Catholic Mamas - June/July - Page 2

[wolfmom]

Thanks for the well wishes! The actual anniversary is friday and I know my dh has something up his sleeve but he won't let on what it is. I love him! He makes surprises for me alot for special occasions. The only problem? I'd like to give him a gift but I have no idea what to get him!

Anyway, I hope you all have a good week. It seems like many of you here are converts to the faith. I find that facinating! I've always been interested it what brings people to the church as adults. I, myself, am a cradle catholic so I rarely have trouble remembering Mass 'cause I've been doing it my whole life. I even went most of the time in college. But I was lucky because I had an amazing community in college. I'm even still going to that same church despite the fact that there are several catholic churches closer. But you have to go where you are being fed, right?

How are everyone's kids doing in church and with faith life? As cradle catholics I think I expect a lot from my kids but sometimes I think I need a little perspective!

peace and health,

[Katwoman]

Originally Posted by wolfmom

How are everyone's kids doing in church and with faith life? As cradle catholics I think I expect a lot from my kids but sometimes I think I need a little perspective!

peace and health,

I'm also a cradle Catholic. My Mom has a deep faith but was not vocal about it/the Church/the Tradition we come from so I went to Church because I was expected to. I went through the RCIA process as an adult and LOVED IT! To know where we come from and why we do what we do was beyond describable for me. So I'm trying to give all that to my kids and it's going poorly. I guess I fall into the category of expecting too much of them as well. I just really want them to understand why the Church does what it does and the reasons behind it. I feel like it's such a waste to have kids going to Church because their parents said so. They're missing out on so much.

So, not particularly helpful to you, but I thought I'd share and say I hear ya!

[xekomaya]

Why do you think it's going poorly?

My little guy is 1 so I'm very interested to hear what works and what doesn't. He so far waves at all the crucifixes, and at some statues, especially Padre Pio who we visit a few times a week. I talk to him about all the religious imagery we see, even though he doesn't get it yet -- teach him the names of the saints, the children of Fatima, etc. Practice the sign of the cross. As soon as he starts talking a little more I'm planning to start talking about the Baltimore Catechism, maybe the first 20 questions or something and just say them all the time so he learns them very early. Maybe it's overkill, but learning the catechism is so important I just can't risk that he won't want to learn it later.

[BMG580]

I am a convert, what brought me to Catholicism was doctrine. There was a quote at Conversion Diary written by another convert the other day that sums it up exactly for me:

Another thing that attracted me to the Catholic Church was the rigor of its thinking. Writers like G.K. Chesterton and Fr. John Neuhaus really helped me along the road. Catholics aren't simply submitting themselves to an all powerful, out of touch Pope with a list of antiquated rules. There are not only highly developed reasons for everything they believe, but they fit together into this seamless garment. I'll have to admit that my view of Catholics wasn't very high to begin with.

As for my kids, my son is too little to do much with aside from having him experience life with Catholicism deeply imbedded into it, by having our family observe the liturgical calendar, celebrate holy days and specific seasons in unique ways and go to Mass, we try to go twice during the week and always on Sundays.

My DD and I talk about Jesus and Mary a lot. The idea of God in His entirety seems to be too large for her to process (heck, it is too large for ME to process!) and Jesus on the crucifix is human and relatable for her. We have been working on properly signing the cross, I have her participate as much as she can during Mass already at 3 - stand when we all stand, kneel during the Eucharist, etc. We listen and I pray the Rosary in the car often and she has a little plastic blue rosary that she likes to wear. The other day someone commented on her pretty necklace and she said, "It isn't a necklace it is my rosary!". I guess my approach is to just include my practice of Catholicism in their lives in a way in which they don't ever think of it as a choice we are making or as an extra but that it just IS.

[sunkissedmumma67]

:

[moonshoes]

HI mamas, I just have to share because I am : - Immaculee Ilibangiza is coming to a retreat center only an hour from and I am going!!: It is Father's Day weekend but DH has given his blessing and off I go. Her story is so incredible, she is walking in the light of God and has given tremendous healing to the world, I have seen her talk on tv but I never imagined I would meet her in person.

Are any of you familiar with the apparitions of The Blessed Mother in Kibeho, Rwanda? It is so incredible.

Prayers to all who need them:

~Catherine

[xekomaya]

Originally Posted by moonshoes

HI mamas, I just have to share because I am : - Immaculee Ilibangiza is coming to a retreat center only an hour from and I am going!!: It is Father's Day weekend but DH has given his blessing and off I go. Her story is so incredible, she is walking in the light of God and has given tremendous healing to the world, I have seen her talk on tv but I never imagined I would meet her in person.

Are any of you familiar with the apparitions of The Blessed Mother in Kibeho, Rwanda? It is so incredible.

Prayers to all who need them:

~Catherine

Oh that's wonderful! I saw her on Fr. Groeschel's program. I have not read her books but would like to. How cool to see her in person.

[Rosehip]

I'm popping in to say hi! I am the poster previously known as Toasty Toes. I've just started an accelerated nursing program and am. exhausted. The summer session is 20 credits in 2 months - whew. At least it will be over quickly.

I just watched the movie Doubt last night, and found it powerful (though I've heard it was phenomenal on stage) - I'd be interested to see what others thought.

[ifonly]

hi - is this group only for moms? is there a catholic group for wanna-be moms that can't seem to make it happen no matter what they do? okay, that is a long name for a group. but you know what i mean i hope!

[momtokimari]

Originally Posted by ifonly

hi - is this group only for moms? is there a catholic group for wanna-be moms that can't seem to make it happen no matter what they do? okay, that is a long name for a group. but you know what i mean i hope!

I don't think it is your "momness" that counts. Besides, you're a mama at heart.


Ok. I will get up tomorrow. I will remember to leave my house. That remembrance will come BEFORE Mass starts, not as it is starting or after it has ended. I will not chicken out. Also... what will I wear?

[ifonly]

thank you momtokimari!

i have had two m/c so i do feel like a mother to angels. i would just like to have one that stays here on earth with me. i have been battling with infertility for 2 and a half years. partly, i'm just old (40). i am trying to let go of my want and just trust god. i have been praying to saint anne, saint joseph, saint gerard, and of course the holy mother - for intercesion.

i'm going to mass with my sister tomorrow. i'm very lucky that my parish has a noon mass. there is absolutely no excuse for me to miss it!!

i just "came back" to the church a few months ago after being gone for a very long time (my sister was happy to jump on my "back to church" train as she was attending a methodist church with her bff, but not happy there). i'm happy to be back and would like to talk with other catholic women.

i was "born catholic" and attended catholic elementary and high school. so i'm pretty well indoctrinated! i still need to be confirmed though, and i'm working on that now.

what are we wearing to mass tomorrow? hmmm.

[miss_sonja]

I'm bummed because I found out today there won't be a VBS at our church this year. It's been *years* since we had one, before I was a member, and I was so happy when they announced a call for volunteers and set dates. Must stop by parish office tomorrow and get the details...plus get a registration form for the one at a nearby parish, which the bulletin said would be there.

My kids love VBS and I do too, it's essentially summer camp but with religious instruction. They sing songs, do crafts and play games all themed. My girls went to 2 last year, and we'd planned 3 for this year. It's our only structured summer activity really, because we can afford it. The ones around here are $5-$25 per child depending on the parish.

For the PP who wondered about going to mass. Just go. You'll be confused, because a lot of what is said and done isn't in the program (as it is at some churches). Ours has a hymnal with a mass guide in it, that has every word of the mass, so a newcomer can follow along. Go a bit early and tell the usher/greeter you're new. No need to stay in your pew at Communion, go up and get a blessing. Just cross your arms over your chest so the Eucharistic Minister or Priest knows you are not receiving and they'll bless you--it's lovely.

Here's a basic guide to the mass: http://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/Mass.htm

[Annikate]

Hello mamas!
I am popping in here to ask you all a question. (Couldn't think of a better place to ask/post.)

I am a convert. Did RCIA 12 years ago before children. Now my 5 year old is ready to start the catechism classes this fall and she's at the age where she's asking so many questions about mass and the trinity and why she can/can't do things etc.

We recently started attending mass again at a new church after about 2 years of not going at all and actually considering trying different churches and denominations.

Does anyone have any book recs - geared toward parents of young children in the faith? I see lots for teens but not many about young kids.

Any suggestions? Thank you.

[momtokimari]

Originally Posted by miss_sonja

I'm bummed because I found out today there won't be a VBS at our church this year. It's been *years* since we had one, before I was a member, and I was so happy when they announced a call for volunteers and set dates. Must stop by parish office tomorrow and get the details...plus get a registration form for the one at a nearby parish, which the bulletin said would be there.

My kids love VBS and I do too, it's essentially summer camp but with religious instruction. They sing songs, do crafts and play games all themed. My girls went to 2 last year, and we'd planned 3 for this year. It's our only structured summer activity really, because we can afford it. The ones around here are $5-$25 per child depending on the parish.

For the PP who wondered about going to mass. Just go. You'll be confused, because a lot of what is said and done isn't in the program (as it is at some churches). Ours has a hymnal with a mass guide in it, that has every word of the mass, so a newcomer can follow along. Go a bit early and tell the usher/greeter you're new. No need to stay in your pew at Communion, go up and get a blessing. Just cross your arms over your chest so the Eucharistic Minister or Priest knows you are not receiving and they'll bless you--it's lovely.

Here's a basic guide to the mass: http://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/Mass.htm

Wow. Thanks.

[xekomaya]

Originally Posted by miss_sonja

No need to stay in your pew at Communion, go up and get a blessing. Just cross your arms over your chest so the Eucharistic Minister or Priest knows you are not receiving and they'll bless you--it's lovely.
]

This is an addition to the Mass not included in the rubrics. It's only permitted in some areas by some Bishops. You should talk to a priest before you choose to do that to see how they feel about it in your area.

[jest]

This Sunday after the noon Mass our parish did a procession outside and triple benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. It was beautiful. We have been doing this on Corpus Christi Sunday ever since we got our new pastor 3 years ago. I'm a cradle Catholic who has belonged to many different parishes over the years (I'm 41) and this is the only parish I've belonged to that does this. My Mom tells me that back in the day, every parish did this.

ifonly: My heart and prayers go out to you. I suffered six years of "unexplained" infertility before finally conceiving my first child. I am so thankful to have been blessed with two children now, thanks be to God. I understand your pain and will remember you in my prayers.

Originally Posted by miss_sonja

My kids love VBS and I do too, it's essentially summer camp but with religious instruction. They sing songs, do crafts and play games all themed. My girls went to 2 last year, and we'd planned 3 for this year. It's our only structured summer activity really, because we can afford it. The ones around here are $5-$25 per child depending on the parish.

Is that the price per day or for the whole week? Just curious. I'm thinking of signing my ds up for a Catholic VBS at my church this summer and it is $50 for the week.

[DiannaK]

Originally Posted by Rosehip

I'm popping in to say hi! I am the poster previously known as Toasty Toes. I've just started an accelerated nursing program and am. exhausted. The summer session is 20 credits in 2 months - whew. At least it will be over quickly.

I just watched the movie Doubt last night, and found it powerful (though I've heard it was phenomenal on stage) - I'd be interested to see what others thought.

how is everything else going??

Hang in there .... it will be worth it.

[miss_sonja]

Originally Posted by jest

Is that the price per day or for the whole week? Just curious. I'm thinking of signing my ds up for a Catholic VBS at my church this summer and it is $50 for the week.

That's the price per week. Though some hat I've looked at are as high as $40.

Our pastor is from Kenya and he told us about how important the procession is to his community there and how he was disappointed that our parish doesn't process on Corpus Christi Sunday.

[miss_sonja]

Originally Posted by xekomaya

This is an addition to the Mass not included in the rubrics. It's only permitted in some areas by some Bishops. You should talk to a priest before you choose to do that to see how they feel about it in your area.

Interesting! I thought it was pretty universal.

[misseks]

Originally Posted by xekomaya

This is an addition to the Mass not included in the rubrics. It's only permitted in some areas by some Bishops. You should talk to a priest before you choose to do that to see how they feel about it in your area.

Really??? So what about little kids? Toddlers are *supposed* to stay in the pew by themselves?