Holy Morning

Posted Tue, 08/08/06

Wilbert and I went to church this morning, the first time we have done so together since we met six years ago.

We went to St. Francis Xavier's Catholic Church near our house, where Mass is held every weekday morning at 8:00 a.m. I've wanted to go back to church for a long time, but always put off the idea because I'm uncomfortable with Sunday services when the church is typically overcrowded.

Tuesday Mass is a different story. There were perhaps two dozen people in the church, and naturally we sat in the back. Instead of the hour-long service that is common on Sundays, this morning's Mass was only thirty minutes long. We didn't take communion today, although I hope to do so in the near future. I'd also like to work my way up to visiting the confessional.

We met Father Daniel Barnett afterward, and I took some photos of the church as well. Note: Click on the photos below to see their actual sizes in a new window.

St. Francis Xavier's Catholic Church in Spokane, WA. Click on picture to see larger size in a new window.  Inside St. Francis Xavier's Catholic Church in Spokane, WA. Click on picture to see larger size in a new window.

When Foofer's surgery was looming in June, I promised myself that I would go to Mass if he came through the operation successfully. He did, and so I went to Mass today to give thanks for that and for the health of my parents, to which my mother observed: "Foofer always comes first with you."

Now that I have gone to Mass, I realize going was much more than just giving thanks. Rather, it is like returning "to the fold" in a very serene way.

Wilbert hasn't heard Mass since he was fourteen years old, and the last time I attended was at St. Anthony's Church in Pocatello, Idaho about seven years ago. However, as always, I felt at peace after hearing Mass this morning and much better about the day.

It is our plan to attend Mass every Tuesday morning from now on.

Tags: Foofer; Photos & Other Images