'Wherever you walk, I go with you'

As some of you might know, I’ve had an interesting relationship with religion. I grew up at Sacred Heart Catholic church and had a great time. I was happy and never questioned anything in my faith until I hit college. 

 

I had thought that going to a large school like the University of Minnesota would be the perfect place to explore my religion with more people of my age looking to do the same. I explored a few groups, but nothing felt right for me. Don’t get me wrong, I met some of the nicest and kindest people, but their studies and the way they did things just weren’t what worked for me. 

 

So I took a break for a few years. 

 

All this to say, I’ve finally ventured out and found a church in Denver. Being something of a backslider, I missed Ash Wednesday and proceeded to eat meat on Friday while not fasting during Lent. On top of that, I haven’t even decided to do anything for Lent in general. I can’t give up delicious sweets, I don’t drink enough alcohol to give it up, and I wouldn’t know where to start if I decided that, instead of giving up something, I should take on a significant project or cause instead. 

 

But this church is a nice 15-minute walk from my apartment, and Christ the King Roman Catholic Church seemed perfect. So I ventured out. 

 

I was nervous to go to a new church alone, but knew it would be worth overcoming my reservations. My boyfriend was raised by a Catholic mother and jewish father and could never find the right fit for him, so he never really got into religion or explored his faith. 

 

After arriving at the church, I stepped in; the lingering smell of incense enveloped me, the familiar scent was comforting. I found an open pew in the back, and scooted all the way to the right, sort of hidden in the back corner. It was quiet and allowed me to view the room and appreciate the stained glass of the church. I was ten minutes early and surprised at the lack of people, but as time went on, the pews began to fill satisfyingly. A family with two young children happened to sit in front of me, providing plenty of distraction and entertainment as I watched the boy try to read along with the priest in the book and the girl dance and squirm in the pew. 

 

When I found Christ the King Church, I had high hopes it would be the one, but it was just another church. The choir consisted of two older men singing, beautifully mind you, in more Latin than I was used to, the readings were read, and the homily was alright (a few too many “ums” for my taste). 

 

Of course I will not give up and will try again, but we will see if this is the church for me. At this point in my life, I am not even sure Catholicism is for me, but I will keep an open mind. 

 

Even if I don’t attend mass, I enjoy finding God in the trees, the sun, and the people around me. He’s never far from me, even outside of church. 

 

My Determination: “Wherever you walk, I go with you. Selah.” ― Anita Diamant, The Red Tent