Category Archives: Sacraments

For Argument’s Sake…

Of Vice and Virtue, Sacraments, Theology of the Body

I found this article linked from Ironic Catholic’s blog:

ROME (Reuters) – An Italian couple who were caught having sex in a church confessional box while morning Mass was being said have repented and made peace with the local bishop.

The couple, in their early 30s, were detained by police earlier this month after they had made love in the confessional box in the cathedral in northern Cesena. They were cautioned for obscene acts in public and disturbing a religious function.Their lawyer said they had been drinking all night and realised they had gone too far.

The lawyer told the area’s local newspaper on Wednesday the couple met with the local bishop on Tuesday night, asked for his forgiveness and that he had given it.

Last week the bishop celebrated a “Mass of reparation” in the cathedral where the confessional box incident took place to make up for the sacrilege.

Okay, now calling all canon lawyers, etc., who may come across my blog — kindly pick this apart for me, the almost-still-a-neophyte Catholic and explain all the ways in which this was wrong, and in what ways might it be in very poor taste, but not technically wrong.

I suppose first, we should determine whether the act itself was a sin.  Was this a married couple or not?  Let’s assume, for argument’s sake, that they are married.

During Mass.  Obviously, really poor timing.  I mean, it’s great to give yourself to your partner and renew with your bodies the vows that you made at your wedding, but how does that compare to actually taking the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ into oneself?  If people (including me sometimes, eh) really got it, what was taking place during the Mass, they would be lining up for miles, prostrating themselves in front of the Lord and going out into the world and shouting from the rooftops that they received the Creator of the Universe into their very person.  I have heard of other things (most notably, confession) taking place during Mass, so other things can kind of be there, but Reconciliation is another sacrament, which is to say another encounter with Jesus.  Sex with your spouse — not a sacrament.

Point two:  the article states that the couple had been drinking all night.  I think that an inordinate consumption of alcoholic beverages is a sin, and more to the point, how can you truly make a sincere gift of yourself if you are plastered out of your gourd?  I would think that that would interfere with your will, and cheapen the encounter to a pleasure-only experience.

Point three:  we are not really loving our neighbor, are we?  I mean, it might be fine and all for a married couple to have sex, but there is a huge ICK factor for the people who need to use that room following them.  I would hope that they were quiet, but there is the possibility that they, um, disturbed people attending Mass.  Again, not loving your neighbor there.

What does this say about people’s understanding of the Theology of the Body? 

Okay, I’ve given up the first three points that crossed my mind.  Now, it’s your turn!

Faith, Trust and Confession

Of Trials Opportunities and Gifts, Prayer/Prayer Requests, Sacraments, Tales of My Amazing Priests

I should have known something was up when I forgot to bring a book with me to read at Starbucks after Mass before going in to work.  As a result, I had nothing to read while I sat there with my scone and mocha, so I cleaned out my purse.  And I found this badly beaten up card with this prayer on it:

Prayer of Abandonment

 Father,
I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures –
I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.

Charles de Foucauld

And that made me think of when I got the prayer.  It was when Fr. John told us that he was going to be assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel, and was no longer going to be our pastor.  As a catechumen who had only been going to church for about 2 months, I felt as if my heart had stopped and the earth had fallen away beneath my feet.  My first thought was that I was going to leave, and forget about joining the Church.  I didn’t want to set myself up to trust, to have yet another person taken away from me.  I need security in my life!  My very next thought was, “Wow!  Am I stupid!  This is about God — who is pretty much the only person you can rely upon to be faithful.  How stupid to turn your back on Him, just because you are uncertain about the future.”  So, I fought hard and held back my sobs as I listened to him pray this prayer and tried to understand what was going on.

Time passes.  It’s now been a little over 11 months since Fr. John has left St. Anastasia for Our Lady of Good Counsel.  And truly, this has been a great move, both for me and I would guess for him too, at least he seems happy.  What has happened for me, was that his moving to Our Lady of Good Counsel has given me the opportunity to go to Mass daily.  He started a 6:30 am Mass, and OLGC is only about 10 minutes down the expressway from my work.  So, it works out perfectly.  I also have a second place where I can go to confession, although that can get a little scary.  🙂  Daily Mass is such a blessing for me.  Just ask my friends, I whine and complain like an Israelite in the desert when Mass is cancelled and I cannot receive the Eucharist that day. 

This has also given us a new pastor at St. Anastasia, Fr. JJ.  He is great.  I was skeptical at first about him, being an unknown — and I do not deal well with “scary” “weird” “new” priests.  But he, too, is an amazing man — in a completely different way than Fr. John.

So, many different blessings have come from the re-assignment, and it has been overall a very positive thing for me.

So, as I was cleaning out my purse and saw the prayer and remembered all these things, I smiled and thanked God.  For certainly, His plan in all this was much better than what I had thought in the beginning would have been the best thing to have happen.  His will was so much better than mine.  And because things worked out so very well, I thought that I should try to keep this in mind and give myself over to his will more.  Let His will and not mine be done.

Little did I know that I would be needing that prayer today.

After work today, I called our district manager per usual.  While on the phone, she let me know that the company had not been doing as well as they had thought with the printing side of the business and that her boss, the regional manager, had looked at ways to cut back on costs.  The end result:  I was going to be laid off in 2 weeks.  That’s right.  After working there for 8 years, I was about to be terminated.  What a shock.

My first reaction was to want to go to the car and call someone to vent and discuss this.  However, I had left my cell phone at home, so I faced an hour drive with no one to talk to except God.  Then, I remembered the Prayer of Abandonment, and how God had made things turn out so perfect, when I was sure that everything was headed for disaster.  Certain things would pop into my head.  Like trying to figure out how I can run right out and get another job so that I would have the security of a second income.  And how I didn’t appreciate this job and took it for granted.  It was going to be difficult for me to find a job like this one, where I basically just worked 2 hours on Saturday mornings and got $40 for it.  Other jobs might ask that I work evenings or on Sundays, which I was not crazy about doing.  I really wasn’t too crazy about the idea of working a full 8 hours on Saturday, but knew that this might be necessary.

Then, I stopped myself again.  Here I am, trying to “fix” things.  I thought again of that prayer.  Maybe — just maybe — God wanted me to not work here any more.  Maybe He wants to fill my time in some other way.  So, as hard as it is for me to be still, I am going to make every effort to *not* run out and do something with this block of time, but to really pray about it and try to discern what it is that the Lord wants for me in this regard.

The only question now is what to do about Saturday morning Mass.  St. Anastasia no longer has Saturday morning Mass, and it doesn’t seem like it would really make that much sense to spend $12 in gas to drive out to Plymouth if I weren’t heading that way anyway for work.  I’m not crazy about trying to find a “new” “weird” church locally, and I am not all that crazy about going to church by myself.  But, I will leave this, too, in the hands of God and trust that He will work something out for me.

One would think that maybe this would have been enough for one day.  But no.  See, because I was feeling bad about taking my job for granted, and because I wanted to make sure that I was reconciled with God, I decided to go to Confession.  I was expecting it to be Fr. JJ.  It was not.  It was someone’s boss, instead.  Hmm.  I almost decided to skip Confession today and to come back some other time.  Maybe OLGC on Tuesday, or try next Saturday for Fr. JJ.  But then that thought popped into my head again.  Why am I worried about who the priest is?  Why in the world am I letting that be a barrier between me and Jesus?  What could possibly keep me from reconciling myself to the only one who can make everything better?

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for giving me a swift kick in the butt.  I needed that.  Obviously, You are right and my logic is flawed.  So, I went in and sat in line.

Now, I don’t think I’ve posted my conversion story on this blog yet, so you may not know about The Wrong Mass.  Apparently, there *is* a Wrong Mass, for I have gone to The Wrong Mass twice now.  The first time this happened, I was told by Fr. John that I went to the wrong Mass, to whom I replied in a shocked, incredulous tone, “There’s a wrong Mass?!?!?!?!?”  Okay, keep that in mind.

I enter the confessional (or reconciliation room — I’m not sure what the difference is) and sit down and Msgr. asks me what scripture I brought in with me for confession.  In the same shocked, incredulous tone I say, “We were supposed to bring a scripture?!?!?!?!?”  [See the similarity?]

He nods and says something like, of course, scripture is how He talks to us and it is very important.  Luckily, I did happen to know one passage and was able to talk about that, even though it didn’t explicitly talk about repentance or anything like that, he said it was a good one to start with.  Whew!  Okay, okay.  I know, I gotta dig into the Bible a little more, and actually try to memorize maybe some of it.  Or at least tag a few passages for confession.  🙂

So, I’m already a little uneasy because this is an unknown-quantity priest, but so far, he’s okay.  It was actually a fairly helpful confession and I didn’t get kiboshed over the head in quite the way that I had expected to.  Instead, I’m supposed to be directing my focus this week on mercy.  Both seeing how I give it, and also seeing how I receive it.  It was hypothesized that from what I said, I appear to be someone who gives mercy better than she receives mercy.  Something to look into and grow with, which, I’m sure, was the point.

That being done with, I open up my little missal to my Act of Contrition.  So, of course, once again today, my plans are thwarted when he says, “Now, in your own words, express your sorrow to God.”  Oh man!  Doesn’t he know how horrible I am at spontaneous prayer??  I figure that God may get what I mean, but I’m certain that I sound ridiculous to anyone else.  So, I come up with something, and he doesn’t appear to turn purple or laugh or anything, so either it was acceptable, or he has got a really strong tolerance for the inept at praying.

So, while it is not yet over, it has certainly been a day for me to stretch and grow as a person.

Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.  I pray that I will always trust in you, for your way is so much better than my way.  I pray that you will give me grace and confidence to know that you are my Father, that you love me, and that you will always take care of me.  Amen.

Receiving the Eucharist…Such a Joy!

Prayer/Prayer Requests, Sacraments

Ever have one of those days where you are completely overcome by the power of the Eucharist?  Today was one of those days for me. 

I am blessed to be able to go to Mass daily before work.  This morning, I had concern for someone, so I prayed for him throughout the Mass.  After the consecration, when I saw him eat the Lord’s body and drink His blood, I could have cheered.  I was beyond joyous at the fact that he had received our Lord.  I have reason to believe that he does this on a fairly regular basis, so it was not that it was an anomalous event, but I was so convinced of the fact that the Lord was going to do something amazing for him.

I think that’s the definition of “having hope in the Lord.”  I was grinning like an idiot for the rest of the Mass.  And, still am, if truth be told.

Thanks be to God for this amazing gift you have given us in the Eucharist!  May the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ bring us all to everlasting life.  Amen.  🙂

Teaser Photo

Easter, Of Trials Opportunities and Gifts, Photography, Sacraments

Here’s just one of the many, many pictures that I took over the weekend.  I do not have a great zoom, and was sitting quite high in the stands, so the picture is a little fuzzy (digital zoom will do that).

It was amazing!  It was great!  I need a thesaurus for my superlative adjectives!

One day, when I am no longer tired, I may write more on this.  For now, I have a mountain of things to get done in the office!
Pope Benedict XVI

A New Examination of Conscience

Of Vice and Virtue, Sacraments

I haven’t come across this one before!  I found this examination of conscience here:

1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

  • Do I fear being poor, in spirit or otherwise, and prefer to be rich in money, brains, or influence?
  • Is my desire for poverty of spirit congruent with my lifestyle?
  • Do I use the word of God to rationalize my lifestyle, or am I willing to have God’s word criticize it?
  • Do I cling to my own ideas, opinions and judgments, sometimes to the point of idolatry?
  • Do I contribute my time, talent and money to the poor of the world?
  • Do I make it my business to examine the causes of poverty in our world and work to eradicate unjust systems?

2. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

  • Do I grieve over loneliness, despair, guilt and rejection in the lives of others?
  • Am I willing to admit my own despondencies and need for comfort?
  • Do I minister consolation and healing, or do I blandly encourage people to “have courage,” thereby avoiding the opportunity to mourn with another?
  • Am I doing anything to dry the tears of those who mourn over war, poverty, hunger, injustice?

3. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

  • Do I see any value in meekness or nonviolence?
  • Do I cringe at the thought of being called meek?
  • Do I understand nonviolence as a way to fight evil with good, and do I choose to live that way?
  • How much are intimidation and force part of my lifestyle?
  • Do I work for nonviolent social change?
  • Do I foster a cooperative spirit in my children?

4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

  • Have I kept myself ignorant of important current events that are manifestations of injustice?
  • Are my energies and passions focused on Christ, or are they scattered, disordered, divided?
  • Am I honestly trying to improve the quality of life around me?
  • Am I trying to improve the environment, racial relations, care for the unborn, sexual equality, the lives of the poor and destitute?
  • Have I decided that I will not be satisfied until justice is fulfilled in my own life, within my family, my church, my community, my world?
  • Have I let fear keep me silent when I should have spoken out against prejudice, injustice and violence?

5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

  • Do I operate on a double standard of expecting mercy but not wanting to grant it?
  • Do I prefer the strict law and order approach, or that of mercy, tenderness and compassion?
  • Are there places in my life where people are suffering because of me and my unforgiving attitude?
  • Am I devoid of a merciful spirit toward those I call “enemy”?
  • What is my attitude toward capital punishment, ex-convicts?

6. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

  • Am I trusting and trustful?
  • Do I value living without pretense, or am I constantly fearful that someone will take advantage of me?
  • Am I open and honest about who I am and what I do?
  • Do I deflect the attention and honor due to God and claim these things for myself?
  • Have I been untrue to myself, even a little, for advancement, money or good opinion?
  • Have I failed to take time for prayer, solitude, reflection?

7. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.”

  • Am I eager for reconciliation, or do I antagonize and yearn for revenge?
  • Do I think apologizing is a sign of weakness?
  • Am I willing to be a bridge in family and community arguments?
  • Do I support violence in films, television and sports?
  • Have I studied peace and taken initiatives to stop violence and war?
  • Have I read, and do I support, the many official church statements against the arms race, nuclear weapons, war?
  • Do I see the Christian vocation as one of peacemaker?
  • Is my presence a source of peace to those around me?

8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”

  • Do I criticize or ridicule those who suffer for their beliefs?
  • Am I embarrassed to step out of the mainstream to stand up for a principle?
  • Who are my heroes? Are there any among them who gave their lives without vengeance for what is true?
  • Would I do the same?
  • Do I worship security and fear costly discipleship?
  • Have I called myself Christian without making my life a witness to the teachings of Jesus?
  • Have I openly supported those who defend justice and give their lives for peace?

9. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”

  • Do I live confident of the promises of Jesus?
  • Do I surrender to pessimism and anxiety?
  • Do I perceive that there is a paradoxical victory in the cross of Jesus that breaks through power structures and conquers in peace and love?
  • Have I become cynical rather than hopeful?

From “The Fire of Peace: A Prayer Book – available from Pax Christi USA; #542-217; $12 plus shipping and handling.

Sacraments of Healing

Sacraments, Tales of My Amazing Priests

Last week at RCIA, we covered Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.  Saturday, I went to confession.  Yesterday (Monday), we taught about Reconciliation in my 5th grade catechism class, and since there was a Vicariate Reconciliation service going on and we had some extra time at the end of our session, I took the kids down and those that wanted to, received the sacrament.  It was very cute, they were as nervous as I get before confession, but they were awesome!  It was a good night, and hopefully the hands-on helped them to understand the sacrament a little more.

 Last week, I was [told sternly] that I should receive the Anointing of the Sick.  I waited about a week, until I knew I’d be seeing that person again and couldn’t go up to them without at least having asked about it, if not actually having had scheduled an appointment.  So, last Friday, I sneaked over to Fr. John (I feel bad about asking for things for myself), and said, “I have something to ask you….  Before I get yelled at….”
“Yes?”
“So….  About this Anointing of the Sick….”
“Yes?”
“I was told to ask about it….”
“??”
“For me….”
“??”
“Doyouthinkit’ssomethingIshoulddo?” [Talk about having to pull teeth to get it out of me….]

He replied something that he would do it then, but had to go to the school and that we could do it next week, or if I were around Sunday — no — then, I could ask either Fr. JJ or the celebrant to anoint me after Mass on Sunday.  [Insert Jenn hyperventilating at the thought of going up to a priest she doesn’t know and asking about receiving a sacrament.  Ha!  She doesn’t like to go to churches she’s not familiar with.]

So, I reply, “So….  Sometime next week?”  Very slick, eh?  🙂

As we were separating to go to our cars, he calls across the lot, “You wouldn’t have gotten yelled at for that!”  And I said, “Oh, yes, I would have!  If I didn’t ask!”

 Fast forward to today.  I arrive at the church and see his car.  Hmm.  Maybe today.  Of course, I hate to be a bug, so I’m not wanting to go up to him and ask him if he wanted to anoint me today or a different day this week.  So after Mass, in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I’m kneeling there talking to God, “Okay God, I don’t think I can go over and ask for this again.  I asked as well as I could last week.  So, if you want me to do this, you are going to have to have him grab me or something and offer it.”  Again, not that I didn’t want this, but that I feel really funny asking for something for myself like that.  I feel undeserving or selfish or something.

So, I leave the chapel, thinking that maybe he’s waiting for me in the hall.  Nope.  Hmmm.  First instinct is to run out the door and jump into my car and go to work.  What?  None of you get scared?  Okay, maybe it’s just me.  See how fast Jenn can run, especially away from something that’s good for me.  But I don’t.  I lurk outside the door of the sacristy.  I’m getting good at lurking.  He comes out with his coat on, so we move toward the door to the parking lot and exchange ‘Hi! How are you?’s.  He asks how I am (nothing new to report). 

We get about to his car and he asks, “So, when are we going to anoint you?”
“You said, ‘sometime’.”
“How about now?”
“Okay.”  See how God works like that?  Ask –> receive.  Just like it says in the Bible.  Goodie for me, since I’m such a chicken.  🙂  He said something about “parking lot anointing” — too funny!  🙂

I’m sure I could look up how the sacrament goes and give you a much more detailed account, but experientially from what I remember (and funny, isn’t it, the more you try to remember everything, the less you actually recall), he traced the Sign of the Cross on my forehead and each palm with the oil, and then put his hand on my head, praying over me, referencing Our Lady of Good Counsel and St. Anastasia (See!  I do belong to both!).

Now’s the fun part.  (Okay, not that that wasn’t fun… but… you’ll see what I mean….)  “They” say that with an anointing, God always heals something that you need to be healed.  Not necessarily what you think it will be, however.  So, I wonder what it will be.  🙂  How exciting to wait and find out!  🙂  Kind of like Christmas all over again!  You are going to get this great gift, you just don’t know what the gift will be, but it will be just perfect for you!