These first few posts will fill in some background and probably be reference points for future blogs.
Reference point One: I'm a product of the transitional Church- I started school as the Church was launching Vatican II reforms. When our pastor said Mass in English for the first time, I was young enough to think that Jesus was speaking to me because I could understand what was being said at church. My elementary school religion books all began with the question, "What is freedom?" (I'm also a product of New Math and our math books all began with the question, "What is a set?") No doubt about it, we were putting the Baltimore Catechism behind us and eagerly launching into the Sixties. My Catholic school had progressive nuns who shed their long habits and veils as soon as they were able and loved having guitar Masses on the lawn of the school when the weather permitted. While you might assume that this was happening in "Hippie Land California" it was all taking place in the middle of Nebraska. My father was one of the first lectors in our church, and six years later my sister was one of the first female altar servers.
We embraced the changes of Vatican II with enthusiasm thanks to the encouragement of our religious leaders. While my religious education was heavy on discussion and light on doctrine it did give me a positive picture of God and of the Church. So with this foundation I am trying to navigate my way in this world as a Catholic. I hope you join me on this journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment