Future convert looking for guidance

[tim]

Long story short, I was raised Catholic but I became an atheist, and now at the age of 17 I am planning to begin attending mass again when I go to college.
What can I do now (besides attend mass) to prepare myself to become Catholic again? I have a bible (KJV) and internet access of course, but I’m not sure where to turn for spiritual guidance or even where to start. I’m a bit overwhelmed by it all.

 

[7_Sorrows]

Why wait until you go to college? Why not start attending Mass now?
I am a convert, but I believe you search out a priest and speak with him and you may have to make a confession. Were you confirmed or just baptized Catholic?
Did you receive your first communion?
Those are topics you need to speak to a priest about.
If your college has a Newman center on campus I strongly recommend contacting the priest their too.

 

[tim]

I am uncomfortable asking my parents to take me to church because of how vehemently I fought to not go to church when I was younger.
I did receive first communion and I was definitely baptised but I am not sure whether I was confirmed. I would have to ask my parents (which would also be uncomfortable).
Because of my opposition to going to church my whole family stopped going to church. I regret this deeply and want to somehow fix the situation.
I guess I could talk to my parents about it but something makes the idea of it feel strange.

 

[Kei]

Yes, talk to your parents about it if you are OK with that.
Consider contacting a local priest.

 

[guanophore]

I guess I could talk to my parents about it but something makes the idea of it feel strange.

This is a perfect place to start with repentance. Talk to them, tell them how uncomfortable you feel about changing your mind, and how uncomfortable it is that your refusal affected the family. This was not all about you. After you came of age to be home alone, they could have gone without you, or just taken you in spite of your complaints. The fact that they did not start going back after you were older says there was something else going on For all you know, they will be ecstatic you changed your mind! Put your pride aside and talk to them.

Find a Catholic radio station and listen to it as often as you can.

Get a Catholic bible, or use the online bible at the USccB website. STart by just reading the daily mass readings and meditate on them. You will need to prepare for a good confession, so download some help on that.

http://www.thelightisonforyou.org/w...3/01/TheLightIsOnForYou_GuideForTeenagers.pdf

http://www.bereconciledtogod.com/pdfs/teensexaminationofconscience.pdf

 

[7_Sorrows]

Can you call the church where you were baptized and received your first communion and ask them if they have a record of you being confirmed?
There are many children who really don’t like going to church, so I think the Holy Spirit is moving you to return to the Catholic Church or to begin asking questions about faith and God. I believe many people question religion, faith and God at some point.
Speaking with a priest would most definitely help.
It shows maturity on your part that you are open to learning about your faith again.
And if you were baptized Catholic and received your first communion, I believe you would be reverting, not converting.
Once a Catholic, always a Catholic I have heard.
Please, see a priest. God bless you on your journey.

 

[tim]

Thank you. I will contact the church where I was baptised.