Fallen Catholic, but not quite ready

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Lostsomewhere

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I am not sure where to really start with this. I left the Church almost 20 years ago. I was an altar boy since age 8, so almost 10 years of service. I grew up in a military Church. It is alot different than regular Churches. My biggest issue, I have married a non-Catholic outside of the Church. But other than going to Church, I still feel my faith deep inside of me. I still identify with being Catholic. I have worked since I got in the real world as a public servant. Seeking to make people’s lives better. I even practice my lenten requirements, giving up something and fasting. I have held firm that the Holy Spirit will still love me as long as it is ‘size of a mustard seed’. I’d at least say mine was a plum. So that is my back ground.

My issue is I am having surgery in a week. I’m scared. I’ve never had major surgery before. But I still have my beliefs. In a military church people come and go all the time, there really is no such thing as membership per se. I enjoyed that. I am one of those that want to do good and help people but not necessarily advertise my religion on my sleeve either. So now, I am entertaining the thought of going to confession and Mass and at least set myself as right as I can with Him now. I guess what I am looking for is some guidance on how I might be able to go to a Church and not get attached. I am not sure I am ready for that, but perhaps as I come terms with things I will.

I appreciate your response and understanding in advance. Thanks.
 
Just go to confession and don’t worry about it. The Holy Spirit is already working through you or you wouldn’t be having these thoughts in the first place. Don’t be afraid, just go. Don’t worry too much now about the big picture. Baby steps.
 
Lostsomewhere said:
I am not sure where to really start with this. I left the Church almost 20 years ago. I was an altar boy since age 8, so almost 10 years of service. I grew up in a military Church. It is alot different than regular Churches. My biggest issue, I have married a non-Catholic outside of the Church. But other than going to Church, I still feel my faith deep inside of me. I still identify with being Catholic. I have worked since I got in the real world as a public servant. Seeking to make people’s lives better. I even practice my lenten requirements, giving up something and fasting. I have held firm that the Holy Spirit will still love me as long as it is ‘size of a mustard seed’. I’d at least say mine was a plum. So that is my back ground.

My issue is I am having surgery in a week. I’m scared. I’ve never had major surgery before. But I still have my beliefs. In a military church people come and go all the time, there really is no such thing as membership per se. I enjoyed that. I am one of those that want to do good and help people but not necessarily advertise my religion on my sleeve either. So now, I am entertaining the thought of going to confession and Mass and at least set myself as right as I can with Him now. I guess what I am looking for is some guidance on how I might be able to go to a Church and not get attached. I am not sure I am ready for that, but perhaps as I come terms with things I will.

I appreciate your response and understanding in advance. Thanks.
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Welcome home! You know where everything is;) Make yourself at home and help yourself to whatever you need:)

Seriously - I’m kinda being a smart-alek but I’m also making a point - this is your home! You belong here.

Any other questions?

And - I’ll pray for your health concerns.👍
 
Go to confession and don’t worry about the rest. Any Catholic can go to confession at any church to any Catholic priest, no strings attached as far as formal membership. Take it one day at a time and the Lord will welcome you with open arms. Things will fall into place for you at God’s time. Now, I think He’s calling you to the sacrament of Confession. Welcome home where you belong. 🙂
 
Six months ago I went to Confession for the first time in 20 years. It was one of the best decisions I have made for myself. I didn’t realize how much was weighing on me until I left the room. It was awesome! You don’t have to have everything figured out, just take a leap of faith.

God Bless,

Elise
 
Lostsomewhere said:
I am not sure where to really start with this. I left the Church almost 20 years ago. I was an altar boy since age 8, so almost 10 years of service. I grew up in a military Church. It is alot different than regular Churches. My biggest issue, I have married a non-Catholic outside of the Church. But other than going to Church, I still feel my faith deep inside of me. I still identify with being Catholic. I have worked since I got in the real world as a public servant. Seeking to make people’s lives better. I even practice my lenten requirements, giving up something and fasting. I have held firm that the Holy Spirit will still love me as long as it is ‘size of a mustard seed’. I’d at least say mine was a plum. So that is my back ground.

My issue is I am having surgery in a week. I’m scared. I’ve never had major surgery before. But I still have my beliefs. In a military church people come and go all the time, there really is no such thing as membership per se. I enjoyed that. I am one of those that want to do good and help people but not necessarily advertise my religion on my sleeve either. So now, I am entertaining the thought of going to confession and Mass and at least set myself as right as I can with Him now. I guess what I am looking for is some guidance on how I might be able to go to a Church and not get attached. I am not sure I am ready for that, but perhaps as I come terms with things I will.

I appreciate your response and understanding in advance. Thanks.
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Come back to Confession. Make an appointment with the Priest. He will be glad to see you. Find out about getting your Marriage Blessed in the Church. She doesn’t have to be Catholic. I am confident God is calling you home. Don’t miss out on the wonderful blessings He has in store for you! 🙂
 
Since you don’t want to become attached too easily and too quickly per-say; why not go to Mass every other Sunday?

Yet I feel that since that “fire” within you from the Holy Spirit is burning; maybe God is telling you something? He’s calling you back. Why not answer His call? I’m very very sure that you’ll be truly happy with what you will find.

If you want; take baby steps, and slowly return back to the Church and her teachings if that’s more comfortable for you.

I’ll be praying for your return, Faith life, and your upcoming surgery! I hope all is well(:

God bless.

~ Mel
 
I’d encourage you to go to Confession, Mass, and also receive the Anointing of the Sick. I have had some medical procedures requiring anesthesia so I can relate to the surgery thing. I think it’s important to have peace of mind before you go into the operating room.

I will pray for you.
 
Praying for you. “God, our Father, hold him in the palms of your hands and hide him in the shelter of Your wings.”
 
It is wonderful that you have a growing desire to come back to church 👍

The only issue I see in your situation is that you are not married in the church. This is an impediment to receiving some sacramants - ie. Communion. Not sure about confession, so you should consult a priest about that. If you and your spouse have not been married before, then getting the marriage sorted out should not be a problem. I urge you to do that.

I’m not sure I understand what you mean about being attached. Is it the case you don’t want to belong to a particular parish and their community? Or that you don’t want to get attached to going to mass? If it is the parish, then don’t worry. We should attend our territorial parish, but we don’t have to. I used to go to mass to different churches, whatever was the best option on a given sunday. If the question of attachment is the mass, then I would suggest you just relax, be open to the Holy spirit and don’t fight where you are being led. God has a way of getting under our skin and I swear, when that happens people never regret their attachment.

God bless you on your journey.
 
Pray about this and reflect. Then follow the advice of the others and go to Confession. You definitely want to get right with God and soon.

If you need further clarification you can always PM me.
 
Confession is a wonderful step to make - though to be honest, I haven’t been to confession in…15 years? Something like that.

I seem to be making my own slow journey back to the church and like you, don’t want to be involved too quickly.

Like other’s have suggested, baby steps will get you there.

Praying for your health,

Peace,
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