I don't know if it is possible to have a "favorite Mass", but the Easter Vigil 2013 is going to go down in my book as one of the most life changing experiences ever. I'll give you a rundown of my favorite moments:
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| from holyfamilyfishers.org |
Christ Our Light, Thanks be to God!
For as long as I can remember, the very beginning of the Easter Vigil Mass has got to be one of my favorite moments. The Church is dark, the Easter fire is lit, and the celebrant walks into the Church with the light of the Easter candle singing "CHRIST OUR LIGHT!" Slowly but surely the congregation's candles illuminate the sanctuary. There's something about looking around the Cathedral at hundreds of candles that gives me a very concrete visual of what it means to be the Body of Christ. Together we overcome the darkness.
The Exultet
Not only is it beautiful to stand there holding the light of our candles, we get to hear someone sing the Easter Proclamation! #bestchantofalltime.
Front Row Seat
Working for the Church has many perks... like getting a front row seat to 28 baptisms! Ok, so it wasn't a front row "seat" it was more like "Deanna stand close to the baptismal font and help if people need help." That was awesome. I got to see the faces of women, men, and children as they walked into the font with our Bishop and the Pastor, and the radiant joy on their faces as they stepped out. Neophytes are extra awesome.
He's One of Us!
Another highlight of this Mass was seeing my best friend's husband enter full communion with the Catholic Church. It just made the mass that much more special :) They've been married almost one year and are expecting their first child in July. I think I saw more joy and excitement on their faces that night than on their wedding day! #Catholicandproud
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| L-R Me, Michael, Blake (baby Catholic!) and his wife Becca |
Shortly after we took this picture, I suggested that Michael (my boyfriend of almost 3 years) and I take a picture together at the altar. We hardly ever get pictures taken together, so why not do so when we're in our Easter best! We took our places at the foot of the altar when Michael said "Deanna..."
Which was soon followed by "Deanna, will you marry me?" :
I, of course, said yes! Which was followed by this pretty awesome shot:
And that is why I haven't written since the Easter Vigil :-p Life has been a bit of a whirlwind since March 30th! Between work, grad school, and wedding planning... I haven't really been sure where to begin on the next entry!
There's a lot to share, and I think it is perfectly appropriate that I began this blog, "Getting Out of the Boat" on the night that my beloved proposed. Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage in the midst of one of the busiest years of my life will be an out of the boat experience for sure. When I look at everything that I have to get done between now and the end of the year it can feel a little overwhelming... but there's this beautiful peace in all of it knowing that on October 5, 2013 I will marry my best friend.
So at this point, I sincerely ask for your prayers. In the midst of all of the wedding planning, writing a thesis, taking comprehensive exams and continuing ministry at the parish, things can feel a little crazy! But I know that if I keep eye contact on Christ and keep Him at the center of all of this, 2013 is going to end up as one of the best years thus far!
There's no way we're going to be able to do this on our own. But with Christ at the center we don't have to.
be at peace
walk on water
be not afraid
d*
"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death..."
Song of Songs 8:6
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