Roamin' Catholic
One of the many things I love about being Catholic is that the Church is catholic, that is, universal. We are united in one faith with other Roman Catholics all over the world. The major benefit of this unity is that wherever we go, we can go to Mass! One of the saddest things someone has ever said to me was a comment a Protestant relative made, saying that they were unable to go to church on Sundays when they went on vacation because they didn’t know the “right” church to go to.
Even though they belonged to a mainstream Protestant denomination, and there were churches of that denomination where they were traveling, it was no guarantee that that church would have the same beliefs or style of worship. When they told me this my response was “Thank God I am Catholic!” We don’t have that problem!
Not only can we be sure that whatever Roman Catholic Church we visit professes the same faith, but the Mass is the same. Exactly the same- when you attend Mass this Sunday you will be hearing the same readings that are proclaimed in every Roman Catholic Church around the world, the same prayers are prayed, the same Eucharist is consecrated and distributed to the faithful. We are in communion with all Roman Catholics around the world.
Even though they belonged to a mainstream Protestant denomination, and there were churches of that denomination where they were traveling, it was no guarantee that that church would have the same beliefs or style of worship. When they told me this my response was “Thank God I am Catholic!” We don’t have that problem!
Not only can we be sure that whatever Roman Catholic Church we visit professes the same faith, but the Mass is the same. Exactly the same- when you attend Mass this Sunday you will be hearing the same readings that are proclaimed in every Roman Catholic Church around the world, the same prayers are prayed, the same Eucharist is consecrated and distributed to the faithful. We are in communion with all Roman Catholics around the world.
Don’t take a vacation from God
So when you go on vacation, don’t take a vacation from God and attending Mass. Use your vacation as an opportunity to teach your children about the unity of the Church. Have them help you select a parish to attend Mass at in your vacation destination. Perhaps you could select a parish that has a bilingual Mass, and make an effort beforehand to learn one of the prayers of the Church in the other language. It wouldn’t be superficial to pick a church based on the architecture. Our church building is a modern structure- take them to an older church and if possible arrange for a tour to explore the symbolism of the church’s architecture. Or maybe you’ll make your decision purely on the fact that the Mass time is the same time your family is used to at home- an opportunity to keep your same Sunday traditions. Always get Dunkin’ Donuts after Mass? Do the same on vacation.
FYI- don’t rely totally on Google or Siri to help you find a Roman Catholic Church- always call the parish to verify their Mass times.
FYI- don’t rely totally on Google or Siri to help you find a Roman Catholic Church- always call the parish to verify their Mass times.
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Not only unity throughout the world, but through the centuries, too!