Proud to be a Catholic!

hyldad, Thanks for sharing.

I wasn't sure where to post this. Today I experienced one of the beauties of Catholicism. I am new to a small town in Central MA. I joined St. John the Evangelist parish. Today marked the merger of the 3 parishes here, Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Lady of Jasna Gora (took me a while to find out she is the Black Madonna of Poland) & St. John's. The New Paris is St. John, Guardian of the Blessed Mother. Mass today celebrated the union of the parishes in St. John' Church. It was so beautiful and amazing. When I arrived, the altar was stripped. After the homily, all the priests, deacons, servers etc. processed to the rear of the church. They then processed back carrying the altar cloths, candles, books, and the 2 altar stones from the closing churches. With great reverance, these altar stones were placed in the existing altar, the altar dressed, and Mass continued. I wish I had video to share. What a beautiful reminder that we are all one Church, thugh different cultures. A beautiful, uniting ceremony of the One, True Church!

After 5 1/2 years of being a Catholic hardly a day goes by that I don't learn something new about the church. I have been downloading Catholic Answers Live radio program to my iPod and listen on my way to work. So much to learn!

Thanks Beth40n2, very well said.

Shortly after becoming an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a friend said to me, "I could never do that, I am not good enough." I told her none of us is good enough, it is a blessing and privilege, and it is a way I can share Jesus with others. She never thought of it that way. I thank God every time I can share Jesus in the Eucharist with others.

My wife and I take the Holy Eucharist to those that are not able to make it to church. This is a very rewarding part of any ones ministry to serving our Lord. We also pick up extra bulletins from the Church and give them to know fallen away Catholics that have not attended the Church for several years. We do the best we can at living a life in front of our neighbors and friends that exemplify our faith.

Happy St Anthony Day!!!!!

I just want to say. Thank you oh Lord for the Roman Catholic Church. Thank you God, that I am Catholic. I love our Holy Mother Church. I want others to know of the pure joy of being a part of the true Church. Thank you Jesus for The Power, and strength that the The Holy Eucharist bestows on us. Thank you Jesus for giving us your presence in the Holy Eucharist! Praise Jesus! Amen! Thank you Jesus for our Holy Mother Mary! Amen! I could go on and on!

I love being Catholic, too, and the many misconceptions that many non-catholics have about us never ceases to amaze me! I promise myself that I will try to inform those with misunderstandings, and not get so upset when they say ridiculous things about the Church!

Today is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Being Catholic is fun, so many feast days!