Reflecting back on the last 4 Sundays we have experienced quite the diverse Sabbaths!
Sunday, January 30 found us sitting in a pew in the Cathedrale Basilia of Saint Joseph in downtown San Jose. Quite different from what we are use to. Artwork everywhere depicting the crucified Christ. Stain glass windows. Relaxed clothing attire. A priest conducting, presiding, speaking, blessing the sacrament, etc. Music provided mostly by the pianist and priest, both of whom had gorgeous voices! So good they could be singing for the "Mormon Tabernacle Choir."
Sunday, February 6th found us back sitting in the same pew we always try to sit in. First come first 'sit' basis, but I do like the same spot each week. As do most of our ward members. Easy to spot who is absent. No stain glass windows, few windows indeed. Sunday best dress. Zero artwork. Bishop LeFevre presiding, Brother Williams conducting, 16 year old young men blessing the Sacrament, 12 year old young men passing it, and any member of the congregation who feels so inclined sharing their testimony with the congregation. Music provided by the congregation.
Sunday, February 13th found us in Logan attending a singles ward with Phillip and Kristina. Typical in many ways to our home ward. The biggest difference being the fact that it was deafeningly quiet during the Sacrament! So quiet we all heard a certain someones stomach growl! Not once, but twice! Could not decide if Scott was still hungry or just digesting his light breakfast. Singles Ward means just that- Singles! Ages range from 18 to 20 something. Mostly college students. I was missing the sound of children. I was missing the fact that I did not have to bribe or threaten 'my baby' to be quiet. Heck, I did not even have to nudge him to wake him up!
Sunday, February 20th found us in Hinckley, Utah attending Delta Utah West Stake Conference. No windows, no artwork, 600 plus in attendance. All ages, shapes, and sizes. Elder Packer from the Quorum of Seventy presiding, President Killpack conducting. Members of the outgoing Stake Presidency along with their wives speaking. Members of the new Stake Presidency along with their wives also speaking. With time to hear from Elder Butler and Elder Packer. It was good to be home! Yes, we are still having a difficult time adjusting to a new ward and new stake. As I looked around at all those in the audience I felt such a love for these people.
For me the 2 most notable differences in the Catholic and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are:
1. The Catholic church focuses on the crucified Christ whereas the L.D.S. church focuses on the resurrected, living Christ.
2. The Catholic church has a paid clergy whereas in the L.D.S. church it is all a matter of service, no paid clergy.
The most notable similarity:
The members. All children of God. All carrying burdens. All dearly loved and personally known by their Savior. The doctrine and practices may be different , but the people are the same. All His.
Loved your blog. My actual preference for attendance would be: (1) Catholic Mass in San Jose (you don't have to dress up and you don't have to participate if you don't want to and I love to learn from other faiths), (2) Phil's Single Ward, partly because we were with family (gotta love that Philliam and his sweet Kristina), (3) Delta West Stake Conference, because like Mom, I felt like I was "home" and (4) our own Delta 5th Ward, which just doesn't quite feel right yet (wonder if it ever will?) You must know that when Mother and I moved to Delta in 1973, we attended the Delta 3rd Ward for a year and a half totally as "visitors" (or at least we felt that way after reintroducing ourselves every Sunday!). When we discovered they had never sent our records from Sutherland Ward, we told them not to bother and we started going back to church in Sutherland. Mom did it for 35 years. I don't think I would ever do that, because I'm pretty sure Sutherland Second wouldn't feel like home anymore either. Guess I'll remain a man without a ward!!!
ReplyDelete