Coming back to the church?

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amelie871

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Hi all! I’ve read these forums off & on for years, and I’ve always been impressed by the kindness of the people here. I’m hoping for some advice.

I was born & raised Catholic–I’m 26 now–and began struggling over the last few years, mainly as a result of my anxiety disorder, for which I am being medically treated. I was extremely anxious about being in a state of grace, what if I fell, would I ever be able to maintain it. This all likely sounds very run of the mill, but it was destroying my life. I converted to Lutheranism in January 2013, after a lengthy process of deliberation.

However, it just doesn’t feel right, even now. I feel very far from God and my depression and anxiety haven’t gotten better. I’m considering perhaps returning to Catholicism, and it feels like a very strong pull, but I feel so confused and lost about this. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
 
You mentioned that you deal with anxiety. Do you struggle with scrupulosity?
 
Yes! And I would so obsessively worry about accidentally sinning–entertaining an impure thought without realizing, etc–that it would consume my mind until it happened, like an endless vicious cycle. I would go to confession but start feeling anxious right afterward that it wouldn’t “last”.
 
It’s good that you are getting medical treatment for your anxiety, but you really also need to have spiritual treatment. I don’t know how you feel about this, but I would recommend speaking with a priest because scrupulosity is something they see quite often from their parishioners. I’ll be praying for you and I hope that you return to the Church.
 
Dear Amelie,

I second the advice to make an appointment with a priest, or at least get yourself inside a confessional – and be frank about everything. You may just find the very graces you need.
 
Go to confession, repent of your heresy, and trust in the infinite mercy of God.

If you fall, go to confession, repent of your sin, and trust in the infinite mercy of God.

Rinse and repeat until you attain the Beatific Vision.
 
amelie871 said:
Hi all! I’ve read these forums off & on for years, and I’ve always been impressed by the kindness of the people here. I’m hoping for some advice.

I was born & raised Catholic–I’m 26 now–and began struggling over the last few years, mainly as a result of my anxiety disorder, for which I am being medically treated. I was extremely anxious about being in a state of grace, what if I fell, would I ever be able to maintain it. This all likely sounds very run of the mill, but it was destroying my life. I converted to Lutheranism in January 2013, after a lengthy process of deliberation.

However, it just doesn’t feel right, even now. I feel very far from God and my depression and anxiety haven’t gotten better. I’m considering perhaps returning to Catholicism, and it feels like a very strong pull, but I feel so confused and lost about this. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
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As a revert like yourself, please know you are NOT ALONE! Check out www.catholicscomehome.org, this website helped me on my journey of coming home.
 
aemcpa said:
Go to confession, repent of your heresy, and trust in the infinite mercy of God.

If you fall, go to confession, repent of your sin, and trust in the infinite mercy of God.

Rinse and repeat until you attain the Beatific Vision.
Click to expand...
Rather than go blindly into a confessional, I strongly suggest that you make an appointment to see a priest, either at your neighborhood parish, or elsewhere, wherever you feel most comfortable.
When you see the priest, explain your situation to him, including your reservations and doubts. You might also ask if he can refer you to a Catholic Psychotherepists (Yes, there are some very good Catholic ones!). During your conversation with the priest, you will have several opertunities for Confession. You could put your whole conversation/sounselling session under the seal of the Confessional or be able to make a formal confession face to face with the priest, or you can request a Confessional if you feel more comfortaboe with that.
Do not worry about what the priest thinks. He will just be doing the job he was ordained to do. And believe me, he will not be shocked by anything you tell hie. Believe me, he has heard it all!
The one thing I can assure you of is that you will feel enormously better about yourself afterwards.
I think I know what I am talking about because I was away from the Church for over 50 years and returned without much fuss and ado!.
 
amelie871 said:
Hi all! I’ve read these forums off & on for years, and I’ve always been impressed by the kindness of the people here. I’m hoping for some advice.

I was born & raised Catholic–I’m 26 now–and began struggling over the last few years, mainly as a result of my anxiety disorder, for which I am being medically treated. I was extremely anxious about being in a state of grace, what if I fell, would I ever be able to maintain it. This all likely sounds very run of the mill, but it was destroying my life. I converted to Lutheranism in January 2013, after a lengthy process of deliberation.

However, it just doesn’t feel right, even now. I feel very far from God and my depression and anxiety haven’t gotten better. I’m considering perhaps returning to Catholicism, and it feels like a very strong pull, but I feel so confused and lost about this. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
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Whenever I read about one who wants to come back, it makes my day. What has been said so far is good advice- go and see the priest, talk things through, and work out the best course to take.

I would add that you shouldn’t worry about accidentally sinning too much, since sin by definition requires some form of intention. And if we had no sin, we wouldn’t need the Church or Jesus at all because we would all be perfect. And remember that sin is really being separate from God, but who do you think called you back to the Church in the first place? God loves you and wants you.

You asked for advice, so I would say pray a lot. The Rosary and The Chaplet of Divine Mercy work well for me. They are all online and they will bring you closer to God.
rosary-center.org/howto.htm

divinemercy.org/chaplet/how-to-pray-the-chaplet-of-divine-mercy.html
 
As is so often the case, Mother Angelica had a great programme on this: “I left the Church and here’s why”. Here’s the link to it on YouTube, it’s free to watch and I think you might find some comfort in it.

youtu.be/r9krFNtTIDY

I’ll say a prayer for you and hope you find your way home. 🙂
 
Start saying the rosary, on a regular basis immediately, but especially when you feel anxiety. Besides the spiritual effect it as an incredible physical effect on the mind and body.
 
=amelie871;10823549]Hi all! I’ve read these forums off & on for years, and I’ve always been impressed by the kindness of the people here. I’m hoping for some advice.
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I was born & raised Catholic–I’m 26 now–and began struggling over the last few years, mainly as a result of my anxiety disorder, for which I am being medically treated. I was extremely anxious about being in a state of grace, what if I fell, would I ever be able to maintain it. This all likely sounds very run of the mill, but it was destroying my life. I converted to Lutheranism in January 2013, after a lengthy process of deliberation.
Click to expand...
However, it just doesn’t feel right, even now. I feel very far from God and my depression and anxiety haven’t gotten better. I’m considering perhaps returning to Catholicism, and it feels like a very strong pull, but I feel so confused and lost about this. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
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My DEAR FRIEND in Christ;

It does not “feel right” because it is not right. RIGHT:)

Only the Catholic church’s [and the Eastern church’s in Schism] have the Seven Sacraments. Jesus KNEW and Jesus KNOWS that we will sin; and his antidote is the Sacramentof KNOWN forgiveness. Not guessing; presuming or just hoping; BUT ACTUALLY KNOWING that we ARE forgiven.

Saints are not people who never sinned; they are sinners who Confessed and repented of their sins.

God’s Grace is a manifestiation of God’s Mercy and Love that many other “faiths” simply do not get to experience.

COME BACK HOME. GOD MISSES YOU AND SO DO WE.:love::dancing:Pat

Your in OUR prayers!👍

Pat /PJM
PM me if you want to talk more
 
Thank y’all so, so much for your prayers, advice, and amazing support!

This morning I went to Adoration at a Carmelite chapel close to my home, and took out the rosary beads that have been languishing in my dressing table drawer. I started crying somewhere during the second decade, because it felt so good, like coming home. I haven’t felt so peaceful in a very, very long time.

I plan to go to confession soon, and perhaps make an appointment with a priest to talk about my anxiety/scrupulosity issues.

Once again, thank y’all so much. Your replies really helped me feel less alone during this process. God Bless all of you
 
=amelie871;10834403]Thank y’all so, so much for your prayers, advice, and amazing support!
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This morning I went to Adoration at a Carmelite chapel close to my home, and took out the rosary beads that have been languishing in my dressing table drawer. I started crying somewhere during the second decade, because it felt so good, like coming home. I haven’t felt so peaceful in a very, very long time.
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I plan to go to confession soon, and perhaps make an appointment with a priest to talk about my anxiety/scrupulosity issues.
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Once again, thank y’all so much. Your replies really helped me feel less alone during this process. God Bless all of you
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Dear Friend, Please DO it ASAP.

Know our thoughts and prayers are with you!

God’s Continued Blessings,

Pat/PJM
 
amelie871 said:
Hi all! I’ve read these forums off & on for years, and I’ve always been impressed by the kindness of the people here. I’m hoping for some advice.

I was born & raised Catholic–I’m 26 now–and began struggling over the last few years, mainly as a result of my anxiety disorder, for which I am being medically treated. I was extremely anxious about being in a state of grace, what if I fell, would I ever be able to maintain it. This all likely sounds very run of the mill, but it was destroying my life. I converted to Lutheranism in January 2013, after a lengthy process of deliberation.

However, it just doesn’t feel right, even now. I feel very far from God and my depression and anxiety haven’t gotten better. I’m considering perhaps returning to Catholicism, and it feels like a very strong pull, but I feel so confused and lost about this. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Please come home! When I was ‘away’ in my 20s, I visited a few churches trying to find my way. I had attended Presbyterian church with my grandparents as a kid/teen, and visited a Methodist, and later on, Baptist, church. It never felt ‘right’. I then started believing that ‘once Catholic, always Catholic’, but still didn’t return to the Church; just didn’t join a different one. The people were warm, wonderful and welcoming, but I know what I was missing.

Jesus. The actual Body of Christ. While there were things like singing, scripture talks, prayers that were ‘fun’ or ‘neat’, it never felt like Church to me…because it wasn’t, not for me.

I hope you come back now. I wish I had never left, not for a second, let alone let things drive me away a second time. I also pray for my sons who are little younger than you, that they also return to the Faith. I think of my youth (I’m 44 aka 39 plus tax) and realize that while it might not have been better in terms of what trials I would face, it would be BETTER because I’d be devoted to God and love Him. Isn’t having the One who loves you more than life itself on your side and by your side and showing you His sacrifice every Mass? 🙂 Yes!
hadulzo said:
Start saying the rosary, on a regular basis immediately, but especially when you feel anxiety. Besides the spiritual effect it as an incredible physical effect on the mind and body.
Click to expand...
I have anxiety at times as well, and was just TODAY thinking that the Rosary is like Prayer Xanax! 🙂

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
 
=ccmcmg;10857601]Please come home! When I was ‘away’ in my 20s, I visited a few churches trying to find my way. I had attended Presbyterian church with my grandparents as a kid/teen, and visited a Methodist, and later on, Baptist, church. It never felt ‘right’. I then started believing that ‘once Catholic, always Catholic’, but still didn’t return to the Church; just didn’t join a different one. The people were warm, wonderful and welcoming, but I know what I was missing.
Click to expand...
Jesus. The actual Body of Christ. While there were things like singing, scripture talks, prayers that were ‘fun’ or ‘neat’, it never felt like Church to me…because it wasn’t, not for me.
Click to expand...
I hope you come back now. I wish I had never left, not for a second, let alone let things drive me away a second time. I also pray for my sons who are little younger than you, that they also return to the Faith. I think of my youth (I’m 44 aka 39 plus tax) and realize that while it might not have been better in terms of what trials I would face, it would be BETTER because I’d be devoted to God and love Him. Isn’t having the One who loves you more than life itself on your side and by your side and showing you His sacrifice every Mass? 🙂 Yes!
Click to expand...
I have anxiety at times as well, and was just TODAY thinking that the Rosary is like Prayer Xanax! 🙂
Click to expand...
Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
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THANKS my friend for a GREAT post:)

And I and NO DOUBT many others echo your plea:

please coem on home! gods calling you AND WE MISS YOU:thumbsup:
 
Please keep us informed as to how you are doing. Praying for you too.
 
amelie871 said:
Hi all! I’ve read these forums off & on for years, and I’ve always been impressed by the kindness of the people here. I’m hoping for some advice.

I was born & raised Catholic–I’m 26 now–and began struggling over the last few years, mainly as a result of my anxiety disorder, for which I am being medically treated. I was extremely anxious about being in a state of grace, what if I fell, would I ever be able to maintain it. This all likely sounds very run of the mill, but it was destroying my life. I converted to Lutheranism in January 2013, after a lengthy process of deliberation.

However, it just doesn’t feel right, even now. I feel very far from God and my depression and anxiety haven’t gotten better. I’m considering perhaps returning to Catholicism, and it feels like a very strong pull, but I feel so confused and lost about this. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Amelie, you said,
“I was extremely anxious about being in a state of grace, what if I fell, would I ever be able to maintain it.”

I think that is a very common feeling and nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it is the truth.
You can’t maintain it. Only God can maintain it. It is like being on the edge of a clift leaning forward with someone holding on to your belt to keep you from falling over.

Jesus said, “Nothing is impossible with God.” He didn’t say, “Nothing is impossible with you.”
If you maintain a strong and steady prayer life, then God will hold onto that belt to keep you from falling. All moral strength is because of our connection with God, which means, that without God we know for sure we will fall if we do not pray and allow his strength thru grace to keep us from falling. Once you have a strong prayer life and realize that without it you will definitely fall, then you can in one way relax in God for he will be there for you. But do not ever think you ever have it licked, because the day you do, that is the day you are in grave danger of falling. You can do nothing, nothing, nothing, without him. Your only and best security is a strong, faithful, prayer life. If you have this, then you can rest in him. But if the prayer life is full of holes, then the fall is inevitable.

The bottom of the problem is a weak prayer life, which in essence says, “I don’t need God, because I can do it by myself thru …”

Jesus said also that we shouldn’t worry about tomorrow because one day is enough to worry about and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Just a thought.​

“The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I will want.” (hymn)
 
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