Family Origins

5 Pages 1357 Words

For many years religion has helped to bring my family closer. Most of our family gatherings are in someway rooted in religion, and the traditions of our family are held in high regard. Religious experiences, whether they be the sorrow and celebration of life in a funeral, the happiness of a wedding, or the simple traditions of Christmas or Easter, help draw members of my family together. The level of faith and dedication to religion has at some points dwindled amongst members of my family, but religion is usually present in some way and will ultimately play a role in most decisions. Interviewing members of my family, has given me the impression that our religious beliefs and practices help us better understand the faith and bring us together with God. I am proud of my family’s past in regard to their religious accomplishments and the passion with which they act in the name of God.
The McDonalds, my father’s family, is from a town near Wexford, Ireland. They were deeply rooted in Catholicism even before they came to America. By the time they came to America religion became an identifier for them. The family was very proud of their faith, and they felt it gave them a sense of belonging. Church was a daily event for the older generations in my family. This has changed drastically over the past few decades but, the tradition of a strong religious education has not. Most members of the family received their education in Catholic institutions. This has continued with my father and his brothers and sisters, as all of their children have attended or are attending Catholic grade schools, high schools, and colleges. My Grandmothers dedication to the faith is the beacon of the family. She practiced as a Franciscan nun until; financial problems forced her to work to help her family. She retired from the faith and eventually married but she never lost her dedication. After my grandfather passed, we all united in sorrow and,...