Chris Heck

I had to pick up my daughter from the airport late last night, and we didn’t get home until after 1:00 AM. It took me a while to settle in, so I didn’t head to bed until after 2:00 AM. Consequently, I’m running a little low on energy today.

My kids are at the age where they have LinkedIn accounts. My youngest just created hers for a school assignment, and it’s one more sign we’re stepping into a new season. It’s exciting and bittersweet—a blend of pride, nostalgia, and a glimpse of what’s ahead. I’m definitely feeling this transition.

Finally feeling better! I’m not quite at 100%, but this week I feel the best I have in about six weeks. I resisted taking antibiotics, but I have to admit—they’re making a difference. This past weekend was the first in a while that I didn’t spend mostly in bed.

Well, today was my first time at a Catholic mass since I was a kid (which I attended only once, and that was a result of spending the night at a Catholic friend’s house in the 5th grade). As an outsider, it was challenging given that everyone else seemed to know what and when to do and say things. I paid close attention and did my best to follow along. I was familiar with a hymn and I knew the scripture readings. I was able to hear and identify a few lines that I recognized as the Nicene Creed. But other than that, I just followed the crowd (when to stand and sit) except when it was time to receive communion. I knew enough to leave that for those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church.

There are a few things that stood out to me and that I appreciated about it. Perhaps I even appreciated some of these things more than what I’m used to experiencing on a typical Sunday at the local non-denominational church where I’ve worshipped for the past 17 years. I have some more ruminating to do on the experience overall before I can adequately express my thoughts but here are just a few things that jumped out at me and that I appreciated:

• The multi-faceted diversity that was evident. Generationally, socio-economically, race, nationalities, languages, etc…
• The structure of the mass. I’ve previously heard from others who perceive a mass as going through the motions of a rote ritual, but my experience today had me thinking about how it supported a certain unity in reverence, focus, and devotion of everyone in attendance.
• Speaking of focus, Jesus was the main and only attraction. It wasn’t about the personality of the speaker or how clever, encouraging, or inspiring their sermon (in this case, homily) was. Everything about the mass was focused on the person, work, and word of Jesus.

More to come but overall I was able to get past the initial feeling of being intimidated about not knowing what to expect or what to do and ultimately I’m glad I went. Especially since it was important to my son that we were there.

Even though my son was raised in the Protestant church, through his own study, he eventually decided to join the Catholic Church. Today, he has invited us to be present as he participates in the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.

All three of my kids are now young adults (18, 20, and 22 years of age respectively) but I feel like being a parent is more intense and requires more (emotional) energy than when they were younger. Or perhaps it’s just different. Or, maybe it’s just me. 🤔

I love that my wife teaches at the neighborhood elementary school. It’s so fun to see and hear the reactions of the trick-or-treaters when they realize it’s their teacher who has answered the door and is giving them candy. And she loves seeing them and complimenting their costumes.

Happy Halloween!🎃👻🐕