February 22, 2010
Imposition And Election
Gathering at the Table, the NW Deanery of the Dioscese of Little Rock gather for the Rites of Election at St Vincent De Paul Church Rogers Arkansas
"I will go peaceably and firmly to the Catholic Church: for if Faith is so important to our salvation, I will seek it where true Faith first began, seek it among those who received it from God Himself."
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
I love the Catholic Church. There I have said it. For many reasons too nuemerous to count or account for, I love Holy Mother Church and today was my wedding day...so to speak. I wasnt prepared... I didnt know today was the day but like the story of the bridgroom and the wedding feast in the Bible (Matthew 25)I didnt hesitate to go forth and meet my Bridegroom...I jumped into something presentable and drove to Rogers where I was a part of a group of 150 Catachumens and Candidates for Full Communion (I am a part of the latter group as my two previous baptisms are valid in the eyes of the Church). There, some with sponsors, some like me had sponsors that couldnt make it, I was presented to Bishop Taylor, where he signed under the lists of names written in the
Book of the ElectIn other words...Im official and can take the Sacrament in due course. I still have my first Confession...oh joy, but it is and I am looking forward to it...I am meeting with Father this week to discuss the preparations for this important Sacrament...as well as Easter Vigil which is the most amazing service complete with fire, and light the drama of recounting the lives of the saints and of course receiving us new ones into the faith, and embrace of the church
Its been quite a week for me spiritually. I am observing Lent as I have for the past three years. I observed the Fast and will continue to do so through the six weeks. I am also abstaining from shopping (now that I have purchased a new dress for Easter that is it...no more. I cant afford it anyway... limiting sweets and going out to eat. I have gained a lot of weight back. Beans and rice will do that, and frankly this is what and the way I was eating. I just want to THINK before I say yes to ordering dinner out with the boys. Better still be prepared and take a frozen meal with me or have something prepared that I can take with me to work in the evenings...and idle chatter. I work in a office full of men, as a rule males would prefer a limit to chatter and not to be bothered while trying to work. I respect that. At church I am paying careful attention to what I say and trying to listen more deeply and intentionally.
I went to the noon service at St Steven and Msgr Scott imposed the ashes on my forehead. I stood with one of the supervisors from Walmart.com who was always very supportive of my journey. The mass was beautiful and Msgr spoke on the need to develope self control not just as a needed spiritual discipline, but as an act of faith as well..an act of trust that God will provide everything that we need so we dont have to grasp and hang onto every little thing.
Imposition... to be imposed on.... Election, to be chosen or to choose... I chose both to take what God imposes on me for my good and all of the good things that God wants for my life I am finding that more and more everyday that He is truly giving me beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for the sprit of heaviness... and that by making my calling and election sure, I am breaking new ground spiritually. I dont know where this is all going to lead but I do know that God only calls me to take the next step. one step at a time
yours truly as she met with The Most Reverend Anthony Taylor Biship of Little Rock AR.
Labels: Catholic, Faith, Quotable Quotes
