Beginning Catholic Spirituality

Catholic Spirituality seems like a mystery to many. I have had conversations with people of other faiths (christian and non christian) in which my religion is seen as lacking in spirituality.  Generally, I don't argue with people who don't know Catholicism.  I probe to find out what they know.  Even those that were once Catholic or even raised Catholic, have very little knowledge about our religion and spiritual practices. I am no different.  I learn much by listening, studying, and asking questions.

So, I decided to share some Catholic spirituality in several posts.  My fear is that this could drive away my [very few] readers.

The first act of spirituality I would like to discuss is the Catholic Crossing of one self.  This is not only the first act of spirituality taught to children and initiates but, it is the most recognized act or gesture across the globe.  When anyone crosses themselves, just about anyone knows that the person is of the Catholic faith.

Now, to many this just seems rote or reflex gesture.  And for many it is.  But it still means something huge.  It is our way of connecting hear and there.  Our link between seen and unseen, this realm and the next realm, what is know and what is unknown, it connects us to the trinity.  It is automatic, it is fast, it is special, it is a life line for Catholics. We do this when we can't even think of prayers.  Catholics do this at just about anything that touches their spirit.  We do it at church, we do it driving on the highway as we pass accidents or graveyards, we do it in the middle of the night when we wake up frightened,  we do it when we are happy or relieved, we do it to end and start our prayers, it is something that is appropriate at any time for us.

Some might say, well you don't have to do gestures to connect with God.  True, but we are not just our minds and spirits, we are also our bodies too.  We feel in more than just tactile or just heart.  We are with God more than just in mind and spirit.

Doing "The Sign of the Cross"  is the simplest and most powerful blessing that can be taught to anyone in the Catholic faith.  It automatically consecrates our beings to God and holiness in less than a minute.  It is the beginning of Catholic Spirituality for me.

From my Altar

Here is a little piece o my prayer table.  I light a candle to remind me of my prayers for my family and loved ones.  It also helps me focus on the light of Christ, which permeates the darkness in my life.  A candle is such a wonderful symbol of God's love.  I burns bright, warm and is long lasting.   It doesn't burn hot and fast like desire. It burns slowly and cleanly like devotion.  I love that.

I have lots of people on my prayer list. Today, God answered two of my prayers for people I love--I thank you my God, you amaze me.  Just for the world to know, that when I say I will pray for you, I really do pray for you. 



God's merciful blessings to all my readers.  May you feel his warmth and comfort in your days. Amen.

 

For all my Catholic and non-Catholic friends, please take a moment to read the Pope's letter.

http://en.radiovaticana.va/m_articolo.asp?c=724673

Assumption of Mary-- A family field trip

    

This year I took my kids to mass with me on August 15th for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.

Can I tell you that it was the most peaceful mass service I have ever been with my children. Don't be confused. My kiddos are great in mass, they do not act up.  But, there was so much peace this time.  The kids participated with enthusiasm and actually paid attention and read along in the missal.  It was just a good experience.

When we left, they actually told me that they enjoyed mass.  They talked about what they learned.  They asked to refill their holy water bottles. They talked about their night prayers. I got hugs. It was such a nice experience. And then, I thought to myself (and I am now sharing with you), "My kids are Catholic. They really are. wow. I hope I can teach them to love being Catholic."  

I wonder what it was like raising someone like Jesus. I feel pressure to raise great kids.  But, I assume Mary felt more pressure than I.  I am imagine her motherhood was much more intense than mine.  But, then again, maybe not.  Her charge from God was Jesus.  My charge from God is my three children...deep thoughts.

Anyhow, I thought it was especially nice that, afterwards we went to the bookstore, they all chose monster themed books.  And they all wanted to talk about scary things and stuff they found spooky.  Ha!  I haven't decided if it is a good or a bad thing.  Maybe they just felt brave after mass.♥

  

 
Do you like my butterfly photos?  I took these on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Creation is something magnificent.

The Fest of St. John the Baptist

Today is the Feast of St. John the Baptist and midsummer.  There is so much information on the history of this but, I won't go to much into it because you have Google and you can look the date up for yourself, if you want. Besides, I will put links at the bottom of this short entry.


Catholics do have a tradition of burning a bonfire and eating scrumptious food.  Yes, just like many other religious groups (Pagans, Romans, Mayans, Egyptians, etc.). But, that is okay, nobody owns the day.  If it is cool, everybody wants to stake claim.  Us Catholics, we like to party, so you can party along with us too.

Typically, on June 24th, I pull out all the Christmas Tamales from last year, defrost and eat them up.  It is my own tradition. Sometimes, I light a candle and pray rosary on this day too.  I also happen to call today Half Christmas. I know that is weird but, it has always been Half Christmas in my head.

On June 25th is traditional also to cut your hair if you want to have it grow long.  This may just be a Latina thing (maybe not Catholic at all). The Farmer's Almanac says this too. Maybe just coincidence but, still neat way to keep up with time and such.
 
Here are some thorough articles on Catholic customs:

http://www.fisheaters.com/customstimeafterpentecost3.html 
https://www.stmaryscity.org/history/Time.html


And some nice poetry if you are still hungry:

http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/a-pair-of-sonnets-for-st-john-and-st-johns-eve/

Happy St. John's Eve!  Happy Midsummer!

Good Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer

Gracious God,
Thank you for the gift of today.
Refresh me. Invite me to discover your presence
In each person that I meet
And every event that I encounter.
Teach me when to speak and when to listen
When to ponder and when to share.
In moments of challenge and decision
Attune my heart to the whisperings of your Wisdom.
As I undertake ordinary and unnoticed tasks,
Gift me with simple joy.
When my day goes well, may I rejoice.
When it grows difficult, surprise me with
New possibilities.
When life is overwhelming, call me to
Sabbath moments
To restore your Peace and Harmony.
May my living today reveal your Goodness.
Amen.
-Pat Bergen, C.S.J.

Catholic Prejudice

My daughter and I have a very close relationship right now.  She talks to me about how hard school is for her.  She is having to find her way in a very hard environment.  You see, she goes to a public school which is predominately protestant christian.  And she sees many of her peers behave in a way that is not Christian.  And she doesn't understand why that is. 

I don't understand why that is.  This weekend she told me a friend or peer of hers, told her that her parents told her that Catholics were evil.  E-V-I-L. And the girl also told my daughter, that is was nothing against her per se, that it was her church and part of her religion. I wish my daughter would have asked the girl what she thought aside from what her parents said.

My daughter was so confused and hurt by this.  She didn't understand that a Christian church would be this way. 

I had no idea this was coming. I had no way to explain it other than prejudice.  I told her that it was too sad that they thought that. I explained to her that the parents are ignorant of the truth.  That they must not have ever asked a Catholic about their beliefs.  I told her that if she ever has a question about another faith that she should talk to someone of that faith and not just anyone.  She should go to a pastor or someone who has studied it and really understands the answers to the questions she has.  In this, I hope that I taught her not to be caught in ignorant regurgitation.  I hope to have taught her truly seek truth and not just repeat what someone else has told her.

I was proud of her for responding that she wasn't evil and that she forgave the parents for their trespass.  She understood that they didn't know what they were doing by teaching their daughter prejudice. My daughter is 11 and she gets this. People are sheep, no matter which religion they follow.

How do I manage this?  How do I protect my daughter from people who are so willing to hate without knowing?  I am so disappointed and just hopeless.  I try so hard to teach my children to love others and respect and celebrate differences.  I can not fathom teaching my kids to hate anything (except for maybe cabbage or liver).

So, in my heart there is a heaviness.

Dominican Sisters first hear about Pope Francis

This is exactly how my heart felt when I heard.  I was not surrounded by sisters or brothers but, how wonderful if that had been the case for me.  I was so excited, nervous, shocked, pleased and relieved.  It made my heart want to sing. This all in a matter of a private minute in my mind.
 

Feast of Epiphany

Today is Three Kings day or the Feast of the Epiphany for us Catholics.  Epiphany is really on January 8th this year.  My friend is having a Christmas Party on Sunday.  Isn't that a fun idea?

Anyway, I love this article or page regarding a lesson plan for teaching children about this particular holy day.  I plan to make a special meal tonight (plan to anyway).  Maybe say a prayer at dinner but, make it more special than ordinary. And I will have my three little kings (2 kings and 1 queen) wear their crowns.  And no, I can not afford a crown roast so it won't be on the menu.

Read this article.  I love the modern day rendition of the story. It helps put the story into perspective for teens. I think it does a great deal of teaching for adults as well. 

The Feast of Epiphany (Article)

And of course, sing this song:

We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to rein

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray'r and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light