Being Catholic is not just to look good to others, and it’s not just something my parents gave me. I chose to be Catholic and God chose me. When I was a little girl, I didn’t know much about religion. I was taught to love God but didn't know why or who I was loving. Things were different for me, my parents were not very religious, although they still say they are Catholic they don't understand the true meaning of this religion. I grew up thinking that I could receive communion, not knowing that I was supposed to go through the classes and hard work to be able to receive the body of Christ. I wasn't aware of the meaning of church, I would go to church and hear their words go through one ear and out the other.
I met my husband in 2011 and although we weren’t as religious as we are now, he knew more about church and the catholic religion. My husband, grew up going to church. He was baptized and received both his communion and confirmation. His knowledge on Catholicism was impeccable compared to my background in the matter. We became parents at a young age and from then on in, we knew we wanted to give our child some kind of structure on religion. In 2013, we decided to get married and start planning. We didn't know all the details to the wedding but my husband wanted a real Catholic wedding in a church. With me not being Catholic, I had to ask around and see if what background I already had in the religion. I found out quick that I wasn’t even baptized so I knew this wouldn't be a task. To become Catholic I knew it would be a huge commitment, giving my trust fully to God, I didn’t know if I could do it.
I started doing adult CCD classes and it took over a year to finish them. When I went to the classes I started understanding the religion and I started seeing the true meaning of the Catholic religion. The views that they had, I also shared the same views. I knew that I wanted my children to grow up in the religion and understand the meaning of it all like I did. As horrible as it sounds I felt like I went only for my wedding to CCD, but I am happy I did because if I did not, I wouldn't know what I know today about being a Catholic. Don’t get me wrong, I don't go to church when needed and I know it is wrong. I, often times, felt guilty for not going through my classes and felt like I was failing God. I have felt down, depressed, thought negatively about life, thought like I was being kicked right in the gut but I realized besides turning to my husband, I also turned the God. So yes, I am Catholic. Yes, I am a sinner. No, I am not perfect but I try my best not only for my marriage, but for myself, for my children to be a proud Catholic and guide them to the happiness that I now feel.
