Do you remember?

An outward sign, instituted by Christ to give us grace.

That’s the definition of a sacrament.  That’s what it said in the Baltimore Catechism of my youth.  I was recently reminded of this when prompted to respond to the question, “what is a sacrament?”  It is amazing what we remember from our past and what we choose to forget.

I’m comforted in remembering the important things of my Catholic upbringing.

How many sacraments are there?  I don’t flinch when I remember the answer is seven, and then name them.  Yes, of course all Catholics should know this, but do they?

A longing for past treasures

When I was young, RELIGION was just another class.  But now as an adult and an older one at that, I now value it more than ever.  It’s wonderful to be reminded from time to time of those things I learned as a child.  And it’s also sad to know that so many of those wonderful teachings are not taught, treasured, and embraced by the youth of today.  Not all, of course, ignore the teachings they learn in school and other religious classes, but it’s clearly a different world.

And to those who say times have changed, and clearly some of the teachings of the Catholic faith after Vatican II have changed, I can’t disagree.  But I also can’t un-learn and not embrace the beautiful things I learned as a child in a Catholic school.  I now know how much I would have missed had I not been raised Catholic.

Comfort in my past

Being Catholic is like having a blanket around me which keeps me warm.  Jesus is the light keeping me warm.  Sitting in church, sitting there by myself, it’s great to know I have Jesus to talk to.  And the Catholic teachings and traditions I grew up with are those I’ll likely take with me to heaven.  I’m one that will accept change if I have to.  But being the Catholic child I was 50 years ago is hard to forget, and I really don’t want to forget.  That doesn’t make me a bad person.  It feels like keeping true to the traditions and ways of the church of years ago makes me more comfortable, more respectful, more prayerful and I shouldn’t have to defend myself.

So, when people look at me funny, or ask why I choose to dress nicely for church, or choose to take Holy Communion on my tongue, or genuflect on two knees during adoration, I don’t feel awkward at all.  I just think of Sr. Margaret Mary and Sr. Paulette in the 2nd and 3rd grade and know I am doing the right thing in loving and respecting, in a reverent way, Jesus.  They taught me about Jesus and what better way of remembering and honoring them than to continue to live the beautiful teachings and traditions they imparted to me these many years later!!  Thank you, sisters!!!!  See ‘ya in heaven someday!!