A Whole Lotta Churchin’ Going On
By Wyatt Earp | November 13, 2009
I started my morning in church yesterday, and I ended it in church last night. The visits were under very different circumstances.
Of course, I already posted about the passing of my Great Aunt Isabella, whose funeral was yesterday morning. Last night, however, the missus and I took Kyle to church for his First Penance. He and his fellow third graders received the sacrament of Reconciliation, in preparation for First Holy Communion, which is scheduled for April.
The mass lasted only about an hour, but it was a terrific experience, both for him and for us. Kyle was one of the readers, and he did a fantastic job. When it was time for him to receive the sacrament, we walked with him up to the priest, then let him go on his own. When we returned to our seats, the pastor said that if any adults wanted to receive Reconciliation there were extra priests on hand.
The wife looked at me.
See, when I was in the hospital last year for my appendectomy, I thought about how I strayed from the church. I have been trying to get better for the kids, and well, for myself. With Kyle and Erik in Catholic school, I would be the biggest hypocrite of all time if I didn’t make an effort, so I stood up, walked to the confessional, and entered.
The priest started and I said, “It’s been 22 years since my last confession.” I expected the lightning bolts to come, but they never arrived. The priest walked me through the sacrament because I needed a refresher, and we spoke for a while. It was emotional for me, because you all know what a terrible human being I am. I pretty much spilled my guts to the priest, and promised to try and be a better person. I would like nothing better than to receive Communion again, especially after the cancer diagnosis. I refuse to g unless I receive Penance, again, because of the hypocrite thing.
All in all, it was a good, emotional day, and hopefully, I helped to be a better example for my son.
Topics: The Boys | 15 Comments »
November 13th, 2009 at 8:14 am
My little guy will receive his first Penance soon. I have not been to confession since the Nuns marched me to the Confessional in the 7th grade. I’d probably have to make an appointment.
November 13th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Just remember God Loves us and will forgive us if we ask.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:31 am
This is very nice. I am glad you went to the confessional. Lightening bolts?? No way. God loves a humble spirit and He met you right there.
Peace.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Congrats to Kyle! They grow up so fast, don’t they?
And kudos on reestablishing your connection with God. It’s the most important connection of your life, and all the other connections fall into place.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Up here in Yardley we’re doing it in Second Grade, which is what I remember doing, too. It’s cute how nervous they all are. I admitted to daughter that I made the mistake of confessing my sins in much too loud a voice, so when I emerged from the confessional, my classmates were tittering. That hasn’t humiliated me much! Congrats to Kyle; you goin’ with the all-white mafioso suit for April?
November 13th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Kudos
November 13th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Congrats to Kyle and mom and dad. It’s always better when things are right between us and our God.
November 13th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Wagonsux – I waited until the very end, and went before the closing hymns. It was worth it, dude.
Rick – Well, I’m a special case, since I am pure evil.
Bill – Thank you. It was a weight off my shoulders, and now my son can be a little proud of me.
DL474 – Correct. I’m not turning SYLG into the Church Lady Hour, but with all I’ve been through, it’s nice to go back.
Monica – Probably. I never liked those suits, but I think that’s the tradition. Kyle did his face-to-face near the altar – a few priests were up there – and he was so eager that he sprinted to the priest and forgot to genuflect. Afterward, he said, “I did? Am I going to get into trouble?”
Mark – Thank you.
MeToo – Still not perfect, but it’s better now. 22 years is far too long. And Kyle told the missus today that he was going through the day “Sin free.”
November 13th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Love this one!! Ditto to all the comments!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Sssteve – Thanks, sir!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Best post!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I’ve found that upon entering the Church, if you dip your hand in the Holy water, and it doesn’t spit and spatter like an ice cube in a vat of hot oil, you’re good to go.
Seriously, good for you!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Mama Elwell – I knew you would write that. Thank you very much.
Mrs. Crankipants – Well, it burned a little, but I think that is to be expected. I am now walking around the house using other words for the normal swear words. “Frak” and “freakin’” is getting a lot of play.
November 13th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
May the Lord bless you and keep you safe in the palm of His hand………
November 13th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Congrats to Kyle, the missus, and you as well.
Well done!