I will be returning to Church, not yet

[fred_conty]

Lot’s of signs pointing to me returning to the Church. Won’t do so until I’m ready to make an effort to attend regularly.

I decided, when I go to confession, I’ll mention that I haven’t been to church in a few years, even though I don’t really think that’s a sin. I’ll just mention it and leave it at that.

There have just been some strange coincidences indicating that I’m meant to return, people I’ve run into, little signs here and there. It’s been a season of change for me.

Basically, no matter where I go I’ll find it no entirely in line with my POV, but Catholicism is home. I’m not going to be a hard liner, I won’t be the Conservative Catholic that people here prefer. But, I can’t stay away forever.

When you go to confession this week, just tell Father that it has been a while, and that you need help. Then let him take over and help you, that is what he is there for. You aren’t the first one to do this, and he will be more than happy to guide you thru it.

You will feel so much at peace being one with Jesus again. It is what he wants, to be with you. Once you’re in confession it just comes out and is much easier than you may think.
The sooner, the better you will feel about yourself and your whole life. Let Jesus clean it all up and bless you.

May God bless and keep you. May God’s face shine on you. May God be kind to you and give you peace.

 

[Country_Gal]

I may be going Saturday.

 

[CarolNoel]

“Mass is where heaven and earth kiss.
Where time and eternity meet, because the Lord of lords and the King of kings
becomes present on the altar.”

 

[Gordon_Sims]

That’s what I get, I suppose, for posting anything in a public forum.

No, I don’t believe that a person will go to Hell for missing church. The Catholic faith seems so real and good until people start saying that. It’s that legalistic nonsense that is such a turn off to me.

As far as scrutinizing, reading some of the threads here awakened me to the fact that there are a few who are quite scrutinizing of others in church. It makes me feel like the church is a fishbowl!

I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but the Church is full of sinners. You’re going to get this at least to some degree no matter which parish you go to. You may find some to be more open & welcoming, others that are large enough that everyone’s fairly anonymous, but the parishes I’ve been to, by and large, have their own fair share of cliques, scrutinizing and gossip. And it’s certainly not restricted to just the parishioners. When our second daughter was born and we went to have her baptized, we had to jump through so many hoops at our parish of then 8 years that we finally had to have her baptized at another parish.

You shouldn’t let the petty, clique-y members of the parish keep you away, though. The sacrifice of the Mass isn’t about worrying about what Mrs. Stevens or Old Man Carter thinks about how you’re dressed or whether you showed up on the last Holy Day. It’s about hearing God’s word and receiving the Eucharist.

That being said, don’t worry so much about the legalistic side of things, at least not to start out. When I started restrengthening my faith, one of the last things that improved was my Mass attendance. It did take a big jump immediately since I went from going whenever it was convenient to going at least every other week. It took a while for me to work myself up to weekly attendance, and that came about not from a sense of not wanting to break the rules, but from a sense of needing to go every week. Barring serious illnesses, I never miss weekly Mass or Holy Days now, and I try to get to daily Mass when I can.

One thing to keep in mind regarding regular attendance and how others in the parish view and treat you, is that I’ve never been to a parish where those who are most involved aren’t treated better than the rest. While one would hope that a parish would be equally open to each of its members, I think human nature throws a wrench in that. The more involved I am at our parish, the more I have people come up and say hi after Mass, the more easy it is to deal with the parish staff, etc. If you’re not a regular volunteer or attendee, though, don’t take it personally when people treat you that way. I have a friend who quit going to Mass. When I asked him why, one of the big reasons was that they quit giving him the parishioner rate for his daughter’s PSR classes. He and his wife hadn’t been to Mass since sign-up the year before, and their daughter hadn’t been to Mass outside of the ones for the PSR students, but they felt they still should have qualified. He wasn’t too appreciative of my lack of sympathy.

 

[Starrsmother]

I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but the Church is full of sinners. You’re going to get this at least to some degree no matter which parish you go to. You may find some to be more open & welcoming, others that are large enough that everyone’s fairly anonymous, but the parishes I’ve been to, by and large, have their own fair share of cliques, scrutinizing and gossip. And it’s certainly not restricted to just the parishioners. When our second daughter was born and we went to have her baptized, we had to jump through so many hoops at our parish of then 8 years that we finally had to have her baptized at another parish.

You shouldn’t let the petty, clique-y members of the parish keep you away, though. The sacrifice of the Mass isn’t about worrying about what Mrs. Stevens or Old Man Carter thinks about how you’re dressed or whether you showed up on the last Holy Day. It’s about hearing God’s word and receiving the Eucharist.

That being said, don’t worry so much about the legalistic side of things, at least not to start out. When I started restrengthening my faith, one of the last things that improved was my Mass attendance. It did take a big jump immediately since I went from going whenever it was convenient to going at least every other week. It took a while for me to work myself up to weekly attendance, and that came about not from a sense of not wanting to break the rules, but from a sense of needing to go every week. Barring serious illnesses, I never miss weekly Mass or Holy Days now, and I try to get to daily Mass when I can.

One thing to keep in mind regarding regular attendance and how others in the parish view and treat you, is that I’ve never been to a parish where those who are most involved aren’t treated better than the rest. While one would hope that a parish would be equally open to each of its members, I think human nature throws a wrench in that. The more involved I am at our parish, the more I have people come up and say hi after Mass, the more easy it is to deal with the parish staff, etc. If you’re not a regular volunteer or attendee, though, don’t take it personally when people treat you that way. I have a friend who quit going to Mass. When I asked him why, one of the big reasons was that they quit giving him the parishioner rate for his daughter’s PSR classes. He and his wife hadn’t been to Mass since sign-up the year before, and their daughter hadn’t been to Mass outside of the ones for the PSR students, but they felt they still should have qualified. He wasn’t too appreciative of my lack of sympathy.

What you say Gordonsims is the absolute truth! I fell away from the church for over 30 year–and what triggered my leaving was something incredibly stupid on my part that basically involved members of the Parish who hurt my feelings. For years, my Mom–now dead–tried to get me to come back and always pointed out to me that the Catholic church was not just a social gathering of like-minded friends for a social purpose. I didn’t buy what she said, stayed away, and now I’ve been home for about 2 years—but none of my 5 kids are Catholic (though I did have all 5 baptized) as I failed to raise them in the church!

Being Catholic has to do with having a personal relationship with Jesus–and I apologize if that sounds a bit protestant but it’s true! Being Catholic is about the beliefs, traditions, dogma and above all sacraments of our faith. There are good people everywhere. There are also sanctimonious, pompous, horse’s you-know-whats everywhere–and that includes in all Catholic parishes. If you drop out of the church because of some idiot who offends you, then you have allowed that person or persons to deprive you of something that you can’t replace. Go to Mass and let the fools be fools–it won’t hurt you unless you allow it to do so!

 

[Starrsmother]

I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but the Church is full of sinners. You’re going to get this at least to some degree no matter which parish you go to. You may find some to be more open & welcoming, others that are large enough that everyone’s fairly anonymous, but the parishes I’ve been to, by and large, have their own fair share of cliques, scrutinizing and gossip. And it’s certainly not restricted to just the parishioners. When our second daughter was born and we went to have her baptized, we had to jump through so many hoops at our parish of then 8 years that we finally had to have her baptized at another parish.

You shouldn’t let the petty, clique-y members of the parish keep you away, though. The sacrifice of the Mass isn’t about worrying about what Mrs. Stevens or Old Man Carter thinks about how you’re dressed or whether you showed up on the last Holy Day. It’s about hearing God’s word and receiving the Eucharist.

That being said, don’t worry so much about the legalistic side of things, at least not to start out. When I started restrengthening my faith, one of the last things that improved was my Mass attendance. It did take a big jump immediately since I went from going whenever it was convenient to going at least every other week. It took a while for me to work myself up to weekly attendance, and that came about not from a sense of not wanting to break the rules, but from a sense of needing to go every week. Barring serious illnesses, I never miss weekly Mass or Holy Days now, and I try to get to daily Mass when I can.

One thing to keep in mind regarding regular attendance and how others in the parish view and treat you, is that I’ve never been to a parish where those who are most involved aren’t treated better than the rest. While one would hope that a parish would be equally open to each of its members, I think human nature throws a wrench in that. The more involved I am at our parish, the more I have people come up and say hi after Mass, the more easy it is to deal with the parish staff, etc. If you’re not a regular volunteer or attendee, though, don’t take it personally when people treat you that way. I have a friend who quit going to Mass. When I asked him why, one of the big reasons was that they quit giving him the parishioner rate for his daughter’s PSR classes. He and his wife hadn’t been to Mass since sign-up the year before, and their daughter hadn’t been to Mass outside of the ones for the PSR students, but they felt they still should have qualified. He wasn’t too appreciative of my lack of sympathy.

What you say Gordonsims is the absolute truth! I fell away from the church for over 30 years–and what triggered my leaving was something incredibly stupid on my part that basically involved members of the Parish who hurt my feelings. For years, my Mom–now dead–tried to get me to come back and always pointed out to me that the Catholic church was not just a social gathering of like-minded friends for a social purpose. I didn’t buy what she said, stayed away, and now I’ve been home for about 2 years—but none of my 5 kids are Catholic (though I did have all 5 baptized) as I failed to raise them in the church!

Being Catholic has to do with having a personal relationship with Jesus–and I apologize if that sounds a bit protestant but it’s true! Being Catholic is about the beliefs, traditions, dogma and above all sacraments of our faith. There are good people everywhere. There are also sanctimonious, pompous, horse’s you-know-whats everywhere–and that includes in all Catholic parishes. If you drop out of the church because of some idiot who offends you, then you have allowed that person or persons to deprive you of something that you can’t replace. Go to Mass and let the fools be fools–it won’t hurt you unless you allow it to do so!

 

[kozlosap]

I may be going Saturday.

The Holy Father’s article yesterday seemed aimed at those of us who gave fallen away! What a blessing he is to the Church, no matter what the naysayers spout on these CAF.
I’m fortunate to live in a city with a very large Jesuit parish and I look forward to hearing the homilies every week. If you live near such a parish, give it a try! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[desales09]

I confess - I’ve been scrupulous and scrutinizing, both of myself and of others. Things have gotten better over the years, though. I am truly sorry for having been a stumbling block for people trying to come closer to God, because in many ways, I have been. Pope Francis’ interview, though it is difficult, is helping open my eyes further to that fact. I apologize on behalf of those you may have encountered, Country Gal. I am glad you’re seeking to return to Christ and His Church. May He guide you and bless you.

 

[Country_Gal]

I confess - I’ve been scrupulous and scrutinizing, both of myself and of others. Things have gotten better over the years, though. I am truly sorry for having been a stumbling block for people trying to come closer to God, because in many ways, I have been. Pope Francis’ interview, though it is difficult, is helping open my eyes further to that fact. I apologize on behalf of those you may have encountered, Country Gal. I am glad you’re seeking to return to Christ and His Church. May He guide you and bless you.

What a kind and generous post. Thanks and blessings on you.

 

[Captain_America]

I actually think it is an ENORMOUS mistake to adopt the dualism of “conservative” and “liberal” when it comes to Catholicism.

This does an injustice to the teachings of the Church.

The Church is the Church. It’s no political party. If you view it through the lens of a political affiliation, it is extremely easy to misunderstand the basics of the faith.

I urge you to study the Catechism and take it for what it is, as the foundational statement of the organization.

(The propagation of the idea of two parties in the church comes to no small extent from those who wish to split the church in two. It also comes from those who want to do violence to the church by bending it in one way or another).

 

[Captain_America]

If one insists on putting on Political Blinders when viewing the church, it should be pointed out in all honesty that some “liberal” ideas coexist with “conservative” ones. . . and that some “conservative” positions coexist with “liberal” ones.

It’s easy, thus, to be a political conservative who is frustrated with the church. It is easy to be a political liberal who is frustrated with the church. . . but the problem comes for both because they try to force the church to be something she is not. . . kind of like expecting a television set to make toast for you.

It’s the universal church, meant for the world, and not for the politics of one nation or media market.

 

[Skyhighblue34]

rubs hands together

That’s what you think.

http://dailypicksandflicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/soon...cat-covered-with-pillows.jpg

Hahaha

 

[TrueLight]

Lot’s of signs pointing to me returning to the Church. Won’t do so until I’m ready to make an effort to attend regularly.

I decided, when I go to confession, I’ll mention that I haven’t been to church in a few years, even though I don’t really think that’s a sin. I’ll just mention it and leave it at that.

There have just been some strange coincidences indicating that I’m meant to return, people I’ve run into, little signs here and there. It’s been a season of change for me.

Basically, no matter where I go I’ll find it no entirely in line with my POV, but Catholicism is home. I’m not going to be a hard liner, I won’t be the Conservative Catholic that people here prefer. But, I can’t stay away forever.

Just take that first step and God will do the rest.

 

[Robyn_p]

Lot’s of signs pointing to me returning to the Church. Won’t do so until I’m ready to make an effort to attend regularly.

I decided, when I go to confession, I’ll mention that I haven’t been to church in a few years, even though I don’t really think that’s a sin. I’ll just mention it and leave it at that.

There have just been some strange coincidences indicating that I’m meant to return, people I’ve run into, little signs here and there. It’s been a season of change for me.

Basically, no matter where I go I’ll find it no entirely in line with my POV, but Catholicism is home. I’m not going to be a hard liner, I won’t be the Conservative Catholic that people here prefer. But, I can’t stay away forever.

So glad to hear this!! :extrahappy:

 

[Kal2012]

Don’t worry about the conservative part. God does not ask of you to be conservative, he asks that you are faithful.

Exactly. I know many faithful Catholics who aren’t conservative.

God isn’t conservative or liberal. God is.

Also, if we didn’t struggle with our faith, then I’d wonder why it was worth having that faith.

 

[Novila]

Exactly. I know many faithful Catholics who aren’t conservative.

God isn’t conservative or liberal. God is.

Also, if we didn’t struggle with our faith, then I’d wonder why it was worth having that faith.

Right - I’m just coming back to the church myself (inching in fact!) and am coming to terms with the fact that it is a faith. Catholicism is a faith and requires faith which is believing in something while not intellectually knowing its so-called “truth.” You know this already of course but it is difficult for me at least to understand that I will keep having these feelings of doubt, of uncertainty, of faithlessness now and again. And that’s normal. I just also notice that I keep coming back, and that tells me something important.

 

[R_C]

ok well maybe I’ll forget it. Going to church is a repetitive hassle really. People scrutinize you. Ugh.

Life is a repetitive hassle, people always scrutinize us, but ultimately only the good Lord has any saying in who we are.

And while we are not under any law, but under grace (which in faith through works fulfills the divine law), belonging to the God-given Church whose God-chosen ordained ministers (sinners like you and me) are given authority to absolve us from our sins and to bring Christ to us in the Eucharist does seem to me like a good way to be esteemed in the eyes of the only person whose opinion matters: our living Lord God, Jesus Christ.

I converted in adulthood after living an average life and harboring not too good feelings towards the Church, but after knowing what takes place on the altar and in the confessional, I would be unable to walk away without running back to the Lord. I know, I have tried it. It’s no good. The Church alone has the words of life, because Christ dwells with her.

All we do in life is repetitive. Our life is quite oscillatory, both physically (which relates to the innermost structure of creation and the universal language in which it is inscribed) and spiritually.

The Church only asks, for the sake of our immortal soul, that we attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist for one hour on the Lord’s Day, that we confess our sins at least once a year in Easter, and that we receive Christ in Holy Communion at least once a year in Easter. Not much of a hassle, really.

You can sit in the back corner of the Church during Holy Mass, and confess behind the veil so even the priest will not see you face to face. You can be hidden in Christ, if you so wish.

If you truly knew and believed that God is present on that altar, you wouldn’t even be questioning your belonging to the Church. You should, if I may, ignore all else and focus solely on meditating on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and on its implications concerning priests and the Catholic Church. A great place to meditate on this is any chaplet of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Sitting on a back row and meditating in His presence (regardless of whether or not you believe that He is present) can do wonders to your soul.

May you find what your restless heart is looking for, and may you always treasure it afterwards.

 

[Starrsmother]

Life is a repetitive hassle, people always scrutinize us, but ultimately only the good Lord has any saying in who we are.

And while we are not under any law, but under grace (which in faith through works fulfills the divine law), belonging to the God-given Church whose God-chosen ordained ministers (sinners like you and me) are given authority to absolve us from our sins and to bring Christ to us in the Eucharist does seem to me like a good way to be esteemed in the eyes of the only person whose opinion matters: our living Lord God, Jesus Christ.

I converted in adulthood after living an average life and harboring not too good feelings towards the Church, but after knowing what takes place on the altar and in the confessional, I would be unable to walk away without running back to the Lord. I know, I have tried it. It’s no good. The Church alone has the words of life, because Christ dwells with her.

All we do in life is repetitive. Our life is quite oscillatory, both physically (which relates to the innermost structure of creation and the universal language in which it is inscribed) and spiritually.

The Church only asks, for the sake of our immortal soul, that we attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist for one hour on the Lord’s Day, that we confess our sins at least once a year in Easter, and that we receive Christ in Holy Communion at least once a year in Easter. Not much of a hassle, really.

You can sit in the back corner of the Church during Holy Mass, and confess behind the veil so even the priest will not see you face to face. You can be hidden in Christ, if you so wish.

If you truly knew and believed that God is present on that altar, you wouldn’t even be questioning your belonging to the Church. You should, if I may, ignore all else and focus solely on meditating on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and on its implications concerning priests and the Catholic Church. A great place to meditate on this is any chaplet of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Sitting on a back row and meditating in His presence (regardless of whether or not you believe that He is present) can do wonders to your soul.

May you find what your restless heart is looking for, and may you always treasure it afterwards.

AMEN! We could and should do so much more–but God truly only requires so little out of us in comparison to all that He gives us willingly and for free!

 

[Country_Gal]

Still working up to returning, but not ready yet. Maybe during Advent…

A lot going on in life right now. Thanks to everyone for their concerns.

 

[Joy2day]

Well in my experience -.i have more or less been attending the same church for the past 4 years (at least), & some of the regulars stll say to me “hi stranger”. that church is big though. In smaller churches it can be, well… maybe you’d prefer to be anonymous - they’ll eat you alive. Just offer it up. It is true, re the saint who said “life on earth is a battle” & thete is no more battle than the one going on for the soul. And this battle certainly continues in the church. The closer to Christ, the more the battle. I remember a picture of JP11 clinging with all his might, in a galeforce wind pushing him backwards, to a stake with the crucifix on it. And i thought, that really just about sums it all up.