Excited!

Tomorrow, Mike and I will have the chance to renew our wedding vows!

I really, really wanted to do this for our 10th anniversary (June 1st) but typical me-- I never actually did anything about it.  I was thinking we could do it anytime during the summer, no big deal.

But our parish is being consolidated with another, our pastor has been assigned to another location.
It's shockingly emotional for me.  This parish is where I received all of my sacraments including being married.  This is where my 3 children were baptized.  Where I've always envisioned them making their sacraments.  And now it's all changing.

I realize that we will adjust and that it isn't the end of the world.  But recently, I've been getting teary-eyed during mass.  Like, I could actually cry if I let myself.  It feels so sad- like I'm losing a home.  I feel so accepted there--even as my children are running up an aisle during mass, screaming about a crayon during the homily, trying to high-five the pastor as he comes down the aisle.  People constantly tell me how much they love our children- love seeing their antics and sharing plenty of empathy because many of them have "been there, done that" with their own families.  It's so wonderful and affirming.  I hope we find that kind of presence in our new parish (we have a couple of choices and have yet to choose).

I am definitely a religious/spiritual person.  And it's important for me to have a place that is especially reserved for prayer.  Although I realize that I can pray and reflect and meditate anywhere I choose and it all still matters.  Having a church to go to gives me focus where I might otherwise lack it.  I don't think any of this makes me special.  It's just what works for me.

I continue to attend Catholic church, even in the midst of conflicts.  All of the horror of the abuses that have taken place...the cover up.  My own differing opinions from standard Catholic teachings-- I don't necessarily agree with everything that is preached.

But I feel that I have faith where it counts...where it matters.

So with this in mind, Mike & I are renewing our vows tomorrow at 5:30.  Our pastor made this time for us after I talked with him this morning after mass.  He is truly a good person, a good priest.  I can't believe he is making this time for us in the midst of his own transition and chaotic time.  He will be greatly missed by our church community for sure.

I can't wait for tomorrow!!