Some may think I’m a loser or a prissy good girl because I go to church on a regular basis. I mean, why bother? I don’t have my parents around telling me I have to go.
Well, it’s the complicated combination of Catholic guilt, actually enjoying practicing my faith and a guaranteed peaceful hour away from my never-ending to-do list that gets me into a pew each Sunday night.
A few of my friends practice their faith in college. Many tease me for being the Catholic girl in the group. One of my friends seems especially fascinated with “Catholic guilt.” He jokes with me about it. I laugh along. It doesn’t bother me, but at times it can be hard to practice my faith.
Some weeks are harder than others to get to St. Paul’s (Who wants to leave a comfy couch in the middle of a snowstorm?) and there are weeks I don’t make it, but I never regret going once I’m there.
This week is Holy Week. Holy Week consists of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and finally, Easter Sunday. The purpose is a final preparation during the final week of Lent so you’re ready for Easter Sunday.
What it means for me is more scheduling during the end of the school year craze. Between figuring out what services to go to, whether or not I’m going home this weekend, getting back late on Sunday, all while planning ahead for final papers and exams, I’m spinning.
A religious holiday so late in the school year is an inconvenience. However, I’m now realizing that even though it’s going to be more stressful to figure everything out, it’s important during this time to stop and remember my faith.
For Catholics, Holy Week is very important. It celebrates Jesus’ death on the cross, and his rising from the grave – a cornerstone of Catholicism.
I’ve been taught that Jesus died for my sins. So, the least I can do is go to Stations of the Cross and stay up a little later to work on my research paper. I’m having to continue to remember that it’s more important to walk away from the to-do list so that I can thank God that I have a list to do.