Being raised in a family surrounded by faith is a beautiful thing. I know I would not be the person I am today without my amazing family and our church. I have my wonderful parents to thank for raising me to have God as such a essential component in my life. I'm also incredibly thankful to be raised in the Catholic Religion. Here are a few things you may understand all too well if you, too, grew up Catholic. Honestly, I could talk about this all day. I'll try to keep it brief.
1. Always having to find a church when you're taking a trip away from home on a weekend.
Every time my family has gone on a vacation that takes place over a weekend we know we have to locate a Catholic church and their mass times. I'm blessed to have seen many beautiful churches in some amazing places in my day. That's the beauty of the Catholic church! Mass is just as amazing no matter where you are, and it's the same mass that they're having back home.
2. You've probably been an angel in a Christmas play at some point.
Even though we all want to be beautiful Mary, we can't all be Mary. However, you do get to wear a pretty white dress and wings!
3. "Playing" mass.
My sisters, my cousins and I always played "school" when we were little. Another thing we used to act out was the mass. We used to use the stairs as "pews" and we even used Kool-aid and bread as the blood and the body. We just couldn't get enough!
4. There's a saint for every problem.
Lost your keys? St. Anthony can help.
5. Your dad was a solider in a live-action Way of the Cross.
Much like how there is only one Mary, there is also only one Jesus. It did take a lot of reassurance from my mom that dad was not really being a "bad guy" to say the least.
6. "What are you giving up for lent?"
This is a common, as well as riveting, conversation topic around March.
7. Reminding your family not to eat meat every Friday during lent.
It never fails that I get a call every Friday during lent making sure I knew not to eat meat and to fast that day.
8. Easter Sunday was a big deal.
We talked about our Easter dresses for mass months ahead.
9. A good amount of your children's books were bible-related books.
Don't believe me? Check out my bookshelf. Their are cartoon bible stories right next to all the Disney books. Thanks, parents!
10. Trying not to plan your wedding when a nice guy says they're Catholic.
I see a white dress and a long wedding service in our future. Want to pray the rosary together?
11. Your Grandma always light a candle for you.
My grandmother is one of the holiest people I know. I recently went on a retreat this weekend, and guess who called me to tell me there would be a candle lit for me? I still feel better, in college, when I know a candle is being lit for finals.
