ONE BUSY WEEK? NAH, IT'S JUST HOLY

My goodness! It’s Friday of Holy Week, and with all that has been going on, I haven’t had time to make any entries. So, today, I thought I’d play “catch-up”. (If, of course, that is a feasible task!) So, hold on to your seat and be prepared for a long post! This was my first week in a Catholic environment, so there were a lot of “firsts” for me to experience and report.

Let’s start with Sunday, also known as Palm Sunday. This was to be our last dismissal as candidates/catechumen. Needless to say, it was a bittersweet moment for each of us. It was also our last Sunday as non-Catholics. The one thing that I can say about this Mass was the amount of standing. We stood for the entire reading of the Passion, and might I add, that is no small feat if one is wearing heels, as I was!

On Tuesday, was the Chrism Mass. This was one event I wanted to attend more than anything, and, lo and behold, against odds, I was invited to. (FYI, in our diocese, this is an invite-only affair. Only so many parishioners can attend from each parish.) Several other members of our class, our catechumen, and another candidate, were also in attendance. Deacon and his wife invited me to ride down to the Cathedral with them. Because he had to be vested for the occasion, we had to arrive super early. That was a good thing, too, because that Cathedral filled up rather quickly.

If I was looking forward to a spectacular event, I was not disappointed. This was one glorious Mass, full of all the pomp and circumstance that anyone could hope for. I tell you, the Catholic Church is amazing in that respect. I was sitting there the whole night just drinking it all in, thinking to myself, “I’m becoming part of this…..” This was my spiritual heritage now. I was rather flabbergasted by the amazing sights, sounds, and smells. The incense just filled the place to the rafters. The music was moving. The sights were to behold, especially the procession and recession of the priests, deacons, and three bishops. One’s senses were engaged during the whole evening. Then again, that is what the Rituals of the Church are all about. They engage the entire person. Finally, it makes sense.

The Mass itself was about and hour and a half long. Afterwards, we attended the reception before trotting back home to collapse in our beds of sheer exhaustion.

On Thursday, we had the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Our class had been volunteered to have their feet washed, which was something (I have to confess) that made me rather uncomfortable. I guess I’m rather touchy about my feet, but I managed to get through it ok. This too was another occasion that touched your senses. Lots of great music, lots of incense, and don’t forget the water. Father Fred turned out to be the priest who washed my feet, and I was SO taken aback when he kissed my foot. Goodness gracious! Did I say I felt rather protective of my feet? Thank goodness I had washed my feet with antibacterial soap before I went!

To end the night, we were given hot cross buns, and we processed with the Blessed Sacrament, to the place where it would rest in repose. It was a somber moment, and as we followed the cross bearer, the Knights of Columbus, the altar servers, and the priests (one of whom had the Blessed Sacrament), I kept thinking to myself, “I’m following Christ. I’m following Christ to his death….” Talk about a moving experience. I think I’d even say I felt awe at the moment.

Finally, today is Good Friday. Sadly, I had to work, so I wasn’t able to attend any of the events of today. But I’m free tonight, and after I finish this, I’m going to plug in Jesus of Nazareth. (Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. Tonight is also the first night of the Divine Mercy Novena! I have to remember to do that before I retire tonight.)

Today is also my last full day outside the Church. Wow.

MY FIRST CONFESSION

Well, I did it! I went to confession for the first time tonight, and I honestly can’t stop smiling! However, I didn’t I could make it, because I was so nervous that I was physically sick to my stomach. Interesting, though I was fine all week, and I would even go so far as saying I was excited about doing it. However, as I left work tonight, I got this overwhelming sense on nausea because the butterflies were acting up in high gear.

I had gone to the church an hour before me appointment with Father. I thought that since it was our monthly Eucharistic Adoration, it might be a good idea to start there for prayer and meditation on some passages in Isaiah. I’m glad I did. As nervous as I was, I felt that this communion with our Lord was a respite from my nerves. (It was also a good time for me to try out my new veil, which is something I have been feeling drawn to for some time.)

After an hour, I headed over to the parish office to see Father. I ever so timidly opened the door, and peeked my head into his office. He greeted me warmly, informing me that he was aware that it was my first confession. I was so nervous. I told him I was so nervous that I couldn’t remember a thing about what I read, but he was so patient with me as I plodded through my notes. With quivering voice, I rattled off my sins, and as I did so, Father was listening quietly, head bent down as if pondering what I was saying. It was an emotional moment for me. I received my counsel, and he gave me absolution. From that moment on, I had the biggest grin on my face!

Afterward, I headed back to the church, for another session before the Blessed Sacrament. I was still smiling, and I was a bit taken aback at the sensation I was feeling! The Rite of Reconciliation rocks!

Now, several hours later, the relief has sunk in, and now I just want to weep with joy. I am forgiven. What grace has been shown to me this night! Interestingly enough, tonight, when I was reading the next chapter in my bible, something struck me. It was Luke 15, and in that passage, Jesus talks about how heaven rejoices when a sinner repents. Talk about a God-incidence and an affirmation that I was ok to move on. I'll have to let Father know.

THE SECOND SCRUTINY AND GREAT NEWS

We are a day shy of three weeks away from Easter Vigil. THREE WEEKS! I simply cannot believe that the time has flown by so fast. My goodness!

I got some absolutely wonderful news today, news I had hoped would come. I was offered a ticket to attend the Chrism Mass. Now, for those who don’t know what the Chrism Mass is, it is the Mass held during Holy Week where the bishop consecrated the Holy Oil that will be used throughout the year. It’s a spectacular event, from what I’ve heard, and in this diocese, is a by-invite only. Initially, only our catechumen was given a ticket. I ran into Deacon Larry at the Stations of the Cross last night, and he mentioned that he was given extra tickets to give out, and I, ever to so eager to attend the event, offered to go if he needed a volunteer. Today, he mentioned it to the group at our dismissal, and he mentioned my name as one who was attending. Can I say I am doing a happy dance tonight? I was so majorly disappointed when they gave the ticket to the catechumen, and here I am, going after all. God is too good!

Today was also our second scrutiny. My sponsor couldn't make it, so one of our catechists stood in for her. She'll have to repreat the process next week as well, as my sponsor will be out of town.

I know I’ve mentioned in an earlier entry, but these little rites are just so moving. The Catholic Church has a lot of beautiful ceremony. Needless to say, I am big on ritual, so these are quite a wonderful for me. I should think I’ll miss them when I’m done with RCIA, though….

RITE OF RECONCILIATION

I had the opportunity to go to another Rite of Reconciliation at church today. This was the second one that I had gone to, and like the other one (which was during the Advent season), I felt a sense of humilty. However, unlike the Advent Rite, I was also thinking that the time is nearly here for me to actually do my first confession. (Catechumen don't have to do the confession before confirmation because their baptism washes away the sin. I on the other hand, am baptized and are therefore a Candidate. We DO have to do that confession before our confirmation!) Needless to say, I feel a twinge of anxiety at the prospect of airing my dirty spiritual laundry. One of our priests is going to lead our class next week through the Rite of Reconciliation/Confession, and I am really looking forward to that. Maybe some of the fears can be put aside after that.

Earlier in the day, we had a great homily. It was about letting go--of fears, dreams, plans, whatever, and giving them back to God. This really struck me to the core. Coming into the Church has been like that. Of course, I have other issues that I could/should/need to let go of, but I'm finding it extremely difficult to do so. My prayer is that God will give me the strength to "let Him have it" so I can move on. The thing is, once they go to God, we have to make sure we don't take them back. I guess it's really a matter of faith--do we, or can we trust Him with those things which are most precious to us?

RITE OF ELECTION

All right, I'm a few days late to post this, but here I am!

Monday was a crazy day, to start off with. I had to work all day, but thankfully managed to get out early. Then I had to rush home, change into something decent, do the hair and makeup, and then scoot over the Wittkoskis' house. Irene had invited me to have dinner with her before we drove to the Cathedral of St. Andrew for the service.

For those who aren't aware, The Rite of Election is when those of us in RCIA go to the Cathedral to be received by the bishop. It's really where the Church accepts us as catechumen/candidates. Actually, the ceremony was called "The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion". The Rite of Election is for the people who aren't baptized. These are the ones who sign their names in the Book of the Elect. The Call to Continuing Conversion is for those who have been baptized. I happen to fall in the latter group.

This rite was unbelievable awesome, and as we had front row seats, we had a good view of the spectacle--up close and personal. It's hard to put into words just what I was feeling. I wasn't anticipating getting so emotional, but I found myself getting teary-eyed and goose pimply. The music was majestic and filled the cathedral to the rafters. It literally resounded through the place and shook one to the core!

To begin, the Books of the Elect from each of the parish's represented were brought up to the altar, one parish at a time. As we sang "All People That on Earth Do Dwell," the cross bearer, altar servers, and deacon carrying the Book the the Gospel came in. Then, the priests proceeded forth in their vestments. Bishop Hurley brought up the rear. My, what a sight he was, with his miter, shepherd's crook, and purple cope! Bishop Hurley gave the opening remarks, and then we embarked on the various bible readings, done in both English and Spanish.

Following the readings, they had the catechumen stand for the godparents' and assembly's affirmation. This was followed by the candidates standing for the celebration of the call to continuing conversion.

Finally, the time came for each parish to present their catachumen/candidates to the Bishop. We were about halfway down the list. We were called up to the front before the altar, and one by one, as our names were called, we climbed the stairs, crossed in front of the altar, to where the Bishop stood. He was incredible kind. He put his left hand on my shoulder, shook my hand with his right hand, and spoke of how wonderful it was that I was coming into the Church. There was so much genuine warmth from this man. Then I exited to the right, circle in back of the altar, and proceed back to my pew. It went on this way for all of us.

When all of us had been presented to the bishop, we (the catechumen and candidates) were instructed to kneel for the intercessions. Our sponsors placed their right hand on our shoulders when the prayers were said. It was very moving, one of the more moving moments of the service.

Finally, we were dismissed and we headed home. It was an emotional evening, one I had looked forward to for so long. We are now accepted by the Church.

RITE OF SENDING

Today was the Rite of Sending. It is the rite whereby the parish sends out to meet with the bishop, which will by taking place tomorrow evening. It was a brief ceremony, and not too exciting. Really, there wasn't too much too it. Our catechuman signed the Book of the Elect, that was placed on the altar. The rest of us went up to the altar later for the priest's blessing.

On the downside, my sponsor didn't show up. I had attempted to call her last night, but apparently the message didn't get through. Fortunately for me, one of our catechists was gracious enough to stand in for her at the rite.

WHAT A DAY IN RCIA!

I know, I'm a day late in making this entry. I was so wiped out after it all that I came home and crashed, despite my good intentions to the contrary.

So, what did I do that was so exhausting? Well, for starters, I had worked all day. Then, I had to rush over to church for the Soup Supper at our parish. It the last one of the season and our RCIA class was signed up to participate, and I got the honor of cleaning up the tables. Actually, it was more enjoyable than I anticipated. What a change of pace from cleaning up after patients all day. I was so exhausted by the end of it, though. So much so, that I thought I couldn't take another step by the end of the day!

After the supper, I went with one of my classmates to the first Stations of the Cross. I'm still feeling the effects today, both physically and spiritually. I had been forewarned about all the genuflections, kneeling, and standing, so I had some idea that it could be a little rough. (I'm still feeling a slight ache in my left thigh.) What I wasn't prepared for was the spiritual workout I was to receive. Believe it or not, it touched me deeply. I can't quite explain it. I just felt this sorrow, which it appropriate considering the season is Lent.

Well, that was my day in a nutshell. The countdown to Easter Vigil continues. I am still amazed at just how close it is--approximately 5 1/2 weeks!