My First Mass…

Mass… is AMAZING

I’ve known for 3 weeks that I would entering the Catholic Church. However, I thought that I would wait until after Easter weekend so that I didn’t get caught up in a bunch of traditional Easter ceremonies performed by the church. I was very nervous that I would get in there and people would start bowing and I’d stay standing, or they recite something and I’d just simply feel stupid for not catching on. Well, last night, I told Tiffany that I couldn’t wait, seeing as how I work every other weekend, 2 more weeks before I entered the church doors. When I went, I ended up standing when they bowed and I feel pretty ridiculous when I didn’t know what to recite, but I also felt something else, the presence of my Lord and Savior!!

Tiffany got upset with me last night because I wouldn’t stop moving in the bed. I was excited. I couldn’t sleep. I was so nervous and excited at the same time and to be honest, the excitement definitely outweighed the nervousness. I woke up, earlier than planned, smiling from ear to ear, and I jumped out of bed. Tiffany will tell you, I am not one to do something like that. I normally lay there and do my best to not move unless I absolutely have to. This morning was different. I felt God’s presence from the first sign of daylight and it was an amazing feeling. Tiffany decided not to go this morning because her nervousness outweighed her excitement but that was not going to hold me back. She was happy that I went and has assured me that when I am home in 2 weeks, she’ll definitely go with me. She is excited and I’m so happy that God has allowed us to share the journey at the same time.

I live probably about 20 minutes from Our Lady of the Rosary, which is in Lexington. I left probably 50 minutes early just to make sure that I found the church okay and could have a good sit (in the back!). The few people that I spoke with were friendly. I didn’t really go out of my way to involve myself with anyone since I was nervous. My first thoughts were that the church was beautiful. It wasn’t a huge church or anything, but they definitely had a big Spirit feel to it. Unlike most churches, there wasn’t a loud buzzing noise from everyone joking, laughing, screaming. To me, that’s not a bad thing. People were being respectful in and to the house of God. Most used the Holy Water beside the door and used it to make the Sign of the Cross as a reminder that they are entering the house of our Lord and also as a reminder that through baptism you are cleansed of your sins. Some bowed and made the Sign of the Cross before entering the pew.

Everything that happened was so awesome in the fact that it was so reverent and everyone respected the church because it was God’s church. As service continued, the Priest, Father Al, performed the Rite of Asperges which is basically where his sprinkled water onto the congregation in an effort to prepare for the Celebration of Mass “by moving them to sentiments of penance and reverence.” Again, it was something done that was completely dedicated to God and it just had an amazing all around joyous feeling. We sang a few hymns and then Father Al gave his message and the message had meaning behind it and I enjoyed it. We sang another hymn and most of the congregation went up for Holy Communion and although I did not partake in it with the members, I still felt the overwhelming presence of Christ. We sang another hymn and then we went home.

I know I am forgetting a few things, but basically, this is what happened and I am simply writing to let everyone know that I had one of the most joyous times that I have ever had with the walls of a church, this morning, at Our Lady of the Rosary! I plan to attend the Immaculate Heart of Mary the next time that I am off. I am already excited for that time.

Please continue to pray for me along this journey.

God Bless!

Rodney