You may not know that Colleen and I were raised Catholic. Our parents were devout and followed all the decrees and traditions of the Catholic church. I used to think I was warped by this, but not anymore. I’ve really come to appreciate my Catholic roots.

Especially interesting to me was the birth control method that my parents used which was prescribed by the Catholic church. They called it “The Rhythm Method”. It sounded good, but I’m not sure how well it actually worked, considering the fact that my Mom became pregnant 11 times; she gave birth to 8 children and had 3 miscarriages. I have an appreciation for the rhythm method since I am Number 6 in the lineup. If they had used another more reliable method, I would likely not be here.

All of us kids attended Catholic schools, complete with nuns as teachers. Some of them were pretty crazy characters. My sixth grade teacher, Sister Mary Beatrice, had her birthday on Groundhog day. Most of my sibs had her for one grade or another so we all are familiar with this story. Every year, about a month before Groundhog day, she would begin throwing out rather obvious hints that her birthday was coming up and getting very specific as to what was on her birthday list that year. Ever eager to please, all the little Catholic kids would not disappoint and she would always have a desk full of birthday presents on Groundhog day. She always acted surprised when the presents showed up. Funny, but I still think of Sister Mary Beatrice every Groundhog day!

In our Catholic school, we had church services on First Friday, that is, the First Friday of each month. We would walk several blocks from where the school was to the church, attend Mass, and then walk back. I remember getting in big trouble for sitting my butt on the back of my knees and legs while kneeling in the pew instead of kneeling up straight. With that many kids packed like sardines into those pews, I figured I could get away with it but I never did. Those nuns had eyes in the back of their heads.

The singing was my favorite part. We did a lot of singing as I recall. Mostly hymns that were accompanied by organ, but I loved them and I still know the words to most of them today. Sometimes I attend the traditional service of my own church today and I hear those hymns. It takes me back.

Taking communion is a right of passage in the Catholic church and it is never taken lightly. The day of my First Holy Communion, I felt like a bride. And I looked like one, despite my second grade status. My Dad always said, “It’s your big day today” on First Holy Communion days. I remember when Number 5 had her First Holy Communion, she drove everyone crazy that day, repeating over and over, “It’s my big day today ya know…It’s my big day today!”.   Yeah, we know.

The stations of the cross are another thing I remember well. Catholic churches have wall plaques lined up around the walls of the church that depict the story of Jesus’ trial and suffering before and up to His death on the cross.

 

During Holy Week, the week before Easter, we would go around the church, stopping at each station, looking at and reflecting on Jesus’ suffering as He went to the cross. Most of the kids just went through the motions, but I remember being impacted by those plaques. I was interested in them and I knew this was something important to understand in the Faith, even as a child.

In the early days, I remember sitting in the little cubby of my bedroom, at the windowsill looking out on my street, and praying to God. I always held my hands together, palm to palm, like the final motion of a “clap” since that was the Catholic way to pray. But I was praying. And believing. Talking to God. I remember that very well. In later years I drifted away from God for a long period of time, but back then, I was with Him. And He was with me. Maybe it was those Catholic seeds of faith that brought me back to Him all those years later as an adult. I’m eternally grateful for that.

Although I do not attend Catholic church anymore, I understand that those were the roots of my faith and that they are an important component of what my faith is today. While I was reading a post on the site the other day, I became aware of an old Catholic habit that I was taught in the first or second grade, I think. It made me smile when I realized I was doing it. I was taught to bow my head at the mention of the Name Jesus; down on the “Je” syllable, and up on the “sus” syllable. I am 48 years old, and I am still doing that today. When I read, say or pray the Name of Jesus, I always bow my head. A small thing, but nevertheless, something that honors God.

Old Catholic habits die hard.

Thank the Lord for that.

After a few days, the Lord called to Adam and said, “It is time for you and Eve to begin the process of populating the earth so I want you to kiss her.”

Adam answered, “Yes Lord, but what is a kiss?” So the Lord gave a brief description to Adam who took Eve by the hand and took her to a nearby bush.

A few minutes later, Adam emerged and said, “Thank you Lord, that was enjoyable.”

And the Lord replied, “Yes Adam, I thought you might enjoy that and now I’d like you to caress Eve.”

And Adam said, ” ‘What is a ‘caress’? So the Lord again gave Adam a brief description and Adam went behind the bush with Eve.

Quite a few minutes later, Adam returned, smiling, and said, “‘Lord, that was even better than the kiss.”

And the Lord said, “‘You’ve done well Adam. And now I want you to make love to Eve.”

And Adam asked, “What is ‘make love’ Lord?”‘ So the Lord again gave Adam directions and Adam went again to Eve behind the bush, but this time he reappeared in two seconds.

And Adam said, “Lord, what is a ‘headache’?”

Okay, I know I’m a little weird, but for me, praise and worship music doesn’t always come from my favorite Christian artists. Sorry guys, don’t mean to leave you out, but today’s selection is for my DBM sisters. Oldie but goodie. Enjoy. (unless I posted this wrong, which is a distinct possibility)Natural Woman