There are literally thousands of things I have on my list of things to do. Some people call them a Bucket List, others write them down and still others just keep a mental wish list. It wasn’t until I wrote the post about attending a Dedication Mass, that I wondered what other people had on their lists. For kicks and grins, I posted on my Facebook wall and sent out a tweet asking my friends and followers to share what they would put on their Catholic Bucket Lists. The response was fascinating.
In the early days of motherhood, I know my biggest wish was simply to hear all the readings at Mass, make it to the homily before someone announced he had to pee or walk in the Communion line without looking like I’d been through a prize fight. I recognize that a pilgrimage to Lourdes may sound so distant you don’t even want to dream that it might become a reality. But, you know what?
Do it anyway.
Make it your dream, think about the things you want to do to bring you closer to Christ. That’s really what this list is about. It’s by no means comprehensive. In fact, I’d love to hear what you have on your list! Book the travel agent, we have some places to go…
- Visit the Vatican.
- Attend a Dedication Mass.
- Renew your marriage vows at Cana.
- Meet the Pope.
- Sponsor a friend or relative into the Church.
- Touch the relic of your Confirmation saint (or the saint you were named after), or both.
- Participate in a holy pilgrimage (Lourdes, Assisi, Fatima, Rome, Padua, Medjugorje, Holy Land – oh my, so many choices).
- Attend a World Youth Day gathering.
- Attend a priestly or diaconate ordination.
- Go on the Scavi Tour.
- Attend a saint’s canonization.
- Pray before Holy relics.
- Plan a parish event and meet some new friends along the way.
- Pray Vespers with Dominican Sisters.
- Stand in the Sistine Chapel and love every second.
- Write a letter of gratitude to your priest and bishop for their willingness to serve God and the Church.
- Participate in Mass at one of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s, St. Mary Major, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls or St. John the Lateran.
- Walk the El Camino de Santiago.
- Spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament.
- Serve the poor on Christmas.
