Catholics share a rich culture that often starts at birth. However, being Catholic can sometimes be rough on the psyche of of a college student. The dogma and tradition associated with the religion has been a source of laughter and reflection for me throughout my college career. I can't be the only one who has had these thoughts during these specific circumstances.
On A Date:
1. I wonder if he/she is Catholic.
2. Surely he/she believes in God at least.
Maybe I could convert him/her if not!
3. Oh my gosh, what if he/she is atheist?
I don't know if I have the strength to fight that battle!
4. Not that there is anything wrong with atheists!
I have so many atheist friends!
4. I need to chill out.
This is our first date!
In Church During Ordinary Time:
5. Crap. Did I bring cash for the collection?
And how much am I even supposed to put in the basket?!
7. Every one is judging me for not putting money in the basket.
I am a poor college student! Stop looking at me like that.
8. Did I just feel my phone vibrate?
It totally just vibrated. Maaaaaaybe I can sneak a peek real quick-like.
9. These kneelers are so unforgiving.
I have absolutely gained the Freshman Fifteen, and my knees know it!
10. How harshly is God judging me for being hungover?
11. *Expletives*
Oh my gosh, I just swore in my head in church. God is going to smite me!
During Lent:
12. Should I give up alcohol for Lent?
HAHA no.
13. I should at least give up something that will be difficult.
Peanut butter again? Chocolate? Texting my ex? The possibilities are endless!
14. Crap. It's Friday!
*casually spits out chicken.*
15. Seriously, where are these people every other day of the year?! (On Ash Wednesday)
Do they even know how to church?
16. Can I break my fast on Sundays?
That brownie looks like heaven! I'm allowed to stuff it in my mouth today, right? I will eat ALL of the chocolate today! I'll pray extra hard tomorrow.
When It's Time For Confession:
17. Do I really have to confess all my sins?
I know the priest isn't supposed to judge, but he's only human!
18. The priest is going to tell me I can't be saved and am just going to Hell.
19. I am the worst human being on the planet.
20. Do I remember all the words to the Act of Contrition?!
It's been a while.
21. I really should start being a better person.
22. Catholic Guilt is real.
Are we the only branch of Christianity that not only acknowledges our sins, but also makes us say them out loud in a dark room?!
22. I'm clean! God loves me! I'm going to do so much better!
In A Serious Relationship:
23. I need to start making him/her go to mass with me.
He/she was raised Catholic, but are they practicing?
24. We are totally going to get married in my home church.
25. I hope he/she knows that my siblings have first dibs on being the godparents of our first born.
Any Given Day:
26. I wonder if my roommate wants go to to mass with me.
I know she's not Catholic, but going by myself gets so old.
27. I really hope strangers don't think I hate gay people.
Seriously. I am an ally! I hate this stigma.
28. Is this an appropriate outfit to wear to church?
It would just be so much easier if I could leave mass and go to that party...
29. Why don't I pray before meals anymore? I used to always pray before meals.
30. Should I go to the Saturday vigil and miss pre-gaming or should I set my alarm now and hope I wake up tomorrow morning?
31. I wouldn't trade being Catholic for anything.
Catholicism has its ups and down, but it's such an awesome community! #Blessed
