Thank you so much for all the comments you've provided already, I truly appreciate!! And this has helped a lot!

So Catholics they are going to be!!

To those readers who may be Catholics, please don't see any offence in Aaron's books. My intention is not to ruin the Catholics' reputation (or which ever religion in general). I know that within each religion / branch, some people are more moderate than others, and that there are different levels of involvement. I know that both extreme and moderate exist and even if I'm going to show what extreme is, there will be at some point mentions about the fact that others are more moderate.

Aaron's ideas will be his obviously, but he'll also learn that his parents' views are not general and don't fear for him to spit on religion. He will be also tolerant in a way toward those who believe in religion, that's just not his thing.

Anyway, now that I have established that his family is Catholic, I'll have more questions about this...

The first thing that comes to my mind is that passage I wrote and now I wonder if it works...

This is the end of the mass and I picked the words on various websites (I can't know since I don't go to mass, myself...) but I wonder if they are correct.

So if anyone goes to Catholic mass, do you know if you would hear that sort of thing?

Does it sound coherent?

Should there be a Sign of the Cross when they exit the church?

Someone already mentioned the sacred host, that I will need to add I think.

There are a few more excerpts afterward, and if you see any inconsistency regarding the use of terms, well, just let me know... :p

Once again, thanks for all your help!! It's truly appreciated!

Don't read what follows if you don't want spoilers, even if I have removed some parts.

First passage

"The Lord be with you," Father Joseph eventually concludes. Thank God! It's the end!

"And also with you," all the Christians reply solemnly. Me included because I need to be on my best behavior, especially as I am seated between my parents.

I did try to stay on another bench but my mother grabbed my hand and pulled me with her. A scowl from my father discouraged me from trying harder and I found myself stuck between them. It's been an awfully long hour during which I have had to pray and sing with them. And not really the kind of songs I usually like. I almost chuckle when I imagine singing Somebody To Love by Queen or For A Friend by Jimmy Somerville in a church. This is the shit I listen to, among other artists, but all in secret or my parents would break my CDs.

"May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

"Amen."

"Go in peace to love and serve the Lord," Father Joseph finally says.

Hallelujah!

"Thanks be to God," everybody replies and my own voice is almost cheerful.

As we silently exit the church, I feel myself live again. Damn! This is really not for me! I truly hate being there and I can't wait for the moment I will be able to lead a life of my own. And to think I already spent an hour with Father Joseph yesterday afternoon, confessing all my sins, when I could have been with Elijah, kissing and making out!

Of course, I didn't confess all my lies, or at least, I didn't mention the parts about lusting after males or having a boyfriend. His sermon on lies was already painful enough, I didn't need him to keep me any longer to hear him tell me how God condemns those who sin with same-sex partners.

As my sisters all cling to my father, gushing on how beautiful the mass was, I stay a bit in the back with my mother, walking to her pace as we head back home. For a long moment, she remains silent, probably lost in her own thoughts while I lose myself in mine.

Then there is this other passage:

"Lying is a sin, Aaron. And the Good Lord shall punish you for that. You will have to confess on Sunday," she says very calmly. "But first, you will have to deal with your father..."

"Mom, please!! Don't tell him!! I swear I'll do my homework now!!" I beg her.

"DO NOT SWEAR!" she screams. "Where were you? I know you were not with Mark because [...]

Then this one:

"This is very generous of you, Aaron. But you still lied to me and as much as it is honorable to help others, I would rather you first take care of your own homework before you help others."

That's not very Christian, Mom..., I think to myself, but I keep my trap shut.

Another one:

I don't pay attention to their upset expressions as I take my seat but I have no other choice than to join hands with my Dad and Noelly before my mother starts saying Grace. I guess I shouldn't worsen my case. I don't close my eyes though, but they won't see it since they do close their eyes. Instead, I roll mine as my mother speaks.

"We thank You Lord, for all You give; the food we eat, the lives we live; and to our loved ones far away, please send Your blessings, Lord we pray. And help us all to live our days with thankful hearts and loving ways. Amen."

I mumble an Amen with the rest of the family and lower my eyes

[...]

"We give You thanks, Almighty God, for all Your benefits, and for the poor souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, may they rest in peace. Amen."

My father's deep voice is the conclusion to this dinner and we all stand up after we have done the Sign of the Cross.

That will be it for now, and thank you very much!!! 💙💙💙