Mike has returned to his Catholic roots and is attending mass every Sunday. As a part of his renewal the priest suggested he attend the RCIA classes. This is where you learn about the Catholic faith in preparation for confirmation. Being of a footloose nature in this stage of my life, I went too. Surprisingly I enjoyed and looked forward to Tuesday night until today. This week, if I'm not careful, I could accidentally become Catholic!
Yup, I'm feeling some peer pressure. When asked "Why are you here?", my answer "I came with him", sounded lame, so I took the little church permanent record information sheet. My husband would be happy, my family confused and the word permanent scares the hell out of me. My theological reference book of choice, Catholicism For Dummies, gets down and dirty and it's the transubstantiation thing I have a problem with. Since I perceive this to be the core of the Catholic faith, with all due respect, I will decline.
But here is the problem, do I show up for the special mass and support my fellow graduates and politely say "No Way", or do I fake an upset stomach and be a no show. Peer pressure raises it's ugly head once again.
I am not a catholic, but I wonder how much of the faith you agree with? If you are in "communion" with the faith in a majority of ways other than perhaps the transubstantiation doctrine, then why not share in communion?
ReplyDeleteIs the transubstantiation thing not a major thing, really? I would assume things like, Bible, Jesus, Triune God, and the like would be the major things.
If all else fails, just cross your hands over your chest and get a blessing if you are not comfortable. (I took communion each time I worked in the Catholic Church even though I am not a transub guy, because I found I was in communion in many more ways than just that doctrine.)
I did cowboy up and attend the confirmation mass and received a blessing in the manner you suggested. This priest thinks along the lines as you about "communion", but when they asked the ones being confirmed if they believe in all things Catholic (the wording was different)I wouldn't have been able to honestly reply yes.
ReplyDeleteFor someone who has only walked the beaches of organized religion, becoming Catholic would be like jumping into the deep and swimming with the sharks! I do get a sense of peace from attending mass with Mike, and a little blessing now and then won't hurt, but will keep studying the issue. Appreciate you.