The Lost Soul of America
A Re-Awaking of Spirit
Photo By: Flickr/mark byzewski
For the past year and a half I have been on an extended faith journey. I say “extended” because as a Cradle Catholic and “mostly” practicing one, I have felt a pull to learn and dive more deeply into the depths and doctrines of our Faith and why we have them.
What I have discovered has rocked my world!
I have discovered that I, as a Catholic, I do not know or understand my faith. I also did not appreciate the deep mystery, sacrifice and relationship we are called to, and this is a travesty. I am convinced that if more Catholics truly understood their faith, well, more “faithfully” our churches would be filled to capacity on Sunday, and we would wait in joyful anticipation all week for such a joyous celebration. People would be beating down the doors to attend Mass and receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ in the Eucharist.
Why in Heaven’s Sake would anyone pass up on this opportunity? I truly believe that it is because most of us just don’t “get it”.
In the book “Supper of the Lamb”, Scott Hahn (a converted Protestant minister and theologian), proclaims that when you go to Mass, you go to Heaven. The Catholic Liturgy Is a celebration in which Heaven and Earth unite and proclaim God’s Glory together, all the Angels and Saints of this world and the one to come. We are all the Universal Catholic Church! A worldwide family coming together in every nation, every language, every race, background, age and sex!
So it made me wonder why we would put a higher priority on sleeping in, a soccer game or even a job? I began to understand and realize that what we do on Sunday together as a family at Mass will continue on into eternity. All the things of this world will pass away. Everything we do in this life, should be focused on the next. Heaven is promised to all, unless we choose Hell.
I challenge everyone, and myself as well, to take that important step. Immerse yourself in all the resources available and develop an intimate knowledge of the Faith. The more you learn, the more enthralled and excited you will become. Develop a regimented prayer life and stick to it. The power of daily prayer and the Rosary are evident and true. Prayer will bring you a peace and ability to navigate your day, your week, and your years in a much more manageable and holy way. It will enable you to bring light and love to all around you. When your prayer life is in order, everything else falls into place. I know this from experience, it has been transforming.
Celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession on a regular basis. It will make your heart light and your soul more bright. Finally, visit Jesus at Eucharistic Adoration. He is a much bigger STAR than any sports or Hollywood personality. He actually loves you, cares about you, and yearns for a relationship in return. It is the most special relationship one could ever hope for. How can anything in this world be more important than that?
About the Author
I am a 57 year old, wife and mother of two grown sons. I am Cradle Catholic and experienced a reversion to the faith several year ago that moved me to dive more deeply into an understanding of the church and it’s doctrines and dogmas. The more I read, and discover, the deeper my love of the Catholic Church and her teachings becomes.
I become the Executive Director of a very active and busy Crisis Pregnancy Center on the West side of Cincinnati in October 2021. God is so good and answers prayers even though He knows at times, we have no idea what we are asking for. I left this job a few days ago, after having my heart broken and idea of working for a Catholic institution disallusioned. I am so honored and humbled to have had the experience to serve women and the unborn in this capacity! I am also very grateful for God, allowing me to see for myself, that perhaps such a calling was not His long term plan for me. Perhapos returning to Catholic 365 is more to his liking and fits more into his plan for me. I hopefully can once again be more active with content to this wonderful website.
I live in Cincinnati, Ohio where I attended the same parochial grade school and public high school that my two boys attend. I sang in the choir for 35 years and have also been a cantor. I recently left singing in church because i found it to be a grave distraction to the awesome significance of the Liturgy. I haven't looked back, and love the Mass now more than ever! I have been a past member of the Education Commission and have devoted many hours to the well being of St. Ann Church and School (now Our Lady of Grace).
I look forwad to being back and submitting more articles and content. I love being able to share my faith and use this platform as a way to express my deep love and devotion to our Lord. We need each other, and what a wonderful way to connect with others!
