Here's a post I started writing back in February, but I'm glad I didn't finish it. I actually have more to add, especially about the Easter Vigil last weekend.
From February:
Last week, I went to my first traditional Latin Mass, and honestly, I can see why people love it. Although it's definitely a bit more difficult to follow along since it's mostly silent, it was a lot easier to focus on Jesus. I've also found that veiling really does help to keep me more focused on what's going on. My mind can't wander to what's going on around me for two reasons:
1. I can't really see what's beside me.I did not go to Mass this week- I was exposed to the flu earlier and I was showing several signs of it last night. I slept off most of it, but I'm still not feeling well enough to be willing to expose really young or really old people to something that is making me, a fairly healthy person, absolutely miserable.
2. I have a physical reminder that I'm in the presence of God
I'm not here to say of veiling is right or wrong, but I am definitely saying that it helps me to focus. If anyone has advice for how to keep a veil on, I would appreciate it! Mine slipped so badly that my boyfriend had to help me put it back on 😂.
Ultimately, I've learned that I definitely prefer the more traditional way of doing Mass, even though I do not find TLM to be the one true way of Catholicism.
Updates from last weekend:
Earlier this semester, I attended a retreat where I had the chance to have first Confession and receive the Eucharist for the first time, but I decided instead to wait until I was back at my parish, partially because I was told "some priests will allow you to receive before the vigil, some won't" and partially because I wanted to be able to spend time for my first Confession. It still only took 20 minutes, but I had no idea what to expect, so I'm thankful I waited until I was back home.
At Palm Sunday Mass, I was able to receive my first Communion in the Catholic Church. I teared up, my deacon was tearing up, it was a good time. In all honesty, being able to receive Jesus, completely and fully, in the Eucharist for the first time was an experience like no other.
Easter Vigil, however, was something completely new. I cried a little bit after being Confirmed, and definitely was trying not to cry when I hugged my priest at the reception after the Mass had ended.
I'm so thankful for everything I've experienced this semester as I finished preparing to enter the Church.