Can I go to Mass after falling away from the faith?

[whizkid43]

I was raised Catholic but fell away from the faith.

Over the last 8 years I had been attending a Bible based Chrisitan church. While digging deeper into my faith I’ve realized that the Catholic Church is the original Church and I feel I should to return.

I don’t have any ties to my local parish and the priest has changed in the last few years so I’m trying to reconnect.

Can I go to mass? Obviously I wouldn’t go to Communion or Confession before meeting with my priest but at least if I attend mass I may be able to reconnect instead of just cold calling the rectory.

Thanks,

 

[Reginald_Plum]

whizkid,

“Now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” (Luke 15:32)

I am thrilled to hear of your return to the Church! I’ve linked several threads below for you because of the resources in each. The first explains how you not only may return to Mass, but have an obligation to do so. The next two will help you to prepare for Confession so that you may return to the Eucharist. The last two are just in case you wondered. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly. Welcome home!

Recommended Reading:
Are Catholics in a state of mortal sin exempt from Sunday obligation?

[thread=34632]How do I make my first confession in fifteen years?[/thread]
[thread=56937]How do I best prepare for confession after being away for 43 years?[/thread]

How do I arrange for a long confession?
Is it ok to cry during Confession?