Annus Fidei - Year of Faith

First flowers of our Colorado mountain springtime.

I became Catholic during a really cool time in the Church. Pope Benedict XVI announced a Year of Faith, saying, "reflection on the faith will have to be intensified, so as to help all believers in Christ to acquire a more conscious and vigorous adherence to the Gospel" (see the apostolic letter for the quote). I always thought that was really beautiful, so I spent the year meditating on that theme and specifically praying to God for more faith.

Easter is coming again (ooh, feel the electricity!), and I have been Catholic for nearly one year. I'd like to comment on that, and respond to some typical questions I've been hearing lately.

Like this one. "So, do you still hold on to some of your Protestant upbringing? Like, you haven't bought into everything, have you?"

Or simply, "how do you like it?"

Or even, "how do you feel about getting married in a Catholic Church?"

I looked back on what I said before I was Catholic, and I think I need to make a declaration now.  I had doubts and disagreements with the Church, but they relaxed with the grace I experienced in the Sacraments. The Catholic understanding of the Sacraments as effective instruments of grace is real. I prayed about lots of issues (prayers to Saints, relationship with Mary, indulgences, the priesthood, the hierarchy, sexuality, apostolic succession, whatever is typical). It doesn't matter what, specifically, because I received the faith I asked for on every count. I am a believer. I love the Church. I am completely and totally committed to her. I made my choice willingly and I have no disagreements with her. I am Catholic on purpose.

I read the Catechism and I believe and support everything in it. Its explanation of Scripture, faith, and morals, are as rich as you can get. I read the Bible and it sounds Catholic (or sounds neutral sometimes).

My fiancé and I are going through lots of good Catholic marriage preparation and we are totally in concordance with the Church. We agree with the Church's understanding of marriage, and we are delighted and enthusiastic that we get to administer the Sacrament of Marriage to each other within a full Mass. Our excitement probably borders on annoying (sorry, people).

Mary. Is a great confirmation saint to me. I feel squeamish about a lot of folk practice of Marian devotion, as present in certain Latin American syncretism, for example. But, whatever. Official Church teaching about Mary is helpful, beautiful, and full of deep wisdom, even if it is intensely mysterious to me. My favorite devotional pictures and paintings feature Mary. I do occasionally pray to Mary.

"Do you still think you can pray right to God or do you think you have to go through a priest at confession and things like that?" Um, yes, and yes, and yes, of course. Do you know what I mean?

I used to wonder if I would regret this commitment. What angst! I didn't know the peace that was in store for me. Well, it's been a year, and I love what I've chosen better than ever and more all the time.