Honest thoughts

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chuck001

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Hi folks. I would like some advice regarding novenas. I am currently a catechumen attending RCIA and have it on my heart to pray a novena. There are tons out there and it seems a little overwhelming. I’ve done quite a bit of reading and I might just “dive in” and do one. I am well aware that novenas are sometimes answered in ways that are not expected and, of course, some are spot on. I will be the first to admit that fear of the unknown is holding me back. I am hesitant to say I am in a low place because my job is unstable forcing me to live from paycheck to paycheck. I am single and rent the upstairs of a car garage so at 35 years old, accomplished isn’t the word I would use. However, I have a strong desire to do the will of God and I have a strong desire to find a girlfriend, leading to marriage, and settle down. Not to sound cliche but I honestly want to devote my life to serving people, thus serving God, as well as live a modest life.

I’d like an opinion on this novena devotion that has been circling in my head over the past few weeks. For 9 days straight, get up early, go to adoration and say a Rosary before the 6:45a service (I say service now instead of Mass because I don’t take communion since I’m not confirmed). Afterwards, go to Baltimore to the St Jude Shrine and pray the designated novena prayer. Then before bed, say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s. From all my research, that’s what I put together. Thoughts?

I also figured, the day before I start, calculate gas mileage to and from for 9 days, which will be about $30. Then, the Shrine requests $2 for candle offerings thus totaling $18. So, the day before I start the novena, I’d offer up this $48 in prayer.

Does this seem a little overboard?
 
Personally I think if you are short on cash, just saying the novena prayer in the church you go to for Mass would be fine. But adoration, Rosary and Mass every day will do you the world of good. Daily Mass in itself is a great blessing.
 
I agree with Peter: just say the prayer in your own church. $48 is a lot of money if one lives from paycheck to paycheck.
chuck001 said:
(I say service now instead of Mass because I don’t take communion since I’m not confirmed)
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It’s still the Mass whether or not you receive Communion.

You don’t have to be confirmed to receive, but you should abstain if you have not yet had First Communion.
 
chuck001 said:
Hi folks. I would like some advice regarding novenas. I am currently a catechumen attending RCIA and have it on my heart to pray a novena. There are tons out there and it seems a little overwhelming. I’ve done quite a bit of reading and I might just “dive in” and do one. I am well aware that novenas are sometimes answered in ways that are not expected and, of course, some are spot on. I will be the first to admit that fear of the unknown is holding me back. I am hesitant to say I am in a low place because my job is unstable forcing me to live from paycheck to paycheck. I am single and rent the upstairs of a car garage so at 35 years old, accomplished isn’t the word I would use. However, I have a strong desire to do the will of God and I have a strong desire to find a girlfriend, leading to marriage, and settle down. Not to sound cliche but I honestly want to devote my life to serving people, thus serving God, as well as live a modest life.

I’d like an opinion on this novena devotion that has been circling in my head over the past few weeks. For 9 days straight, get up early, go to adoration and say a Rosary before the 6:45a service (I say service now instead of Mass because I don’t take communion since I’m not confirmed). Afterwards, go to Baltimore to the St Jude Shrine and pray the designated novena prayer. Then before bed, say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s. From all my research, that’s what I put together. Thoughts?

I also figured, the day before I start, calculate gas mileage to and from for 9 days, which will be about $30. Then, the Shrine requests $2 for candle offerings thus totaling $18. So, the day before I start the novena, I’d offer up this $48 in prayer.

Does this seem a little overboard?
Click to expand...
Is this an established novena, a combination of novenas and prayers or one of your own devising? Asking because it seems a bit complicated for a first novena. Consider that one of the purposes of novenas is to establish the habit of prayer, a devotion, and to demonstrate trust in God’s will.

For example, the First Fridays devotion to the Sacred Heart is practiced over 9 months of consecutive first Fridays. There are promises to one who has completed 9 months of first Fridays. They are wonderful promises to obtain but I don’t think one should stop observing First Fridays just because they have reached a goal.

Now, this isn’t to discourage you from doing what you suggested, just some perspective. Also, have you considered a novena to St. Joseph? It would be appropriate to the things you are praying for.
 
St. Philomena. That’s the first novena that came into my head as I was reading your post.
 
There is a distinction between a prayer life and a devotion and a novena.

A prayer life are the prayers you pray everyday. And this will depend on what is possible depending on your other responsibilites and your available time. Some examples are the daily rosary, daily Mass and communion, morning offering prayer, act of contrition prayer, meditation/contemplation, and other prayers of your choosing.

A devotion is like something/someone you are devoted to and may pray for/to besides your normal prayers. For example, Mary, wearing her scapulars/medal and saying small prayers to her as you want thruout the day. Or devotion to St. Teresa, the little flower, as a special patron that appeals to you and like. St. Francis is another one.

A novena is made for some special intention. Prayers are said 9 times, whether on 1 day for 9 months, like the first Fridays of the Sacred Heart. Or 9 days in a row to some saint for a special intention, or even 9 hours in a row. Novena means nine.

Any baptised Catholic may receive communion as long as they are in the state of grace. First communion is no different than any other communion and if you haven’t been to communion yet, you still may make your first communion at any time. And Confirmation is not necessary for reception of Communion.

This might help you sort your thoughts.
 
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