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Ca...Ca...Ca…Catholic Me? Never!
As I sit
here reflecting the beginning of my journey and what brought me to this
point, I find a sense of sadness, joy, humility and accomplishment. Not
just for what I have learned, but what I am about to journey forward into.
After a
failed marriage and 12 ½ years in the Navy, I married a Mid-western Catholic
girl. Now mind you, I had very little religious education in my
upbringing. Did my family believe in God? Sure, but it was more of an
afterthought with me. I had never been baptized. I attended a
Non-denominational church for Sunday school as a child and teenager from
time to time, but merely as a social focal point or portal rather than any
spiritual conviction. It definitely was not something that took front and
center in my life.
My wife’s
family is devout Catholic. I eloped with their daughter, married her in Las
Vegas, in a drive through, while straddling a motorcycle! Just imagine what
her mother and father thought when we told them our “good news”. It didn’t
matter to me. I was not a Catholic. Never have been. Never will be!
I
knew of my wife’s parochial education and beliefs, but I always attempted to
belittle her faith, her beliefs. How could someone whom I love so dearly,
believe in a Pope? We were 180 degrees apart on this subject. I could not
ever be “brain washed” to believe in idols, saints or statues. The whole
problem with the Catholic Church was they spent all their money on lavish
churches and pretty robes…Hmmm…. I often wonder why I felt so negative about
Catholicism. I believe it was the Holy Spirit working on me the best way it
could. It disguised itself as controversy, but was truly the first
seedling! It made me look deeper or give more attention to not only
Catholicism, but to our Lord Jesus Christ. God works in mysterious ways.
I am not, nor will I EVER be a Catholic!
Well
after having our two beautiful sons baptized by the Catholic Church, I was
really wondering why I was allowing all of this Catholic “stuff” in my life?
I am not, nor will I EVER be a Catholic, but I guess my sons can be.
In
January of 2006, my wife’s father was taken from us to be with Jesus. With
so much sadness we all packed up and headed to Iowa for his funeral. This
is where the Lord laid his hands on my heart and soul as I was a “stand-in
Lector” at his funeral. I felt the need to weep many times during that
week, not only because of our loss, but there was something else. Why did I
feel so “at home” with all these Catholics? I thought it must be my
grieving and healing process. God Loving Catholics, What’s with these
people?
One
morning out of the blue, I told my wife that our eldest son should apply to
Sacred Heart school. Why? I honestly cannot tell you why I made this
decision, but I did. I was compelled to give into my wife’s wishes of a
parochial education. Why? I have no idea. I am not Catholic, but I‘ll
go along with this craziness….
My
curiosity got the best of me in July of 2006. I asked my wife if she would
stop by the rectory and pick up an RCIA application. After attending the
first class I just was not sure about it. It was not because of the
traditions and teachings of the Catholic church, but rather my
misunderstanding of them. I just wasn’t ready to commit my life to a
faith I have so feverishly disagreed with.
I began
to look forward to the weekly classes of RCIA with increased anticipation.
I just couldn’t believe that I was actually enjoying my time learning about
the ways and history of the Catholic faith. Was I actually becoming open
to the possibility that this might be what was missing in my life? Time
will tell, I said to myself.
Well here
I am 7 ½ months later and I just can not get enough of my new found way of
life. It is solely responsible for bringing my family closer together. Not
just in our day to day activities, but our shared love in our faith and our
Lord, Jesus Christ. I look forward to the day I get to partake in my
Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion. God’s plan for me
has yet to be revealed, but at least I am now listening to him.
I have so
much to learn, but I want to personally and publicly thank Deacon John, Norm
Hickling, Irene Reuter, Angela Rodriguez and the various speakers we have
had the chance to enjoy these past months. Without them and their gift of
sharing their experiences, their knowledge and their passion in Christ, I
would have left the program right at the beginning. I thank you from my
heart and soul for the patience you have exhibited and the love you have
shown my classmates and me.
To my
classmates, my new family. Thank you for letting me into your life and for
being a part of mine. I look forward to sharing our experiences and the
many joys we have ahead of us. Like I have said before, YOU ALL HAVE BEEN
MY SPONSOR!
I am
proud of my faith. Even though I experience persecution on an almost daily
occurrence, I am proud of our church, our history, our traditions and our
teachings.
Praise
Jesus!
YES, I
AM A CATHOLIC!
Ron
Burnette |
