure out what I want to put on the table. The book as several suggestion that are very helpful.  I will be posting pictures of my little oratory as soon as I can.

My Annulment

I finally got a letter from the Archdiocese concerning my annulment!  I was not aware that it had to go through two conforming decisions for it to be final.  But I am happy that I did get the first affirmative decision!

I did talk to Sr. Annette this evening at Mass....she was as excited as I was about it!  She did tell me that it should only be about another month and I should have the final decision, apparently it goes to another Archdiocese for approval.  So I am well on my way to getting confirmed!!!!  This is just a great big weight off of my shoulders.  All I have wanted was to get confirmed since it didn't happen when I was a kid.  It may not be a big deal to some, but to me it is everything!!!

I can't do anything in the Catholic Church without being confirmed.  I totally get it, but I'm just impatient!  I know I will finally feel like a "Complete Catholic" after confirmation.....I'm so excited about it!  Someone said to me.....is it really that big of a deal to get confirmed?  Guess what?  IT IS!

I love my religion I want what so many other Catholics already have.....the seal to my baptism.....can't wait!