Catholicism & Me

Catholicism, to me, is the ultimate fulfillment of truth.  As a cradle Catholic, it has always been in my life.  I have made my sacraments and so have my husband and my children.  Growing up, though, as many Catholics do, I took my faith for granted and didn't keep my end of the bargain, so to speak.  Going to church was a nuisance and I had more fun things to do in my teenage life.  After my kids were born, I was just tired on Sunday mornings and wanted to sleep in.  Eventually, I joined a church choir with my best friend because 1) I loved singing and 2) it got me to church every week.  I am still in a church choir - although I did change parishes a few years ago.

Over the last few years, I've gone through a heavy spiritual enlightenment.  It has made me long to get even closer to Jesus and Catholicism in general.  I am reading the Bible more, watching more videos, reading more articles and books, saying more rosaries and chaplets, and diving more deeply into the Mass.  And I love it.  I have such a beautiful sense of peace.  

Believe it or not, the covid quarantine has almost been a blessing in disguise.  Being home has allowed me to overload on everything Catholic.  It's all I want to do.  I am back at work now, but as soon as I get home I delve back into my studies.  My husband thankfully gets me.  He's more of a Christmas & Easter Catholic but I do pray that he and the kids come back more fully into the faith.

The thing I've realized about Catholicism is that you really have to understand what it's all about.  I don't mean the horrible catechisms we had in the 70s and 80s.  I mean you have to decide that it's time - and start researching.  There are so many incorrect perceptions out there.  There are so many parts to this beautiful religion, that after decades of being Catholic, I'm still learning new things.  Many Catholics stay blind and either carry on with the rituals without too much thought or they fall away.  But those who make a point to read and truly understand are the ones most at peace and ready to defend Catholicism at the drop of a hat.  That's where I want to be completely.