Well, I'm feeling better. Currently, I'm typing from the computer lab. I'm supposed to be studying for a math test that I take later this afternoon. I'm probably doomed to fail, but if you could offer a few quick prayers on my behalf to Sts. Joseph of Cupertino, St. Jude and St. Rita, I'd be grateful.
I came back from a conference for Catholic students. It was awesome and featured some of the best priests in Oklahoma. I took copious notes, but forgot them all. The subject was "The Church in Time" it was a bunch of lectures over Church history in 500 year incriments. It was fascinating. I was pleased to see Deacon Brazille there. The man is a true living saint. His was the last talk. He went over the 1500s to Current. He called this time "The Age of Murder" and basically summed up all the other incriments like this.
First 500 years: The Church Defines Who Christ Is
Second 500 years: The Church Defines The Body Of Christ
Third 500 Years: The Church Defines The Authority of Catholicism
Fourth 500 Years: The Church Defines the Value of the Human Person
I think that's how it went. Of course, I forgot my notes and so it may be a bit out of order. At any rate, I had a good time, and I learned a lot. It helped me understand mostly how and why various councils of the Church came about.
I also enjoyed being an altar server and wearing an actual Alb again. It was the first time that I got to serve at Adoration and Benediction. I kind of goofed with the Thurible the first time and the bottom dropped out on me too fast, spilling some ashes on the floor. I later got to kneel on same said ashes. The thought process went a bit like this: "Okay, now I'm kneeling...hmm...that burns. I'm on FIRE!!! AUGHHHHHHHH MY KNEEEEE!!!" Luckily, only the alb was burned badly. I didn't scream but calmly picked up my knee and scooted the hot ashes over with my fingertips. I can play with fire like that because I know how.
Serving at Sunday Mass was a mess. Mostly due to the fact that the altar boy's chairs were literally made for altar 'boys' aka Little kids. You put a large 22 year old man on a short stool, situated snugly against a table with items on it, you're going to see some serious comic relief. I dropped things from the table, and at one point, when I was standing for prayers, the stool fell down from the steps with a rather large crash. Later, the deacon said to me, "I don't think anybody noticed the stool." I replied, "This is what happens when you pray for humility." Other than my tendency to drop things, I did an alright job for serving at a parish I've never been to. I got to ring the bells during the consecration, and I did it at the RIGHT TIME, unlike they do at St. John the Baptist. You're supposed to do it when the priest elevates the host and the chalice. St. John's always does it during the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer. It drives me nuts, so that scratched a certain mental itch for me. I got to ring those babies loud and vigorously. The bells always reminded me of little angels singing.
I can't say much for the music though. The choir loves Marty Haughen and couldn't help but sing the mass in a Jazz style. I could have done without it, but I controlled the disgust on my face that I usually have when I sit in the pews.
Oh, there was a dance the night before, and I danced with a few girls, which is always awesome because I like dancing, and I really like dancing with girls. I got to do the Merengue with a girl named Amy from OU. She was from Chicago and I really enjoyed meeting her. I also danced with a girl named Dawn from St. Gregory's. I made new friends, and that's always a good thing.
I'll get back to studying. Please have a good Thanksgiving. Also, a quick reminder that I not only write here, I also write for Eternal Rebels. We have a new writer named Marcus who I think you'll enjoy if you're into deep thinking. Come and see the opinions of a new generation of Catholic conservatives. We recently had an argument over marriages after that whole thing in Massachussets. I was disappointed we didn't get more outside input. We're nice guys and we don't bite too hard. I'm a bit tired of us commenting amongst ourselves. Take a look.
