Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., Sarah and I can be found at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Harold’s Cross. This Tuesday, we had some special guests with us: the sixth class from Harold’s Cross National School, one of the two primary schools that we visit weekly. This was a particular exciting occurrence as it marked the first time we’ve been involved in our students’ attendance at Daily Mass. We walked with them from the school, and just as we were about to enter the church, one student quickly turned to me and ever-so-honestly asked, “Do we eat the bread?” In the moment, my first reaction was to ask if they have all made their First Communion, and then respond with a slightly taken-aback “Yes, of course.”
“Do we eat the bread?” What a beautiful, innocent question that speaks volumes of their understanding of the Mass.
This week, I’ve been lucky enough to have my mom in town with me. She’s been able to see what my life in Dublin is like, meet all the great people I’ve grown close to here, and just be silly and touristy with me.
Most importantly, she was able to come to two Masses at Harold’s Cross with me. In having her here, it has become even more obvious to me just how influential my parents have been in my faith life. Sure, growing in my faith is a very personal experience, and I struggle daily with how to be Catholic in our world. However, through it all, one thing has been consistent: I have been blessed with a family, led by my parents, that treasures their Catholic faith and realize its importance in their lives and daily decision making.
From a young age, I have been aware of the importance of going to Mass, and I have grown up with role models who speak openly about the gift of the Eucharist. I’d be lying if I said that when I was 12, I was always excited about going to Mass, but I was always surrounded by people who were, and those influences laid the first steps that led me to this year of service in Ireland.
So now it’s my turn. I now have the opportunity to be that quiet, constant voice that reaffirms how blessed we are to be able to celebrate Mass, and to share the love that flows from the breaking of bread and wine as a family. I can be the voice that when asked “Do we eat the bread?” confidently answers with a resounding “OH YEA!” and that follows up with a loving explanation of all that the Eucharist is and can be in our lives.
Love from Dublin,
Angie
