Seven weeks ago today, I published my first post. Recalling the reasons that one is Catholic—every day—is a blessed exercise. The result of seven weeks' writing is a sort of mini-memoir. There are gaps in the story, which I will fill in, with your forebearance. But so far, this is the story, with apologies to the Psalmist:I was blessed with a father who taught me that religion could be a manly pursuit,
for his love endures for ever.
I was born to a loving mother who taught me to pay attention to culture,
for his love endures for ever.
She taught me to love poetry,
for his love endures for ever;
and to read inspiring literature,
for his love endures for ever.
My pastor inspired me to think of being an Episcopal clergyman,
for his love endures for ever;
though I don't think I ever would have had the guts to be a priest,
for his love endures for ever.
My grandmother converted to Catholicism,
for his love endures for ever,
But I did not . . . for 40 years . . . ,
for his love endures for ever.
I was blessed with brilliant mentors,
for his love endures for ever;
I was blessed with a loving wife,
for his love endures for ever;
and we were blessed with two beautiful daughters,
for his love endures for ever.
During my 40 years in the wilderness, I read about Joan of Arc,
for his love endures for ever.
I learned about St. Thomas More,
for his love endures for ever.
I watched inspiring TV melodramas,
for his love endures for ever,
And I read more inspiring poetry,
for his love endures for ever.
Then He placed a book by Fr. James Martin in my path,
for his love endures for ever.
And I began attending daily mass the following day,
for his love endures for ever,
in a truly beautiful church,
for his love endures for ever,
where I found a truly remarkable pastor,
for his love endures for ever.
I was inspired by the Catholics in front of me,
for his love endures for ever,
And I was blessed with wonderful new friends,
for his love endures for ever.
I considered returning to the Episcopal Church,
for his love endures for ever,
But I didn't . . . ,
for his love endures for ever.
My father came to my first communion,
for his love endures for ever;
my father died six months to the day after my first communion,
for his love endures for ever.
I discovered that I was a Catholic in the time of a great pope,
for his love endures for ever.
I realized my debt to the Catholics who came before me,
for his love endures for ever.
I have learned a bit about Communion & Liberation,
for his love endures for ever.
I have begun attending Eucharistic Adoration,
for his love endures for ever.
I have learned something about angels and archangels,
for his love endures for ever.
And I have begun singing in the St. Mary's choir,
for his love endures for ever.
My education as a "young Catholic" continues, but always, every single day, I try to remember to say with the Psalmist:
To the God of heaven give thanks,
for his love endures for ever.
