I Have A Confession...

Well here it is. Only a few of you know this, but now all of you will know.

Since September, I have been attending the RCIA classes (think catechism for adults) at our church. Out of everyone in my family, with the exception of my baptist mom, I am the only one that has never made my holy communion in the catholic church.

When we were married, we were married by a catholic priest, but did not have a mass at our wedding. Our children are baptised Catholic, and Emily has made her holy communion. It is very strange to sit in the pew and watch your child walk up ALONE to receive communion. It just doesn't feel "right".

I have not spoken too much about this to anyone, because it is very personal to me. It is something I have wanted to do, my entire life. It completes my religious education, and completes a missing piece of my life... to me.

One of the main reasons I have not blogged about this, is because I don't want anyone to think I am becoming a bible thumper or holy roller. It doesn't change who I am to you, but changes part of who I am... to me. Plus I can walk with Emily up to communion. Does that make any sense?

Now you are wondering why I would even choose to tell you this now.... Because today, I had an amazing experience. With my confirmation sponsor, and my entire RCIA class, we went to mass at our church, then went down to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, where we were presented to Cardinal Adam Maida.

I can not even tell you how stunningly beautiful the Cathedral is. Never before have I ever seen anything like it. My eyes were as big as baseballs, trying to take everything in, hoping to not ever forget this AMAZING experience.

As if it couldn't be any better, they announced names of people that attend St. Mary's Parish in Milford... where I was baptised. I took it as a "sign" that this is the right time for me.

At the end of it all, we took a tour. Where we learned that an artifact from a saint is embedded into the alters of most churches, including that of the Blessed Sacrament. Finally, we met the Cardinal. I equate this to meeting the Pope, which I may never do in my lifetime. He is a very gracious man, and very warm. He asked a few questions, and I answered. Then we had a photo taken together. The photo is on my instructors camera, so that is why I haven't posted it yet.

For some very odd reason, I have ALWAYS been very uneasy around priests, and nuns. Don't ask why, because I'm not sure of the answer. But I can tell you that meeting the Cardinal and speaking to him, was like meeting the neighbor next door. The man who watches out for you.

I will be making my Holy Communion and Confirmation on the Saturday before Easter, at the Vigil - during a candle lit ceremony. To make things even better, my niece (who is also my god daughter) and my nephew will be making their sacraments with me on that special night.