Saturday, April 19, 2014

What Are You Waiting For?

Every year around lent I remember my baptism and think, this year I’ll be a Catholic for # years! This time it’ll be eight years. I fondly remember the moment I decided to become Catholic…

"What are you waiting for?" That was the question that led me to join RCIA in 2005.
I was at mass with my then boyfriend (now husband). During the homily, the priest talked about baptism and asked the question, "If anyone here has not been baptized, what are you waiting for?"

I thought to myself-- What am I waiting for?? The question stayed with me throughout the mass. When mass was over, I turned to my boyfriend and told him how deeply the homily affected me. Right then and there I decided that I needed to be baptized. That year I joined RCIA and was baptized at the Easter Vigil of 2006.

Although eight years sounds like a long time, I still feel like I have so much to learn about the Catholic faith. The more I learn, the more I love it. And I want to share it with everyone. It’s so fascinating and gives me great joy. As Pope Francis said, “A Christian is never bored or sad. Rather, the one who loves Christ is full of joy and radiates joy.”

Here's a couple photos from my baptism at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles, CA.



Are you waiting for someone to invite you to be baptized? Or is there someone you know that could use an invitation? Go for it!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Reliving Israel

Recently I received an email from, Catholic Travel Centre. It was a chance enter a Pilgrim Photo Contest. The winner could win a FREE round trip ticket! This travel agency coordinated a pilgrimage to Israel that my husband and I went on, back in November 2009  -- they did a wonderful job I must add.

I was all excited, sure that at least one of my photos could win the contest. So I plugged in my external hard drive, sat down at my computer, and selected the best photos. Well, I didn't end up winning the contest, but I did win a trip down memory lane. I'm grateful for the opportunity to relive that life enriching trip.

For me, being in the Holy Land was such a fulfilling experience. Daily rosary, daily mass, hanging out with other Catholics, we even renewed our wedding vows in Cana! It truly was a trip of a lifetime.

Since my trip I've realized that we're all on a pilgrimage, even in our everyday lives.
Here is a beautiful "Prayer for Pilgrims" to help us on our journey.

Lord, lead me along the path of your love
and keep me faithful to the journey I make.
With the fire of your Spirit illuminate the road I travel
and help me up when I stumble and fall.
With your Word of truth make me a faithful pilgrim
and help me to choose what is right and just and true.
From your heart of love give me the grace I need to love
my fellow pilgrims and to share with them your peace.
With the power of your cross teach me to pour out myself
in service of the poor, that my life might be filled with your love.
From the table of your Word and your Body and Blood,
nourish me with food that gives life.
Lead my steps safely along your path and gather me in,
with all your sons and daughters, together with our Holy Father,
and all who make their way to you and the life you promise.
Grant this and all good things through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A few photos I submitted for the contest.

Category: Pilgrims on a Journey (Husband and I)
Location: Jericho



Category: Landscape & Countryside
Location: Sea of Galilee in Tabgha
Category: Religious & Tourist Sites
Location: Wedding Church in Cana
Category: Religious & Tourist Sites
Location: Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem
Category: Religious & Tourist Sites
Location: Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem

Have you ever been on a pilgrimage? 
I'd love to hear about where you went and how it effected you.