Hi, I'm Catania

Just another happy Mormon.

About Me

I am a very fortunate stay-at-home-mom. I love laughing, writing, studying, reading, painting, crocheting, and...you get the idea. I have way too many hobbies and duties without enough time to get it all in! I love being creative.

Why I am a Mormon

I was fortunate to be raised a Mormon. My father is not Mormon and my mother is. Unfortunately, they were divorced when I was young, but my siblings and I still experienced a positive situation - as both of my parents were active parts of our lives.
Despite the way that my parent's divorce was handled which, I promise, was as positive as possible, there were times that I felt alone and confused. I learned that I could find comfort and peace in my relationship with Heavenly Father - even when my family situation seemed unsure.
Throughout my life, the gospel has been a stabilizing factor. I've been guided, directed, comforted, helped, and blessed in more ways than I can even think. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. I've known this for many years, yet the impact of the fact - that my Heavenly Father loves me - hasn't dampened over time. Knowing that I have a Father in Heaven that loves me brings me so much peace.

How I live my faith

I really try to live my faith every minute of every day. As a woman, I'm a member of the Relief Society - which is an organization for women over the age of 18. I visit teach a few women we call each other sisters, and I am also taught by other women. I love the feeling of sisterhood that exists with the women I meet.
Currently, I'm involved in the Young Women's organization. This is such a fun and intense calling. A lot of work is required, but is also a calling that is full of so many positive experiences. I teach and work with the 14-15 year old girls. I have actually served with the 14-15 year-olds quite a few times. I'm beginning to think that it's because maturity-wise, I'm just like a 14 year old girl! which is a lot of fun!!!
Above all, I try to live my faith by being true to it daily. I am a mother and a wife. I try to teach my children the principles of the gospel - principles that have influenced the way I live - principles I believe to be good and true. I try to read my scriptures and pray daily.
I'm far from perfect, and we all are. That's what's great about the gospel. The Lord doesn't require perfection, he only requires what we can give, and He, through His atoning sacrifice makes up the difference.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Scot answered...

As is recorded in Matthew 10:5, the Lord said to His Apostles "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not..." Later the resurrected Lord told the same Apostles "...Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) This is not an example of any variableness or a shadow of turning (See James 1:17) but is ever more evidence of His wisdom and foreknowledge in executing His designs.
Some who wish to attack the Church think they find hypocrisy or guile in the fact that the Church did not allow men of African descent to hold the Priesthood until 1978. There is nothing contrary to the pattern of God in this. For decades and decades before the 2nd Official Declaration righteous men and women of African heritage were baptized into the Church and fold of God with the full promise and testimony that they would be denied no blessings in the worlds to come. Then, when the time was fully come, and as had been predicted by prophets previously, the Lord inspired His prophet to extend the full blessings of the Church in this life to all worthy members. This could well be one of the happiest days of this era.
Whether in this dispensation or any other anyone who is uncharitable to another due to their race is in direct defiance of the Gospel of Christ, who is Savior to "black and white, bond and free, male and female" (See the Book of Mormon, 2nd Nephi 26:33.)
Mark answered...

There is no discrimination or exclusions of race. The Lord says in the bible, "...man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the Heart." 1Sam 16:7. The Lord does not care what race or color you are. All he cares about is you. He loves you.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Dave answered...

We read in Genesis that one of God's first commandments to Adam and Eve was to "multiply and replenish the Earth." We believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the only appropriate means of multiplying and replenishing the Earth. Keeping this in mind, any sexual act that takes place that is not between a man and a woman, joined together in marriage, is forbidden.