Coming home(?)

[DorianGregorian]

Hi everybody, I wasn’t sure if this is the place to post this, but I seemed pretty sure.

I’ve been on a long spiritual journey for the past few years. I was a Baptized/Confirmed Catholic for my first 20 years. However in college I had a major disagreement with a liberal priest (at our campus he wouldn’t allow people to receive on the tongue and allowed an openly gay freemason to serve as the treasurer who he encouraged to march in a local gay pride parade). I was also completely railroaded when I tried to start a pro-life committee. Needless to say, I was completely turned off from the faith. I started going to a Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod), received confirmation and received the Eucharist there. I was even thinking about going to seminary and becoming a pastor. Full “confession” here, I had a pretty hostile attitude towards Catholicism.

Lately though, I’ve been reading Augustine, Thomas of Aquin, and most influential on me, G.K Chesterton, largely the idea that the will moved by grace can respond to God (which Luther denied). The historical reasons attract me to. I’ve also been considering the reasons why I left. Yes, there are alot of bad priests and bad laymen in the Church. Yes the Catholicism seen today is mostly a watered down version, yes most Catholics don’t practice their faith. However, the ideal, true Catholicism, is a noble, intelligent, and good belief system. I’m seriously thinking about coming home to Rome, I’m just not sure about the first steps I would need to take.

Thanks,
DG

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Talk to a Catholic priest. You probably just need to make a good confession to revert to the Catholic Church. You are correct that there are some bad people in the Catholic Church but that is true of every other church and human organization also.

Coming Home Network:
chnetwork.org/

Catholics Come Home:
catholicscomehome.org/

 

[georget]

Come on board, the battles raging and we need all the good men and women we can find.

 

[po18guy]

Welcome, DG! And, welcome back. It is the Holy Spirit that calls us back to the faith of our youth. The only reason to become Catholic, or to return to the Church, is because you love Jesus Christ. If we love the Lord, we must take up our cross and love also those who are the most difficult to love - our fellow parishioners. Reading great Catholic writers, theologians and doctors of the Church is excellent. However, a study of the catechism, so that you are fully aware of the Church’s teaching (if you are not already), is also a good idea.

A consultation with a local parish Priest could be something to consider. Basically, since you have been confirmed, you would need to conduct an examination of conscience and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. That’s it. The only impediment to full communion might possibly be a marriage outside of the Church or a divorce, but again, that is something to discuss with your Priest.

This week, there is something you can do. Most parishes offer adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Think seriously about spending time with out Lord in prayer, reflection, contemplation, scripture reading, or just awe. He who has drawn you back will offer affirmation of your journey.

 

[quiet52]

I’m seriously thinking about coming home to Rome, I’m just not sure about the first steps I would need to take.

I’d like to suggest that you participate in the liturgies during this holiest of weeks:

• Sunday: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (aka Palm Sunday)
• Thursday night: Mass of the Lord’s Supper (aka Holy Thursday). Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after Mass.
• The Passion of the Lord (Good Friday liturgy – not a Mass)
• Easter Vigil (Saturday night Mass – this is the longest Mass of the year, and is so beautiul. Or Easter Sunday Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord)

When you feel ready to commit to Catholicism, or of you simply want to talk to a priest about the possibility of returning or to ask questions about faith topics you feel shaky on, then call the parish secretary to make an appointment with him. You don’t have to give the secretary more information than you feel comfortable sharing. Though no one would judge you harshly if you said you need to talk with the pastor about the possibility of returning to the Catholic Church. In the meantime, at least attend Sunday Mass for a while – just don’t receive holy Communion until you are ready to commit and after you have received the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Throughout this process, may you pray incessantly and with joy – you have been blessed with a great yearning for our Lord!