Andruschak, I think you should also discuss all of this with your RCIA sponsor because you had such a great sponsor (Legion of Mary, etc).
I think you should pray as much as you love to pray, so long as it is a joy to you and not a bore or a burden in any way. We are in this for the long haul so it is endurance we should try to build. Instead of getting very involved in something that we cannot keep up for years to come. So I think there is much truth in what Sr. Julia Costello told you. But she may not realize how much joy you have in prayer.
I typically pray three to five (5-decade Rosaries) each M-F weekday. And always pray at least one Rosary a day. The last few months I try to see that one Rosary each day is unhurried and in a non-distracting setting (no other activity such as driving). So at a minimum, I think we should all pray one unhurried and undistracted Rosary a day. My other prayers are usually while driving, etc. It is good to pray in many situations, but to keep a special unhurried time of prayer each day has meant a lot to me. This is when I get my best Rosary Meditation done – and it has at times been quite imaginative.
If you limit yourself to praying only as much as you love to pray and as much as you find easy without being a burden – and if this is still over an hour a day – I still think this may be OK.
By the way, you are further along than me, so please figure for yourself much of what I say.
= = = = =
Over the months, we have written replies to each others posts somewhat. So I’ll fill you in on what’s happening lately for me.
My “impossible” annulment situation recently broke through in several ways (day after Ascension Sunday) and now it no longer seems impossible. I now know my ex’s address and current name. And also I am now very likely to be able to get some witness statements sent to the tribunal.
I was recently diagnosed with a serious aortic aneurism right next to the heart (not yet bad enough to be more risky than the risky surgery that would be required to patch me up). I told my pastor about it and he gave me a blessing that reminded me of the note in our Church bulletin – a retreat for those facing serious illness. So I signed up for the retreat – and surprise – my pastor was one of the retreat spiritual directors (featured speakers).
And at the retreat, I received my first Sacrament in the Catholic Church – Anointing of the Sick. I was very surprised because I didn’t think I could receive the sacraments at all. But apparently I fully met the criteria in CCC 1514. The retreat was over Memorial Day weekend and it was such a great experience. And when I got home I read and re-read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about the sacrament – especially CCC 1520-1523. I am so amazed at what God has done in me. It is such a beautiful thing that I do not want to spoil. And the dramatic change in how I think about myself and what God has given me – it has greatly resulted in many changes in my life. I even read what the Council of Florence and Council of Trent says about the Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction in those days). And it is all so precious. God has been so merciful to me.
jmm08
