I have been going to mass every Sunday literally since the moment I breathed my first breath.
I went to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, was a member of the church choir, and even participated in multiple Christmas plays as a kid (I played Mary, no big deal).
Attending church on Sundays with my family was a constant in my life for so long. Then, I went off to college and even though I go to a Franciscan University, I have not once attended a mass here. So, the times I set foot in a Catholic church are few and far between.
But last week while home for Thanksgiving break, I found myself in those familiar pews once again.
While there, I realized I have never really paid attention to what goes on during mass. I mean, I know we sing gospel songs and read scripture from the bible, but I don’t think I have ever really embraced the experience for what it is.
A new goal I have since set for myself is to start focusing more while in church and actually absorb what is being taught to me. Singing the hymnals, engaging in the readings, saying the prayers, the whole nine yards.
But until I next go home and am able to go to my local church again, here are some of the things I often think about rather than pay attention while at Sunday service.
I wonder if I could name 100 Taylor Swift songs.
I then proceed to name as many songs as I can (which is a lot). This takes up a good chunk of my time.
Hmm what am I going to write my Hercampus article about this week?
That baby is so cute!
I could not think of many other places where there are as many babies as there are at a Sunday mass. Seeing all the children in their pretty dresses and cute little ties never fails to heal my soul.
Ew. The baby started crying. Never mind.
Wow, they got new lights. They are way bigger than the old ones. If they were to fall right now, who would they crush?
This is a classic that my brother and I have discussed a few times. I have been doing this one since I was little and for this reason, I refuse to sit directly under the lights at church, or any room with chandeliers for that matter.
What would everyone do if I just screamed really loud right now?
I am so hungry. I wonder where we are going to eat after this.
Ever since I was little, my family would reward us kids with fast food if we behaved while in church. Even now that we are all grown up, we still go almost every Sunday. Our favorites were always McDonalds, Wendy’s, and Dairy Queen. Sometimes if we were not busy, we would even go to a local sit-down place for lunch. This was always my favorite because we got to spend time together after a long week.