Sunday Best
When it comes to ritualistic Catholic aerobics, any length of time spent away from church becomes irrelevant. After encountering what may be a brief period of uncertainty, a well-trained former Catholic can resume the proper procedure regarding when to sit, stand, kneel, repeat the words in a congregation-wide reply, and recite at least the last word of every sentence in the Act of Contrition during mass.
There were only a few instances when I had to cheat on my Catholic proficiency test by relying on the cues from others seated around me. It may have been several years since I have attended mass, but it only took a few mysterious interludes before everything that I was supposed to do and say in church came flooding back to me in proper robotic form.
Occupying the pew directly behind me were my nephew, his beautiful wife, and their lovely children. They were prompted to offer their directional assistance only twice.
“Stand up, we’re supposed to stand up!” I heard these instructions delivered in a rapid whisper toward the back of my head.
Frankly, I was grateful to have someone rooting for my successful participation in the celebration of this particular mass. For this had been a memorial mass to honor the life of the greatest man I have ever known. I wanted my Daddy to be proud that he had instilled his children with a sense of respect for a religion that he had practiced devoutly throughout his entire 83 years of life.
Separating the inherent guilt, shame, and disturbing conduct revealed in the practice of Catholicism has allowed me to focus on the true value of family spiritual practice. Although it is no great secret that I chose a different path upon which to guide my own children, I am thankful for the message of family tradition that my legendary father had provided his children.
I reserve no judgment toward the religious practice of other beings. It is my opinion that there are at least as many ‘personal religions’ as there are members in any given mainstream church.
Mankind’s latest arrivals come equipped with Divine Source fully intact. It is our job as parents to provide our children with a consistent message of their connection to All That Is. Regardless of our own religious definition, we guide our children toward spiritual remembrance through our example. Structured time to offer encouragement is elemental.
Brewing a pot of herbal tea, lighting incense, and gathering around a picnic table on the back patio for lively discussions that center on the nature of Higher Consciousness can be just as suitable as sitting, standing, kneeling, and reciting The Lord’s Prayer with hundreds of people gathered in a church sanctuary. Family time to remind our children of Who They Really Are is all that matters.
Thanks, Daddy. I miss you.
I love having our morning Church sessions outside every once in a while. Whether it’s talking about our dreams the previous night, getting into deep conversation about our inner selves, or even talking about what’s going to be for dinner, I think any sort of ritual is good for everyone.
I’m very thankful you have taught us that we don’t have to go to church every Sunday to listen to one person speak about what we SHOULD believe in. Instead, you have taught your children that we our free to believe what we want, and that we have access to all of the information we need.
That information has allowed me to accept other people’s beliefs and lifestyles, and not judge them based on those things.
I, too, also miss Poppy very much.
My simultaneous celebration of your father took place in my garden as I did some weeding and trimmed a mature rosemary bush. A cathedral of another kind and a most fitting place from which to salute our honoree. And of course, there’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.
I so enjoyed this posting about teaching our children about church. In my younger years I was also fed my dose of church as well.Somehow though,before I even knew that there were reasons why I did not agree with their way of doing things and thinking, I chose another path. I have always taught my children that it is all about your heart. I always told them that it is about their own personal connection to God. You don’t have to go to church and pay money for a secondary connection to God. And he does know everyones heart inside and out. I believe my church takes place everyday in my life with my conversations with the All Mighty, Powerful One. He is my only Father. My hearts sometimes aches from such a strong feeling of connectedness. If you are still enough, and listen your heart will speak to you. You are lucky to have had such a wonderful Father. He will be forever in your heart Jilly!