From Yachts & Entertaining to Pews & Purpose: How I Found My Soul (and Coffee) at Sunday Mass

Once upon a time, in a life not-so-far-away in my last relationship, Sundays were for boating, hosting parties, and living the socialite dream. Church? Pfft, that was as rare as spotting a mermaid in the Chesapeake Bay. Yet, looking back, I realize how different things were with Donna. She wasn’t even Catholic, but we found ourselves at church together often. She taught Sunday school and even helped my mom with the church newsletter. And then there was Lisa—her exposing me to Christian services - finding them to be so uplifting. Though I attended her services I was also involved with my catholic church, St. Michaels, going to mass and delivering Meals on Wheels.

It got me thinking… what worked back then? And then it hit me—I missed going to church. So, I did something about it. Now, every week, you can find me at St. Christopher’s on Kent Narrows Island. Why? Well, let me count the ways:

Soul Reset – Listening to the readings and the homily helps me refocus my life, especially now that I'm single… again (cue dramatic sigh).

Shave and Shine – It gives me a reason to get up early, dress up, and shave. (Honestly, it's a public service to save the world from my scruff.)

Me Day, My Way – After Mass, I head over to “Just Desserts” on the Narrows. Coffee, waterfront views, and boats lazily drifting by—it's my happy place. Weekdays I have my morning coffee on the other side of the Narrows w/ “the men of the marina” (and Tiller.) So it’s neat to be on the other side 1 day a week. While having my coffee alone on Sunday’s I reflect on the homily and figure out how to sprinkle some of that wisdom on my upcoming week like powdered sugar on a donut. I also will do crosswords or journal what is going through my head that I use to share w/ my partners.

But wait, there’s more! Speaking of church, I decided to get involved with the bereavement ministry at St. Christophers. Turns out, my goofball humor and offbeat outlook on life are a hit! If I miss a meeting, they worry I’ve gone rogue.

Oh, and here’s the kicker—a full-circle moment that blew my mind. At the first meeting, I shared a story about my past, about meeting Donna when we were training to be on Ocean City’s Beach Patrol. One lady mentioned her late husband was also a guard but figured I wouldn’t know him. Then she dropped his name: Guy Bevins. My jaw hit the floor! Guy and I spent a whole summer guarding side by side—he guarded the beach in front of “Castle in the Sand” hotel, and I was the stand just south of him. Donna and I even hung out at his place a lot. It was bittersweet, sharing stories about Guy with his wife, letting her know just how awesome he was. The warmth I felt in my chest from bringing her so much joy hearing about her late husband was an incredible feeling!

So, yeah, my Sundays look a little different now—no more champagne brunches on a yacht or elaborate back to back social galas that my prior relationship craved doing. Just me, a pew, a good homily, and some much-needed soul food. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way…and now you all know where to find me on Sundays!

…Only concern I have now is finding a Catholic Mass when I start cruising.