The Unofficial Neophyte*

Welcome to the October post of the Journey through 2013 blog along. The purpose for this series is to explore an area of life in a purposeful manner. I'm so thankful that Mathnerd is willing to join in the fun!

It has been a year since I accepted that God was calling me into the Catholic church.  In some ways, the year has been easy; in others, very difficult. While it was hard to leave my last church, it was also a relief as I had felt out of place for over a year. I stayed in a difficult place partially because God had not released me to leave yet but mostly I was not sure where to go next. So I stayed. And waited. And prayed. And listened. And one October evening, I texted a good friend asking to attend mass with her family on Sunday because I knew where I was supposed to go next: the Catholic church. Now this realization was met with great anxiety as I knew family and friends might not understand. Yet, as I sat in mass, I felt God's peace as a confirmation of my next step. And I still remember seeing the surprise on my friends face as I told her of my realization.

The more I learned about the Catholic faith - the Christian foundations that stem from scripture and tradition - the more my questions and dissatisfaction's about the Catholic Church and God were answered. I saw how much is lost in the Protestant traditions in which my youth was steeped. I moved from viewing God in black and white to technicolor. It was not just the liturgy but the whole essence of Catholicism that touches each of the senses.

Action: the sitting, standing and kneeling integral to the posture of worship

Hear: the sacred scriptures and prayers handed down through the ages of time

Mind: the homily challenging lives to be lived for Jesus instead of for ourselves

Sight: the stained glass, statues, and other visual cues of worship

Touch:  the Eucharist as it becomes the body and blood of Christ
Smell: the incense and the chrism oil of confirmation **

The reverence that permeates mass bringing majesty to Jesus, who is my God and King, helps me to understand my deep  need for a savior. I have found a freedom to worship God through music, prayers and conversation.Yet, there is so much more to learn! Every day I learn more about the depth of God's grace and where I need to confess my sins as a continual transformation into a woman of God.

*Neophyte is the term for newbie Catholics during the period after baptism/confirmation through Pentecost.

**Edited to add Smell

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Journey into Catholicism

Jan - Epiphany
Feb - Love
March - Lent
April - Easter
May -Pentecost
June - Birthday Bliss
July - Saint Day
August - Ordinary Time
September  - Waiting in Anticipation
October - A Year's Reflection
November - Advent Preparation
December - Christmas