So this week, I decided it was high time I start teaching the little boy to pray and remind the big girl how to as well.
I readily admit, the timing of my teachable moment epiphany has everything to do with signing the little boy up for Catholic Preschool. That whole Catholic fear slash guilt thing of having ours be the only child not in the Sign of The Cross know was horrifying to the internal mortal sin level. Those of you who are absent Catholics know what I'm talking about. Not being up for 50,000 Hail Marys and 2,104 Rosaries, I got the prayer ball rolling.
I've never considered myself anything but Catholic. I find the church and its rituals comforting. I did my time, I mean 10 years of Catechism, and all my sacraments up to marriage. I conscientiously objected that one on account of my desire not lie to the church and His Holiness about my co-habitation habit, not to be confused with a Nun's garment. Just the opposite actually. Somehow lying to the church seemed wrong. More so, than the church considering my living with Ben before marriage sinful to the point of not allowing us to marry in the church. I made the choice to live with Ben on my own, fully knowing it was a trial basis thing for marriage. Coming from divorced parents, we decided it prudent to see if we could live together.deal with bills and money before we committed to a lifetime and family. Seems/ed backwards to many, but to us it made sense to us and worked well, but I digress.
So, for you non-Catholics, saying/making the Sign of The Cross goes like this: In the name of the Father (touch forehead), the Son (touch chest), the Holy (touch left shoulder) Spirit (touch right shoulder), Amen. This ritual comes before and after saying a prayer.
The little boy loved the ritual. A funny conversation followed. (Note: I started writing this the day it happened, it's now two weeks later and I don't remember verbatim, but this is super-close.)
Eli: Mommy, who's, the Father?
Me: The Father is God, sweetie.
Eli: Who's God?
Me: Someone magical who lives way up high in the sky, past the clouds in a place called Heaven. He helps us everyday to be good. His son's name was Jesus.
Eli: Oh, cool. That nice. Can I go fly up high in the sky with Buzz Lightyear and go see him?
Me: Yes.
This awwww moment brought so many warm fuzzies, my goal now is to start going to church again. I'm realistically shooting for 1-2 times a month.
I should totally volunteer to be on one of those, "Catholics Come Home" commercials.
One woman's take on the kooky world of motherhood and how it should come with both instructions and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
How cute!I have started taking my kids to church again as well. The first couple of weeks were hard but they love it. Well, Cisco does. Vicente could do without it but he likes the donuts so there ya have it. Although, I forfeited church for sleep this weekend so I am now bad once again. LOL!
ReplyDeleteAs a young bride who lived with my boyfriend now husband of almost 16 years before marriage I was worried the church would be upset knowing we choose this path before our commitment before God and was initially less than honest with that information.. however as our marriage class continue and our one on one continued with the deacon we came to find out there was no judgment and our deacon was fully aware of our past. I learned at lot from that experience and I truly try not to judgments people and the decisions they make because more than likely I may not have all the information/facts…. And it was nice knowing we were fully expected by our church!
ReplyDeleteKnow all our children have been baptized early all attended Catholic preschool two out of the three attended Catholic classes and have completed and are still working on some of their sacraments. Our littlest one is up next and I am so glad our commitment to the Catholic church as never been in question. All my kids love having their prays said to them nightly. Tracy R.
Wow typing and talking to kids is so bad. Oh well I think your smart enough to understand what I was saying! :) Tracy
ReplyDeleteI am glad you had that positive experience Tracy, that's great. I don't speak in judgement of anyone, I'm just sharing my journey with it all. Ben was raised Methodist. A family friend who was also a Methodist church leader is the one who officiated our wedding. He was willing to marry us outside and welcoming of our lifestyle from the get-go. His pre-wedding counseling was truly wonderful as well. As you know the kids are baptized Catholic but it was a journey for us to get there as a couple and family cause we definitely questioned it. That's why Charlotte was two when we finally did it.
ReplyDeletePS - I admire you never questioned it. I know very few people who can say that. It's awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen, posts are tricky hope you don't think I thought you were placing judgements. I was just sharing what I learned and what I try not to do in my own life. Nice blog...
ReplyDeleteYOU.ROCK.SISTER. I love this blog it made me laugh out loud several times and I love the way you write. I still love the story of Eli and Buzz Lightyear. You are so much fun to be friends with!! Keep the stories coming, lady.
ReplyDelete