Weddingbee Blog

An important part of our wedding preparation process is focussed solely on me, and the big guy upstairs… Mr Teaspoon is Catholic and we will be having a Catholic ceremony in the Catholic chapel! So, whilst our priest does not require me to be Catholic in order to marry us and nor does Mr Teaspoon, it is something I have been wanting to do for the past few years without really much of a deadline. So, what better time to start than with an impending sacrament upon us?

An eye-opening experience for me was Rome and Vatican City; we visited in October of last year! I absolutely could not believe the heritage and consistency that the church has maintained for over 2000 years, despite everything that has happened. It is particularly evident for us being from such a “young” country—seeing St Peters Basilica, completed in the 1600s, in all its glory was mind-blowing. The pantheon was in another whole playing field considering when it was built…but I digress. When we went to Italy I had already decided to become Catholic—it just re-affirmed my decision.

I’m sure there are many out there in the Hive who have grown up as Catholic or subsequently been confirmed into the Catholic Church. However, being new to this whole thing is hasn’t been as overwhelming as I first thought it’d be. My first port of call was our priest, who actually recommended this book:

Image and Book via Dummies

Now, I have never read any of the “for dummies” series, but I now understand why there are so many of them! This was the most amazing book! It is so easy to read, contains impartial information and gives you many references to read further or little side boxes with other “interesting” information! Originally I actually thought that he was kidding when he said this!

Of course that was not my only resource for learning. I spent every Friday afternoon from January to April in the offices of The Parishes of our Lady of the Way with a retired English teacher who now volunteers his time to education relating to adults wishing to join the church, baptisms of little ones, and a variety of other things. My time spent with Michael was thought provoking, honest, and extremely interesting. Without his patience and knowledge, combined with Father Chris’s warmth, I wouldn’t have felt as comfortable about my decision as I did and still do.

Another thing that I believe is helping my transition into the Catholic Church is my exposure to it over the years. I have been going to church with Mr Teaspoon for at least 5 years. That first time when the collection plate came around, he whispered in my ear, “you know you have to pay double because you aren’t a member…” Yeah, he has been a BIG help…

Now that I am post-confirmation of approximately 4 months, all I can say is, what an experience! On a sunny and fresh Sunday in April (have you noticed it is always sunny in Sydney? Well except for in June…sorry Mrs Jaguar) I had my confirmation. It was beautiful! I had my close friends and family there with me to celebrate and I couldn’t have been happier!

Father Chris was able to make the mass for my confirmation very personal which made it all the more lovely! Here I am with Chris at the top of the school—it’s just a reminder of the wonderful view!!! This is where we are hoping to take our family portraits on our wedding day!

Personal Photo taken by Bridesmaid A’s twin sister

Here I am  in the thick of it, being confirmed, with my Sponsor (AKA Bridesmaid A) by my side:

Personal Photo taken by Bridesmaid A’s twin sister

After my confirmation we all went back to our house for a family BBQ! It was so special to enjoy such a lovely event with everyone!

In addition, the support of my friends and Mr Teaspoon’s family was amazing. Many friends offered up their assistance and suggestions for a confirmation name, and of course, I received many congratulations and welcomes in the months after!

Are you converting for your wedding? What lead you to your decision?