catholics for dummies

Church happened. It was a good experience. It has been years or more since I have been to an actual service. I think possibly 5 years since any church and that was a wedding. I was a little nervous when I walked in, as I was unsure of all the church etiquette expected of me. I assumed it would all just flood back to me, and for the most part it did, but a small refresher course prior to entry would not have hurt. I was unsure if the holy water at the entrance was a coming or going thing or if it was required at both, and I totally blew the kneel/bow before pew entry. The rest went well though. I managed to sit beside someone who was defiantly there weekly, and I followed his cues. During the service they had this moment of meditation (defiantly new for me) where we were to just sit quietly and breathe......this was nice, and I would have enjoyed it more if my ADD didn't take over. I heard a little kid in the aisle, so automatically my eyes are open looking around. I sat there in a crowd of people really trying to concentrate and watched her pick her nose. She kept looking up at her mom to make sure her eyes were still closed before she would eat. So nasty - but it kept my focus far more than meditation. I picked up the bulletin for the month, and have noticed that there is a garage sale coming up. It may just be the bake sale I was looking to volunteer at.
Seems early for me to already weasel out of going to church every week, BUT I am already looking for alternatives. I am not sure what me sitting there gives back, except a signature on paper. I have started to watch the paper for community events that could be a good substitute. I think that by volunteering for a few hours on weekends, at charity walks, hospital events, and other such selfless things, I may being doing more good than sitting in a pew. I understand I made a deal, so it would have to be something that would balance out church. We will see where this weaseling take me.