Veneration of the Cross

Veneration of the cross occurred at 3 PM. This is the hour in which theologians and historians believe that Jesus died. Therefore, it was somber, but moving. All of the images of Jesus have been covered since Holy Thursday due to the fact that we are remembering that Christ died and was gone from Earth on Good Friday. The account of Jesus' passion is read. It is a day of mourning, but there will soon be a day of rejoicing!!! There is a cross and we all go up to adore the cross. Everyone does it differently, but you typically see people either genuflecting or kneeling and either touching the cross or kissing. It was truly beautiful.

Stations of the Cross

Ok... I'm not neglecting the blog... I'm just slow. :)

On Good Friday we went to the Stations of the Cross. There are 14 Stations of the Cross. It marks Jesus' passion walk to Calvary, his crucifixion, and being laid in the tomb. Each station is a plaque, stained glass window, or painting of the event.

My first exposure to the Stations of the Cross was at the Awakening Retreat through Catholic Community at TCU. It was done at night. Doubting Thomas was our guide and he would read what was happening at each station. Then there would be a skit to relate that Station of the Cross to our lives. It was very powerful. However, I had never done a "real" Stations of the Cross. It was even MORE powerful at church. Each Station was read. Scripture was read. We would reflect and pray. WOW! What a way to celebrate Good Friday - to relive Christ's passion for our lives.

Holy Tridium Mass

Thursday evening was a beautiful mass to celebrate the Eucharist and the night that the Lord instituted this sacrament. The mass was also special because a dear friend of ours, Beth, drove down from D.C. to spend this weekend with us and made it in time for Mass.

At Mass, they read the scripture of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. What an act of service! They then washed the feet of about 20 people from the congregation. Each person represented a different organization or group associated with the church. It was wonderfully symbolic. However, I have been to a service where they have stations all around the church and you are able to wash your friends' or family members' feet and have your feet washed as well. I really think it would've been wonderful to take the extra time to do that.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening.

Holy Tuesday/Chrism Mass

Tuesday we attended the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral! I had never seen the Cathedral so packed. Listening to the organ and the singers in such a packed house was AMAZING! It was a wonderful Mass. The Bishop presided and all the priests from the Diocese convened to renew their vows. What a powerful thing. Then all of the priests and Bishops blessed the Eucharist. It was powerful to hear the chorus of voices. They also blessed the Holy Oils used in: baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, ordination... I think that's it, but there may be more. The oils were processed in and the Bishop prayed over them asking the Holy Spirit to work through the "fruit of the earth and through man." It was neat to hear them pray for the individuals who would be entering the church this week - and to know they are praying for me!! All in all, it was gorgeous. We were thankful for the Cathedral being so close and the opportunity to see that Mass performed. Who knows where we'll be next year - the Cathedral of that Diocese may be far away!

Confession

Last Thursday was my first confession. I had a heck of a time getting to the church since I was rear-ended on the way there. I think it was kind of comical - rain (so I was soaked), stood in a fire ant bed (so I have TONS of bites on my ankle), and I was late for my first confession. I stayed very calm and just figured that the Lord would take care of it all... and He did! I don't have any pain (which I was nervous about since I hurt my neck a few weeks back) and the other driver's insurance company is being GREAT! (She was found totally at fault)

Back to confession... I had completed of examination of conscience and had 16 years worth of sins to commit. I cried as I read them off saying "Lord I'm sorry for breaking your ___ commandment by ____" each time. I talked with the priest and then came the absolution of my sins. I bowed my head and I felt a pressure around my head and shoulders. I felt the presence of God. It was wonderful. Kyle asked if it was like my baptism - it wasn't, but I know it was the Holy Spirit each time.

I'll be blogging throughout Holy Week to let you know all about it!

Examination of Conscience

I promise I didn't forget about the blog!! I've been very busy, but have been blessed by the Lord giving me affirmations that we're following His will!!! That is great!! For those of you who don't know, I gave my notice to my job. I will not return next year, but will be able to join my husband in Columbus, GA to live there until December while he attends the Captain's Career Course. I'm glad to have finally been able to make a decision and to feel like it is the RIGHT decision.

Anyway... back to the examination of conscience. I recommend this to EVERYONE (but mom and dad may have to overlook some "catholic" questions that are specific to Catholics)!!! The examination of conscience is an in-depth look at how we have broken the 10 commandments. It gives you things to consider... things that maybe you forgot that you did! It is a lengthy, but wonderful exercise. I'm over halfway done and I feel so free! I have all of my sins written down and it feels good to confess the ones that I had forgotten about and feel free from those sins!!!

Website for Examination of Conscience: http://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-examination-of-conscience.html

I've been listening to the CDs from www.catholicity.com. I listened to the last one "Healing and Holiness" and I'd have to put it on a FAVORITES list! It talks about confession. It talks about the fact that confession is not only to forgive your sins, but the purpose is also to HEAL you. Each time we sin we not only harm someone else, but we harm ourselves as well. We are damaging our hearts. We commit the same sins time and time again because we're only asking forgiveness... we' re not asking for HEALING!!! I had never thought of it that way and it makes so much sense.

I will do my "first confession" some time this week. I'm looking forward to the HEALING that will happen. If I look like a new person, you'll know why!!!

My Decision and My Wishes

Dear Blog Readers-

First, let me apologize in advance. I have a muscle spasm in my neck and took a muscle relaxer. I was warned that I may feel drowsy and loopy, but I've felt ok so far. Well, it's begun to hit in the last few minutes. I'm hoping the Lord will keep my head clear for the next few minutes as I write to you all.

I have recently spoken to my parents and told them of my decision to enter into the Catholic Church. I am blessed with parents who love me so much and have supported me throughout my life. It means the world to me that they are going to be at Easter vigil supporting me once again. Thank you Mommy and thank you Daddy.

So, I guess you all know now. Yes, I have decided to enter into the Catholic Church. I am excited to learn more (knowing that this is merely part of my faith journey) about the Catholic Church, but more excited to get to know Christ is different ways through the Church. I am earnestly awaiting the Eucharist - April 11th is the day.

I will ask you all to respect a few wishes. I do not want "Congratulations" cards because you congratulate someone on something THEY do... this is something GOD is doing. Although this is a big change, I do not want to make a big deal about this change. To me, I am following the call of Christ, which is what I have done my entire life. I hope that will never change.

Thank you for joining me on my journey. It is wonderful to learn and I will continue to learn. I will continue to blog as well. If you ever DON'T want to receive the blog via e-mail, just let me know!

Sincerely,
Hilary