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.

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!