I loved this! I was born to sn inter-faith couple who, by some miracle, are still married. My father, a Mormon who believes everything is black and white, married my Catholic-confirmed turned pentacostol/evangelical mother whose famiy later converted to Messianic Judaism. My grandparents were very different growing up, but also very much the same.
By some act of that man in the sky I no longer believe, I find myself being the most Christ-like among their hateful rhetoric and hushed condemning to hell of those who think differently than them. I wrote a note a couple of weeks ago "Voices in the Trunk," about my mom's journals when she had to convert to the Mormon church to marry my dad and her mom's reaction....
What a great read! In Grade 3 I learned that all my Protestant friends were going to Hell. When I told my dad later that day that my best friend, Jim, was going to Hell, he burst out laughing. When asked who told me that, I reported that Sister Marcella had said so in class earlier that day. His response was a succinct, "Don't listen to that dizzy bitch!" I was shocked by his vulgarity but ever so relieved to learn that all my Protestant friends would be all right, especially Jim.
Lucky you that Sister Thecla wishes to apologize! In one of my catechism classes something came up, which to be honest I do not remember, but I raised my hand and asked my teacher if she believed what she had just told us? I was told to put my hand down and not to ask anymore questions! I married a Protestant and when I left the Catholic Church to raise our children to live Jesus and live others, my parents did not speak to me for at least 6 months. When they finally did I asked my Mom why she had been so upset? Her answer was that she had wanted to buy our eldest daughter her First Communion Dress. Really?? I thought that was the lamest reason for being upset with me.
We Irish Catholics (lapsed, in my case) have always used humour to counteract the hurt of our so-called religious education. You do that so well, Mary Kathryn.
Thank you for this humble and honest story; it hit home.
I have family that went through a similar tribulation as your parents when they married. It was awful in the mid 20th century. We lived in a multicultural neighbourhood in a suburb of Toronto. "You can't play with so-and-so" or I wasn't allowed to play at someone's house because their family didn't want to expose their children to the "other" side. Really stupid and psychologically hurtful to children. Separate schools to boot.
So sad. In theory religion is supposed to provide essential emotional and spiritual support for dealing with life, but in practice the implementation of it often leaves a lot to be desired. The corrupt Catholic priests of my youth taught me to separate religion from spirituality, and to look elsewhere for my spiritual needs.
Love this story from shocking start to surprising finish. The brave and thoughtful 6-year old you wakes up vivid memories of that era's 'who's going to hell' experience for Catholic children.
What a gutsy kid! Excellent story that took me back to grade two, when Mrs. Cool asked the class, "how many of my little girls are going to be nuns"?...then "how many of my little boys are going to be priests"? That day, many of my classmates raised their hands (it was Montreal, 1962), but not me! To my knowledge, none of my classmates joined the clergy, though one boy did become a Sufi.
I loved this! I was born to sn inter-faith couple who, by some miracle, are still married. My father, a Mormon who believes everything is black and white, married my Catholic-confirmed turned pentacostol/evangelical mother whose famiy later converted to Messianic Judaism. My grandparents were very different growing up, but also very much the same.
By some act of that man in the sky I no longer believe, I find myself being the most Christ-like among their hateful rhetoric and hushed condemning to hell of those who think differently than them. I wrote a note a couple of weeks ago "Voices in the Trunk," about my mom's journals when she had to convert to the Mormon church to marry my dad and her mom's reaction....
Kindness is easier than religion.
Oh, how I have loved reading this!
Hi Mary,
This is great storytelling.
I relate to every bit, although both of my parents were Catholic at one time. I love how wise you were as a young girl.
I also went to St. John’s
A different time a different place same rules
Thank you for this. I had a good chuckle.
I wonder what Sister Mary Tecla confessed to that week? Oh to be a fly in that box! What a really well crafted piece.
What a great read! In Grade 3 I learned that all my Protestant friends were going to Hell. When I told my dad later that day that my best friend, Jim, was going to Hell, he burst out laughing. When asked who told me that, I reported that Sister Marcella had said so in class earlier that day. His response was a succinct, "Don't listen to that dizzy bitch!" I was shocked by his vulgarity but ever so relieved to learn that all my Protestant friends would be all right, especially Jim.
Great story - the reader is propelled to that epiphanous ending. Is there a bit of the defiant Scout Finch in you?
Lucky you that Sister Thecla wishes to apologize! In one of my catechism classes something came up, which to be honest I do not remember, but I raised my hand and asked my teacher if she believed what she had just told us? I was told to put my hand down and not to ask anymore questions! I married a Protestant and when I left the Catholic Church to raise our children to live Jesus and live others, my parents did not speak to me for at least 6 months. When they finally did I asked my Mom why she had been so upset? Her answer was that she had wanted to buy our eldest daughter her First Communion Dress. Really?? I thought that was the lamest reason for being upset with me.
Damn, I didn't expect that ending! Delightfully written.
We Irish Catholics (lapsed, in my case) have always used humour to counteract the hurt of our so-called religious education. You do that so well, Mary Kathryn.
Thank you for this humble and honest story; it hit home.
I have family that went through a similar tribulation as your parents when they married. It was awful in the mid 20th century. We lived in a multicultural neighbourhood in a suburb of Toronto. "You can't play with so-and-so" or I wasn't allowed to play at someone's house because their family didn't want to expose their children to the "other" side. Really stupid and psychologically hurtful to children. Separate schools to boot.
What a delightful piece, Helene. It’s a terrific example of how the facts are nothing compared to the story.
Great story! I like the quote/unquote accent on the word "mixed." All too common in those days.
So sad. In theory religion is supposed to provide essential emotional and spiritual support for dealing with life, but in practice the implementation of it often leaves a lot to be desired. The corrupt Catholic priests of my youth taught me to separate religion from spirituality, and to look elsewhere for my spiritual needs.
Love this story from shocking start to surprising finish. The brave and thoughtful 6-year old you wakes up vivid memories of that era's 'who's going to hell' experience for Catholic children.
What a gutsy kid! Excellent story that took me back to grade two, when Mrs. Cool asked the class, "how many of my little girls are going to be nuns"?...then "how many of my little boys are going to be priests"? That day, many of my classmates raised their hands (it was Montreal, 1962), but not me! To my knowledge, none of my classmates joined the clergy, though one boy did become a Sufi.
Loved this feisty little girl !
Surprise ending! Never thought a nun would apologize!