I'm a Christian

A few nights ago, Bill was putting Will to bed and I popped my head in to give him a hug and say goodnight.  He was holding his rosary that he made in art class.  It had just been blessed by Father Brian O'Brien earlier that week.  He was pleading with Bill to pray the rosary, pretty adamantly.  Now, it's after 9:00 p.m. already and praying the entire rosary takes some time.  I asked if he'd be happy to just say Our Father with us.  No.  He wouldn't be happy to do that.  He'd like to pray the rosary.  I asked if he'd just like to pray Hail Mary.  Yes.  He would accept that.  Great. 

EXCEPT THAT...no judging please....I'm not completely certain I can say Hail Mary from memory.  I'm a cradle Episcopalian.  It's the only church I've ever been a part of.  I am an Episcopalian.  We do not typically pray Hail Mary, at least within the walls of the two churches I have attended my entire life.  I am married to a Methodist, turned Catholic.  Whew, at least Dad can pray Hail Mary with him without stumbling!  Almost.  My Methodist, turned Catholic, now attends the Episcopal church with us and doesn't get to the Catholic services as often as he used to.  Anyway - we make it through Hail Mary in a manner that is sufficiently pleasing to my 6 year old even though he throws me a look here and there for not knowing it flawlessly.  This begins a conversation about how I am Episcopalian.  What's that?  That's the denomination of our church, St. Patrick's.  Dad is Catholic.  Why?  He chose to become Catholic in his early 20's and connects strongly with the Catholic faith.  What church does he go to?
He goes with us to St. Patrick's because he loves our church too and we all enjoy going as a family.   Is Kate Catholic?  She went through First Communion and she's exploring Catholicism and she also attends St. Patrick's with us so she is learning about what it means to be an Episcopalian too.  Is Claire Catholic?  Same for Claire, she went through First Communion classes and is learning about the Catholic faith but attends St. Patrick's with us. 

                                                  *******LONG PAUSE********

Well, I am a Christian. 


Wow.  Yes, Will, you are.  Brought a little tear to my eye - not gonna lie.  All the Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal talk can be confusing and tiring for a little one or even a big one.  Loved that he processed the whole conversation and arrived at that one meaningful thing. 

Nice job, Monte Cassino.  You are teaching Christianity.
Nice job, St. Patrick's. You are teaching Christianity. 

Many of the rules and rituals divide us, the big picture is what does and should bring us together.  We enjoyed a Pentecost service this past weekend with a sermon delivered by the Bishop, discussing this very thing.  I love that Will just might already get this.

 

 

Will, holding up his rosary.