In Need of Catholic Boot Camp?

[KnightErrant]

TL;DR: Is there a kind of Catholic boot camp out there for individuals to do? I thought about maybe trying to renew my Marian Consecration right now but not sure if that would be appropriate or fit the need.

I recently posted asking for prayers in the prayer intentions section. I’m posting here to ask for something more like advice.

I don’t know if it is related or not but a few months ago I came forward to my parish priests about the idea of me going to seminary and joining the priesthood. I feel terrible because soon after I did this everything seems to have gone wrong.

I developed some health issues, I’m having difficulty making it to mass, confession, or adoration like I used to. Also my “little” devotions have also fallen by the wayside.

Is there some kind of Catholic Boot Camp an individual could do?

Have others been in similar situations?

Is this the point at which I should approach my parish priests again for some spiritual advice?

Thanks.

 

[edward_george1]

Is there some kind of Catholic Boot Camp an individual could do?

There are spiritual retreats, if that’s what you mean. Not really a “boot camp” per se, but sometimes there’s a benefit to going away from your normal routine (or lack thereof) and praying along with a religious community or participating in a guided retreat.

Is this the point at which I should approach my parish priests again for some spiritual advice?

Absolutely. Better than asking for advice online.

-Fr ACEGC

 

[Cjbhoward]

You could go on retreat. Ask your parish office if there are any coming up in your area.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Did you have a spiritual director?

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Often when someone is striving to be holy, they get hit by some obstacles. Your mission is to try to do the best you can around those obstacles.

One thing you can do without having to leave your home or work is a Nineveh 90 or Exodus 90 program. They help people develop spiritual practices over 90 days. You can also generally find a support group for them online to join with, if there isn’t a group physically meeting in your area. If you’re having health problems, you might need to adapt some of the stuff like fasting, which is fine, lots of people make those adaptations, but you can still do the prayers, etc.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

Do actual boot camp. Everyone gets more religious in boot camp.

 

[ziapueblo]

Is there some kind of Catholic Boot Camp an individual could do?

Christ is born!

I’m Byzantine Catholic so I’m going to come at you from and Eastern angle. Have you heard of the Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner,” or the shorter version, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on my”?

This is a powerful prayer that can bring great healing and joy to the mind, body and the soul. The prayer just repeats itself. You can find a nice quiet place and recite it. If you like you can purchase a prayer rope to use. Here are some great resources for praying the Jesus Prayer: The Way of the Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way, The Jesus Prayer by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware and the best resource The Philokalia. They come in both print and kindle editions.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

Blessed Theophany!

ZP

 

[GospelOfMatthew]

I use a bit of a religious regiment to keep myself ordered and scheduled. 12:30pm daily mass, 3pm Divine Mercy Chaplet, 6pm Rosary, 9pm Bible study/adoration and then throw in other stuff when I have time.

I also highly recommend The Jesus Prayer as @ziapueblo mentioned. It’s a wonderful prayer that is quick and constantly centers us on the infinite mercies of Christ