Personal Narrative: My Experience At Good Shepherd Catholic Church

On January 31st, I attended the 11:15 service at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Brossard. I do not have any religious background, but I would consider myself as Agnostic. I do believe that there is a greater power in this world that does have influence on beings and nature. Although, I have been in a Catholic place of worship, like the St Joseph Oratory when I was younger for a school outing, but never attended a service. Before entering the church I noticed a cross carved on the exterior of the building present above the tall glass window. The church was very architecturally modern compared to the stereotypical churches you would view in movies and tv shows or around Montreal. Once inside, the large cross hung was the first symbol or object to catch my attention. I noticed several bulletins and other books

For example, a bulletin that the church created, which included announcements about upcoming events and other services. A prayer book and a book of hymns was also present for all to view and use during the mass. For the entirety of the service my attention was to the front where the altar is located. A podium, large table covered in white cloth with the Bible and candles was at the middle of the altar. In addition, beautiful stained coloured glass windows were present near the cross that illustrated religious characters. The service started when the pastor walked in with altar boys holding a bigger portable gold cross and candles, while a religious song was playing in the background. A prayer was said following the entrance following a reading from the Bible. Later on, a hymn was played and sung throughout the church by the pastor and others standing. The lyrics did not make me feel uncomfortable since I was not the only one not singing. The fact that no one was forcing me to believe,