Lackluster Faith

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PClark456

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For several years I’ve felt this sense of a lackluster faith. I don’t feel that fire that some people feel when they speak of and experience in their faith. I am a Cradle Catholic and have gone to mass almost every Sunday from ten years. I try to pray an hour before the Blessed Sacrament at least twice a moth and try to make it to confession once a month but work obligations tend to keep me from attending to it more often.

I don’t think books, or videos will help. Advice would be nice but now that my pastor is being moved I don’t know who to turn to since it might be a long while before they find his replacement. I don’t have many friends devoted to the faith as much as I wish I was and my family, despite being raised Catholic, are a mishmash in level of devotion.

I am a CCD teacher and it seems the only time I am “on fire” for the Church is when I am teaching the faith but unfortunately some times I feel disingenuous.

I just need something anything that can uplift me make be feel that fire again when I was younger. I could use the encouragement.
 
There’s no need to be a constant wildfire. Be as the pilot light in the stove; small and inconspicuous, but always alight.

Talk to your family. I think you’ll find they have much advice to offer you, especially since they know you so well.

There’s no formula to “getting it right.” Slow down your life, pay attention, and keep a positive support structure.

Could you go to another church and speak with a priest there?
 
Unfortunately the closest parish after mine is another city. Since I can’t drive it is hard to get in touch with any other priests other than my Pastor and his assistant. When my Pastor officially steps down Father O’Bell (his assistant) will take over as administrator which will make his life far more busy than he already is.
 
Would you consider speaking to an Orthodox priest? I would be happy to help you get in contact with one.

I only suggest this due to your situation.
 
As in Russian Orthodox or Orthodox Catholic? Because there is Saint Tikhon’s RO Monastery which is quite close to where I live they have a house a block away from were I live. Unfortunately no one is living there yet.
 
“Russian Orthodox” is a part of the Orthodox Catholic Church. They are one in the same.

If you tell me what city you’re in, I can search for a nearby parish, that is, if you would like. You can send me a PM if you don’t want to share that information in the thread.
 
I am in Carbondale Pennsylvania, the closest Russian Orthodox Parish would be Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in Waymart
 
Have you thought about going on a retreat? I think most of us have felt like you do more times then they want to admit…but our parish priest says that the times you feel least like going to Mass are the times you NEED to go the most. That kinda helps me at times. He is also big on saying God is there…always…even when we can’t feel his presence.

Try a weekend retreat if you can swing it. Some of them can be very powerful. Lastly, you might want to try to volunteer at a Stubenville Retreat, since it sounds like you like to work with the youth, there you can see some very excited kids and also get to hear some great speakers as well as helping out!
 
I understand what you feel, or how you fail to feel. I am in that state too. But, I’m not going to tell you how to feel on fire again because I don’t know. I’d just like to share some stuff about not feeling on fire.

There’s Mother Teresa: in.reuters.com/article/2007/08/24/idINIndia-29140020070824

Also, I found this interesting and perhaps pertinent quote in the following booklet:
loveandmercy.org/Eng-TP-Reg.pdf

It’s as though Jesus is speaking, and He says,
4) I embrace all the souls that come to Me because I came
to Earth to make the love with which I embrace them
grow. And since love does not grow without sorrows;
little by little I withdraw the sweetness, to leave the
souls in dryness. And this is so that they fast from their
own joy to make them understand that they must keep
their light focused on another desire: Mine.

Praying for you.
 
Recommend yourself to the Blessed Virgin Mary and pray your rosary daily and faithfully, asking Mother Mary to help you.

The Russian Orthodox Church is schismatic, not Catholic. God bless you.
 
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