I have just attended my first Catholic Mass. This mass wasn't my choice, because I was forced into singing in the choir for my school. This mass is for Saint Teresa that established the Catholic school that I attend. It's amazing how much the words that they speak is connected so much to our standards, but they don't take the words to heart. When Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father showed themselves unto Joseph Smith they told Joseph that none of the churches were right because they only came upon them with their words but not their hearts. I can see that so clearly now. How much they say the same words constantly. The same prayers, the same lines in which the speaker says to the members. How much they have these big ceremonies with "holy" objects that don't mean anything. I can now see clearly the corruption of believing in God and Jesus Christ. They pray to Saints that have passed on. I don't understand why they do that. I prayer to one being and one being only and that is Heavenly Father. And I say it in the name of Christ. From this I KNOW that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church. During the rehearsal of the choir songs, I didn't sing one of the songs because it stated what they believed. Sure I believe in Christ. Sure I believe in God. But I don't believe in the Catholic church. And I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I am not afraid to shout it out. When I wasn't singing that song my music teacher gave me a look and I thought "Oh here it comes! I'm in trouble now!" After the song finished, he came over to me and asked me why I wasn't singing and I simply stated, "I don't believe in the Catholic Church". I could have said more, or something else, but I just left it at that and he immediately backed off. It's astonishing how this experience here in Ireland has given me a chance to see what they talk about in the scriptures.
I finally had my first day of school. I am now currently going to a all girls Catholic school where I have to wear kilts. I now realize how hard it is for the other young women that grew up going to a Catholic school. Having to be the only one that either sits or stands quietly while they say the morning prayer. Not participating in the sign they make with their hands that symbolizes the cross. I'm only two days in and already feel different. I did live in a school completely full of non-members, but this is even more different. The big change of culture. I was always used to my religious practices separated from my school life. Seminary is seen as a class in Utah, but not everyone is forced to do it if you don't fully believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The combination of the Catholic religion and education is completely foreign to me. This makes me feel all the more different after being an American in Ireland. The only American in my grade also. Being different in most cases is pretty fascinating and cool, but when your in my situation it is scary. Having to be the only one not participating in their religious activities. It's hard. I did not realize how hard it is for the young women here in Ireland go through everyday. And now I have to face it alone. I will stay strong as long as god is there by my side. And I know that he will always be as long as I have faith that he is there watching over me and the other young women that are going through the same thing.
I currently live in Dublin, Ireland with a small ward with a young women class of only five full members and two leaders. It is hard knowing that most of the people here won't understand my faith and gospel because they are already members of a christian or catholic church. Every morning I wake up at 6:30 to skype my seminary class. We had gone on a stake youth temple trip. The nearest temple is the Preston, England temple. We had stayed for three nights and four days. On the temple grounds there is a MTC that is also a center for visitors. There is a church and down the road the temple stands tall in its white glory. As always I was nervous to enter the font, afraid I would mess up. We had so much fun in the dorm rooms. I ended up teaching my Irish friends how to play slapjack, which is a fun card game. We laughed until our throats and tummies hurt, then kept going till we were practically drunk with laughter. It usually happened at night though. These girls are so excepting and fun to be around. Their faith and kindness strengthens my testimony, of which that still needs to grow. I have fun going to mutual every Friday. We have two deaf people in our ward that are treated equally because we have several people that can translate the words of the speakers, in sacrament, into sign language. They even bear their testimonies. I think this mission like experience will be fun.
My Seminary class is the best class I have ever encountered. We have so much fun during class and outside of class. We definitely have a good spiritual involved atmosphere during class. Tons of other seminary kids tell me that I am lying when I say that we are a big group of friends that communicate every day at school. We try to have seminary parties every weekend where we play games, play piano, watch scary movie, watch normal movies, or just talk. Seminary is the highlight of my day. My teacher is amazing. Hearing what the prophets did in the past intrigues me and tells me that 'hey, you can do anything if you have faith in god'. I am truly blessed to have people like that in my life. In seventh grade, before I moved to where my seminary class is, I showed signs of suicide. I knew I would never do it but I couldn't help but feel depressed and alone. Because of my seminary class most of the signs of suicide disintegrated. I am grateful for them and their influence.
My church has a Young Men and Young Women program. We have an activity every Wednesday either separated into classes or all combined. We went to a park in Seattle and fed the homeless along with singing songs and conversing with each other. We were singing "Apologize" by One Republic. I heard the line, as I was looking around at the homeless, "turn around and say it's too late to apologize". I started to feel the spirit and a warmth was felt in my chest as I knew that god will not turn his back on us always forgive us of our sins, if we are willing to ask for forgiveness faithfully. He will help us and forgive us for anything. He loves us because I and others are sons and daughters of God. Knowing that my spiritual siblings are suffering makes me feel terrible. But knowing that God forgives them and us for our sins, they will live with him again just like me and my Earthly family.
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