Dumb question but plz help

[kesa82]

Here’s the deal ;

I’m not Catholic yet, not after two years, because I’m so shy ( ? ) I’m afraid to pick up the phone and call a living person.
I’m house-bound. I don’t have a car. I live in a rural area. The closest Catholic church is a 30-minute drive. ( on foot that would take 7 or 8 hours. I know, I have done a lot of walking in my time. ) But maybe I could get up there for one day…

Anyway, I feel, every day, like I could scream because I have not confessed myself fully to the Church. I’m guessing he could not bless ( ? ) me. Obviously my confession would not lead to the eucharist in the near future.
And I’m not looking for a free shrink. The last thing I want to do is burden a priest or the church. I would rather go to hell.
But, like I said, my mind screams " bow to the church " . The only way I know of to obey that command under the circumstances is confession.

Is this just not the way things are done? Do I completely misunderstand the purpose and context of confession.

I don’t want to pick up the telephone only to flatly embarass some poor fellow, and a representative of God and Jesus no less.
( and make a spectacle of myself. )

 

[thiscatholickid]

Your post seems really sincere.

But im a bit confused.

Are you baptized?

Because until your baptized, confession isnt available by the law of the Church.

If you are, and your a fallen away Catholic (or baptized under a valid Trinitarian church)

Id suggest either finding a means to get to your local parish, and speak with the priest about your situation.

Or…

Perhaps search the diocese via phone or email (since you sound like you would prefer using the internet) to contact a good priest who may be willing to drive to you.

While that may sound like a stretch, these men devote themselves to God. And if you are homebound for any medical reason, its the Church’s duty to seek you out if you are willing.

If your homebound for personal reasons, and going to the Church is truly unavailable, you have to rely on the goodness of your local priests to hopefully make the journey and contact you.

Good luck, and I hope things work out for you and your journey in the faith.

 

[bpbasilphx]

**I’m afraid to pick up the phone and call a living person. **

**Are we to infer from this that you never use the telephone at all?

Or do you have a special service that reaches the cemetary?**

 

[stringbeanduck]

You do not desire hell; I can assure you of that. Go ahead and except God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. Peter denied Christ 3 times when He needed him most; yet he repented and became the head of the Church. Be happy dear friend. You can do it. Take action.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Your question is not dumb at all. God bless you for having the courage to ask it here!

I just searched on the internet for you and found the website of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville (about 17 miles from Blaine): discoveret.org/holyghst/ . It gives a little information about the priests there discoveret.org/holyghst/clergy.htm , as well as contact information: discoveret.org/holyghst/contact.htm .

Sometimes it is easier for a shy person to make the initial contact in writing. You might want to write them a note or send them an e-mail at hgchurch@bellsouth.net explaining your situation. If there is a Catholic church closer to you, they should be able to direct you. Perhaps they even know someone from one of the Catholic churches who lives near you who could help with transportation.

I hope they will be able to answer your questions and help you learn enough about the Catholic faith so you can decide whether you want to receive the sacraments (beginning with Baptism, if you are not already baptized) that would make you a member of the Church.

God wants you to be a member of His Church; He is waiting to welcome you with open arms. Jesus said on many occasions, “Do not be afraid.” I know that’s easier said than done, but try to trust Him!

 

[BSHoop96]

**I’m afraid to pick up the phone and call a living person. **

**Are we to infer from this that you never use the telephone at all?

Or do you have a special service that reaches the cemetary?**

Have you never heard “living person” used in this way before? It’s meant as emphasis. You must be young. And rude, I might add.

 

[kage_ar]

There are NO dumb questions

It may interest you to know that there are many Parishes within 30 miles of Blane, TN. I am certain that one of these Parishes wold have someone who lives close to you who would be willing to give you a ride to Mass and Confession.

Do not be afraid - call them. Praying for you.

Sacred Heart (865) 588-0249 Web Map ; **Address: **711 Northshore Dr. S.W. Knoxville TN 37919 US

Holy Trinity (865) 471-0347 Map **Address: **475 N. Highway 92 Jefferson City TN

Holy Ghost (865) 522-2205 Web Map **Address: **1041 Central Street Knoxville TN 37917 US

Immaculate Conception (865) 522-1508 Web Map ; **Address: **414 West Vine Avenue Knoxville TN 37902-1327 US

St. Joseph (865) 494-7746 Web Map **Address: **3452 Andersonville Hwy. Norris TN 37828 US

Holy Family (865) 573-1203 Web Map (Byzantine Rite) ; **Address: **307 Black Oak Ridge Rd. Seymour TN 37865 US

St. Patrick (423) 586-9174 Web Map **Address: **2518 West Andrew Johnson Highway Morristown TN 37814 US

Christ the King (423) 562-0312 Map **Address: **Blue Top Road Tazewell TN 37879 US

Holy Cross (865) 429-5587 Web Map **Address: **144 Wears Valley Road Pigeon Forge TN 37863 US

St. Therese (865) 457-4073 Web Map Devotion: FOR TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS – visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net; **Address: **701 South Charles G. Seivers Blvd. Clinton TN 37716 US

All Saints (865) 531-0770 Web Map **Address: **620 North Cedar Bluff Rd. Knoxville TN 37923-2229 US

Our Lady of Perpetual Help (423) 562-0312 Web Map **Address: **1142 East Elm St. Lafollette TN 37766 US

 

[Catholic90]

Have you never heard “living person” used in this way before? It’s meant as emphasis. You must be young. And rude, I might add.

Relax!! I thing bpbasilphx was being funny!

Smile!

(And don’t call someone rude when 1) they are trying to clarify if you have fear of going anywhere (agoraphobia) or if you just can’t get out and 2) they are clearly making a joke!)

 

[Catholic90]

Our church has a specific ministry that picks up people who can no longer drive and brings them to church. I bet many of the listed churches do to! Just call them! THey are usually very nice people! Many parishes also have email contacts, available on the websites, so that is also a very efficient way to communicate.

As the commercial says, “Just do it!”

 

[kesa82]

Thanks for the advice and the clarification about confession.
I was already reasonably sure of the answers… but since, psychologically, I’m apparently not entirely " playing with a full deck " I find it necessary to ask others for what may seem to be the most elementary of clarification.

 

[pray4peace]

Thanks for the advice and the clarification about confession.
I was already reasonably sure of the answers… but since, psychologically, I’m apparently not entirely " playing with a full deck " I find it necessary to ask others for what may seem to be the most elementary of clarification.

Your doing just fine. I am glad you came here to ask questions. We all are on a learning journey.

Blessings

 

[thiscatholickid]

Thanks for the advice and the clarification about confession.
I was already reasonably sure of the answers… but since, psychologically, I’m apparently not entirely " playing with a full deck " I find it necessary to ask others for what may seem to be the most elementary of clarification.

Your welcome.

Yes, the confession thing is a common misconception.
Many non-Catholics who are interested in Catholicism sometimes try and confess, not knowing that they need to be baptized first.

I hope things go well.

 

[Sam_Maloney]

On a spiritual level, when I’m finding something really, really difficult, it usually means I’ve got to do it, and soon.

Make that call: you may be scared witless while you dial, but when its over, you’ll feel light as a feather, and wonder why it was so hard…