Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Why Am I Catholic?


Today is Ash Wednesday and I thought what better way to get in the holy spirit of the season then to blog about it!


I am a good catholic: I’ve been to the Vatican. I pray. I confess my sins. I have been baptized, participated in first communion, and went through college confirmation.

I was in the office talking about what religions my co-workers identify with, and if they agree or disagree. I identify with catholism as a foundation of who I am. I was in 1st grade when I started going to catholic school and regardless of how young I was, it shaped me to the person I am today. For all the negative things people have to say about the Catholic community, there are a million things that I am happy about – when it comes to being a Catholic woman. Sure, I will acknowledge that there is plenty of drama and a slight bit of hypocrisy in the Catholic Church. There is also the fact that homosexuals, birth control, and the role of sexual abuse has been overwhelming. How do you identify with a religion that is close-minded and ignorant to accept abuse or NOT accept individuals for who they are? I think any young person who is Catholic would ask themselves those questions.
Honestly, walking away from church each Sunday (or Saturday evening lately) and having that significant lesson: imitation discipline, generosity, and conviction. Wasn’t it Pope Paul VI, which said “if you want peace, work for justice”??


Can I digress for a moment and say that when Pope Benedict was being elected…I was so into it? The smoke billows, the process behind the election. The Pope is the man! You already know I have a love affair with Germany. So, he being German just gets me all types of excited. Although, I know it is probably not quote-unquote politically correct to call the Pope… creepy. He kinda is. I feel uncomfortable going into detail and its soooo sacrilegious to go on record saying the leader of the entire Catholic community of over a billion members is creepy. However, I hope I get into heaven regardless of my personal thoughts about the Pope.

So, why am I a catholic? Because I feel that I am a person of faith, I have always found pride and comfort in knowing that I am supported by a faith based community. Their message is one of acceptance (there are probably a few people that would disagree), fellowship, and inclusion.

I hope if you are reading this blog and you are inspired to examine your own faith. And I hope everyone who does get the opportunity to read this realizes that I am not knocking any faith. I love all religions because it represents the vast and incredible ideals of faith. And I have a secret desire to be Jewish. Sssssh Don't Tell!

Mazel!
Kelly

2 comments:

  1. I think it is wonderful you are passionate about your faith Kelly. I am so encouraged when young people (I'm at least 10 years older then you right?) have a solid foundation of faith and really have a relationship with Jesus!! There is nothing more important.

    Be blessed!
    Amanda

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  2. Oh...just wanted to mention, I was looking at your napkins again and am SOOOOO excited to make cookies!! I think it is going to be so fun!! Thanks for letting me help!

    Blessings-
    Amanda

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