Finding Myself Back on that Right Track

[SFAgal03]

From December 2006-August 2007, I’ve moved three times: from East Texas to the metroplex, from there to Iowa, back to a different part of metroplex. I am a godmother, I am a confirmation sponsor, I am a founding member of a Catholic sorority. The thing is, I seem to have gotten myself into-not a rut, but I can’t find the right word-a pot hole on the road that is the right track. I am paving my road with good intentions, but we all know how that goes. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get out of the ditch and back on the road? Part of the problem is an absence of church and that’s because I’ve been moving. But I am now pretty permanent in my location and my job requires a lot of God’s grace. I could easily go the other way, but I don’t want to, so, again. Any suggestions? Thank you all so much!
Love in Christ,
Kristi

 

[benedictgal]

From December 2006-August 2007, I’ve moved three times: from East Texas to the metroplex, from there to Iowa, back to a different part of metroplex. I am a godmother, I am a confirmation sponsor, I am a founding member of a Catholic sorority. The thing is, I seem to have gotten myself into-not a rut, but I can’t find the right word-a pot hole on the road that is the right track. I am paving my road with good intentions, but we all know how that goes. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get out of the ditch and back on the road? Part of the problem is an absence of church and that’s because I’ve been moving. But I am now pretty permanent in my location and my job requires a lot of God’s grace. I could easily go the other way, but I don’t want to, so, again. Any suggestions? Thank you all so much!
Love in Christ,
Kristi

Get a very good, holy and grounded spiritual director who can guide you along. Then, if your schedule allows, go to daily Mass. There is no such thing as going to the well too many times. I know that I’ve done it.

Praying the Rosary also helps. If there is anyone who has gotten more people out of spiritual potholes, it’s Mary. Remember, she went through childbirth miles away from home. She and St. Joseph had to up and leave with her infant Son to save him from Herod’s wrath. She and St. Joseph anguished three days and nights looking for Jesus. She saw her Son die and stood by him when nearly everyone abandoned Him. She strengthened the Apostles as they awaited the Holy Spirit. She’ll stand by you.

Of course, right now, I’m going through my own personal struggle. My parochial vicar, who is also my best friend, said some very unkind and hurtful things to me. I think that if he were to have slapped me, the pain would have been easier to bear than his remarks.

But, this is not about me, it’s about you.

If you have a perpetual adoration chapel in your city, go and sit there and pray. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything. He knows you’re there and you know that He’s there.

By the way, how old is your city? Mine is 252 years old; I thought we were one of the oldest in Texas.

 

[SFAgal03]

Thank you for the comments! Very good and helpful suggestions.

I’m not in the oldest town in Texas anymore…should change that. I went to school in Nacogdoches, though the citizens of St. Augustine claim that they are the oldest town…the world may never know.

 

[puzzleannie]

hey from the Valley (McAllen area)

there is a good retreat center in laredo I think it is called St. John’s, brothers who live in a former Ursuline convent, diocese could put you in touch. Had a great retreat there a couple of years ago.

just start going to Mass and find a parish home, and sign up for something, anything, teaching CCD, taking a bible study, helping with St. Vincent, answering phones, any kind of service. this time of year they are probably looking for RCIA sponsors. Serving is the shortcut to making friends in the new parish, to feel like you belong to the community, to get to know parish culture, and most of all the cure for spiritual malaise.

 

[benedictgal]

hey from the Valley (McAllen area)

there is a good retreat center in laredo I think it is called St. John’s, brothers who live in a former Ursuline convent, diocese could put you in touch. Had a great retreat there a couple of years ago.

just start going to Mass and find a parish home, and sign up for something, anything, teaching CCD, taking a bible study, helping with St. Vincent, answering phones, any kind of service. this time of year they are probably looking for RCIA sponsors. Serving is the shortcut to making friends in the new parish, to feel like you belong to the community, to get to know parish culture, and most of all the cure for spiritual malaise.

The Brothers might be having a Christmas/New Year’s Retreat, I think. Their telephone number is (956) 722-3399. Ask for Fr. Mary Joseph. He is the best! If you are where I think you are, just head south down US 59 and you’ll be in Laredo (it ends in Laredo).

The first Advent after my mother died (I’m an only child), I met my PV (who is also my best friend although I’m on the outs with him right now) in the confessional. He was pastor of a church, at the time. After confession, I met him face-to-face as he was trying to put lights together (it was Christmas Eve and it was rather interesting watching him try to do this while avoiding tripping on his cassock). He told me that he hated putting lights together and asked if I wouldn’t mind helping. That did it and, before you know it, I was helping him every Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week and Easter. I also significantly augmented my litgurgical knowledge by working with him and he entrusted me with planning liturgies for the Cathedral, and, eventually for the diocese. Both of us have read B16’s books on the liturgy. In fact, I hope we reconcile soon because he’s got some of my books.

It all started with a simple Christmas light detangling. Maybe that’s what it will take for you.

 

[SFAgal03]

I went to the Community of St. John when I was in 10th grade with my youth group. I LOVED it! That was one of the best times of my teen years and some of the most spiritual days I’ve ever spent in one week! We participated in their desert day and were dubbed “the holy youth group.”

Thank you both for the suggestions. I appreciate it a lot!

Kristi

 

[SFAgal03]

In fact, I hope we reconcile soon because he’s got some of my books..

I hope you do, too. Especially as the holidays are here. I’ll pray for the two of you to patch things up. Have a blessed week!

Kristi