Shayne’s rambling blog

   Well, I am now a menber of the Catholic church.  The Easter vigil is a beautiful mass and my confirmation and first Holy Communion made it an extra special night for me.  There were 5 RCIA’s all together and all of us have gotten to know each other, even before any of us were part of the confirmation process.  Every one of them are going to be a great asset to the Catholic community.  My wife was my sponsor and her excitement was evident as she stood at my side in front of the altar with a huge smile on her face and a tear in her eye as Father Dan introduced us to the congregation.  We went back to our seats and I watched my fellow RCIA’s present the gifts as my wife sat next to me in the pew squeezing my arm as if she thought I was going to run away, but believe me nothing was further from my mind than that.  I was going to take Communion!  I have been looking forward to this moment ever since I made that final and all important decision to become Catholic.  Now this may sound pretty silly, but after learning about the changing of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, I was relieved to find out it still tasted like bread and wine.  I felt different after the vigil was over and even after sitting there for almost 3 hours I didn’t want to leave.  I felt at home in church for the first time that I can remember.

   After congratulatory handshakes and the smiles directed my way by the members of the congregation as they filed out of the church, I was presented with a gift from the Altar Society and the Knights of Columbus.  We all waited to have our pictures taken with Father Dan and then I took my family home to bask in the warmth I felt in my heart.

   Up next, Easter Morning.