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Sunday, March 20, 2011

Messy Mass

I have been a terrible Catholic in the past year. Just plain lazy. I kept saying, next week I’ll go to church, but sleeping in with HB or just lounging about the house always seemed so much easier. However, Lent rolled around and I decided it was the perfect motivation I needed.

You see, I get extremely anxious about trying new things. Crowds of unknown people freak me out. So the idea of approaching a new church seemed daunting. Silly, I know, but I’m kind of odd like that. I missed last week because of daylight savings, so this week I really felt the need to go. I’d even driven past the Church a few times over the course of the week, to familiarize myself with it {see, told you, odd}

HB chose to stay home and Lil Gbear and I piled in the car with plenty of time to spare. We arrived at the Church and cute elderly gentleman awaited everyone coming in, greeting them with a smile and a handshake. My anxiety shrank a little as I found a seat at the end of a pew near the back, in preparation for the possibility of a quick exit. Lil Gbear hasn’t been to church in ages so I wasn’t sure how he would react. He really doesn’t like sitting still, so I wanted to be ready. I scanned the Church for a “cry room” but couldn’t find one. However, I felt at peace. I was glad  I had come.

The Mass began and I felt at home, albeit a little awkward with Gbear in tow. However, this comfort began to fade. Gbear found it necessary to make noise EVERY time the congregation was silent. I tried the binky, a bottle, snacks. Nothing worked and he even bit me! At this point I was just hoping to make it to Communion and then make a slightly early exit. Little Gbear had other plans. It seems I should not have attempted to placate him with food, because during one of the pauses in the Eucharistic Prayer, the unthinkable. *Vomit* The embarrassment.  I felt like the eyes of the entire congregation were on me. Of course, Lil Gbear was ok, just overly full. However, I decided that it was time to call it a day.

I left feeling disappointed and a little defeated, but I hope that next week things will go a little more smoothly! I guess Lil Gbear was just making up for all the times I threw up on my mom in church. ;)

12 comments:

Fran said...

Trying out new churches/congregations can be so scary, hope it goes better next week! :)

Michelle said...

I've been a bad Catholic, too. We haven't worked too hard to find a church since we PCSed here (uh, almost 2 years ago). But it's Utah and finding Catholic churches is a hard thing to do. I know, excuses, excuses. Maybe I'll take a cue from you and work on it for Easter.

Julie said...

You will get a kick out of this story I hope: When my brother was about two, we were at mass. He was quiet most of the mass, but then the priest started walking down the aisle with that ball that sprays droplets of water (forgive me, I can't remember the name of it). As the ball is swinging away, my brother jumps up and yells, "WATCH OUT KIDS! HE'S GONNA THROW IT!" You are not alone with trying to keep your gbear quiet!

Jennifer said...

Not sure if this is going to post twice because my stupid browser crashed, buuut here it goes again just in case.

I hope next week goes better at church. Also, I'm the same way when I have to go to new/unfamiliar places so you're not weird (or at least you're not alone in your weirdness).

Anonymous said...

I'm sure if you keep taking him that he will get better! Plus all of the people in the church know that toddlers can be cranky sometimes. But true this might just be payback haha

Irish Italian Blessings said...

I'm glad it went so well! I'm sure Gbears noises just seemed loudest to you and not everyone else. You're motivating me to get my butt back to church but I must find a good one with a day care : )

Michelle said...

I give you big props for going! Atleast you went. (That my motto) I havent been to church in YEARS! Lately though, I hear Him calling me, telling me its time to go back. I guess I dread dragging my three kiddos, 6 ,3, and 1, but I guess Ill never figure out how to do it, if I dont try it.... Maybe this Sunday... Or next.. I guess its time to give it a go.

-M-
michelletherib.blogspot.com

Cat said...

I never miss church and always feel at home in any Catholic church (hey, it means "universal" and I feel that way!). We actually 'church-shopped' for months here, hitting about 10 different churches, before we found our new parish home. That being said, I rarely, if ever, notice a baby making noises unless they're flat-out WAILING, so you're probably just being a bit paranoid there. If you're too concerned though, you may want to see if there's a nursery? It also may help you focus on the mass if you're not also trying to take care of your kid.

Congrats for making it to church again! I know that's a big step, and I hope you make it habit. God bless.

Erinn said...

I am passing on a blog award to you!
Comment on my blog if you accept :)
--Erinn

Mrs. F said...

Hey lady! I think I copied down your email wrong 'cause I'm trying to send you the invite to my blog and it's bouncing back! Send it again to me please!!

hmb said...

My and Gbear have the whole vom thing in common these days! Haha...hope next week is better!

Shelly said...

I give you so much credit for going to mass with your little one. We've only done it a few times and it is impossible to focus on the mass with my kids there. And my church doesn't have a crying room, but they do have a gift shop....go figure.

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