Latin Mass

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Today was a practice for the Latin Mass, which will begin next Sunday. I was running late today. I just could not wake up! I even woke early, took my medicines as that usually will bring me up to consciousness, and set the thermostat to 72 so that the cool of the house would not encourage lethargy. Last night was rather chill, however, and the system is set to use (or not) central air. I am not sure how warm the house was this morning, so that might have been part of it. My alarm rang, the first one, at about 6:30. At which time I took my medicine and turned that one off, it had served the purpose for which it was intended. The next alarm clock went off at 9:00. I had actually hoped to be up far earlier than 9:00, that was just a back-up. I hit the snooze many times, not able to function until 10:30 or so. That is a lot of beeping, let me assure you. But, I did make it, if barely, on time.

The priest was not there as something had come up. The other priest who will be involved with this service was recovering from a minor surgery. We did what we could. I was asked to be an alter boy stand-in. I had no clue what I was doing, especially in this new form of mass. However, I did what I could, listened, and tried to learn. How cool is that? For me, it was really cool. I had never had the opportunity to serve in that capacity as my brother did. I am not sure how to usher yet, still. I suppose I will follow the other ushers and learn on the job. I am not worried if a little nervous. I was fascinated by the events and I am looking forward to live fire exercises next week.

Beyond that, I made some connections. I met a few other Catholics, but Catholics who are more along my lines of belief. I must admit my hope for the Church is stronger this day. In our discussions, resources and specific and more conservative Catholic materials were recommended toward my goal of a proper Christian education and I gained strength by realizing I was with people who do care about the Church, propriety, history, sanctity, and a few other choice topics and things which are dear to my heart. As well, one of the people, a woman, mother of 6 with another on the way, and a woman who I believe is on the very right path, started asking searching and direct questions. Married? No, but looking to be so. Age. I told her. :p Want children? Many, but with a women I am sure about. She is thinking. Gack! Just because I pray for it and really want this, does not mean I… *sigh* I did ask for it. Then she said the funniest thing. She indicated that, sadly, many of the right women available are young. She wondered if a much younger wife, say, a 23 year old wife, would be too young. Of course, that saddened me greatly while I tripped over my tongue to say, well… if you insist, or something just as foolish. I hope she took that as a yes. *whistling past the graveyard of bachelorhood* or *deer in the headlights… blink… blink…*

In any case, I am pretty sure I have found a more apt community to enjoin. I think I am getting closer. Even if I never meet a 23 year old wife, I know I am going in the right direction. *laughs* I am refreshed and ready. Oh, I was able to find proper clothing, but I was a bit overdressed for the event, I think because it was a practice(?). I do believe I will wear these types of clothes to the Latin Masses themselves, however. I have this week to get the rest of my finery dry cleaned, washed, pressed, or whatever and be ready for Church next Sunday! And yes, dressing for Mass is important, if I can be childish about thing at times. Though I will continue to go Saturday in more relaxed attire, as is the mode there and then.