Learning about Catholic all over again?

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juana

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I want to apologize a head for some of my question that might sound dumb, but I am trying to learn all over again since I have been away from the Catholic church so many years. What classes as a young child do kids take? When my son was 10 he took a class and learned a lot but I don’t know what the class was for ( I feel bad about that), he had to wear a white shirt and black tie and pants and on Sunday I believe he took his first commuinon. I thought it was a class for commuinon. Then someone told me that there is another class he has to take after that class. Well he is 17 years old now and well he never took that class. And now I have a daughter who is 7 and we are going back to a Catholic church what do I need to do? Thank you for your help.
 
No need to apologise. Your questions are not dumb at all.

Contact the parish closest to you and explain to them what you have just told us. Most likely, since you have been away so long and your son has not received all the Sacraments, you will be asked to join RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time or if it seems impediments are put in your path. Many times we are tested when we seek Christ’s True Church.

The article at the link below is has a lot of information.
catholic.com/library/How_to_Become_a_Catholic.asp

May Christ be with you on your journey home.
:signofcross:
 
The best thing you can do is start with the Bible. Get yourself a Catholic Edition of the Bible and begin reading. Also, purchase a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It explains the whole faith accurately, clearly and succinctly.

I would recommend that you begin reading the articles on Catholic Answers. They are a great way to learn about the faith.

Also, if it available, watch EWTN and listen to the programmes on the radio. This is a great Catholic radio and television channel. You will learn a great deal.

Lastly, participate in the discussions on this forum. You’ll learn a great deal by doing so. However, some people will express unorthodox view and opinions. Always remember to rely on and believe what the Church teaches about the faith and about herself.
 
juana said:
I want to apologize a head for some of my question that might sound dumb, but I am trying to learn all over again since I have been away from the Catholic church so many years. What classes as a young child do kids take? When my son was 10 he took a class and learned a lot but I don’t know what the class was for ( I feel bad about that), he had to wear a white shirt and black tie and pants and on Sunday I believe he took his first commuinon. I thought it was a class for commuinon. Then someone told me that there is another class he has to take after that class. Well he is 17 years old now and well he never took that class. And now I have a daughter who is 7 and we are going back to a Catholic church what do I need to do? Thank you for your help.
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I would start with a basic question and answer catechism. This will instruct you in the beliefs of the Church. They are at the same time simple to understand, and very instructive. Here’s a link to one that is available online.

cin.org/users/james/ebooks/master/pius/pindex.htm

BTW, it is great to see your desire to learn more about the faith. The Catholic faith is what our intellect longs for, and God is what our will was made for. You seem to be responding well to the grace God is sending you. Keep it up! And feel free to post any questions here. I will be praying for you.
 
Can my family and I attend a Catholic Church and receive the word of God and not participate in any catholic pratice? Even though my husband and I are Catholics we have not been to church. We believe that we don’t have to confess our sins to a priest, so I really don’t think I should practice the catholic religion again if their are some things I don’t see eye to eye on. I just want to find a church where I can receive the word of God for my family and myself. But is it wrong to go and attend a Catholic church if I am not going to pratice it?
 
juana said:
Can my family and I attend a Catholic Church and receive the word of God and not participate in any catholic pratice? Even though my husband and I are Catholics we have not been to church. We believe that we don’t have to confess our sins to a priest, so I really don’t think I should practice the catholic religion again if their are some things I don’t see eye to eye on. I just want to find a church where I can receive the word of God for my family and myself. But is it wrong to go and attend a Catholic church if I am not going to pratice it?
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This will be a good website for you. It is understandable that you might not agree with everything the Church teaches at this time. But, instead of firmly disagreeing, ask us to explain the reason for the various teachings. Keep an open mind You will be surprised how much sense everything makes when it is explained properly.

Start by reading the catechism I linked to above, and then ask individual questions here.
 
By all means, go to Mass but since you are not yet ready to return fully, don’t receive the Eucharist. You may go up with the others at Communion, but cross your arms over your chest to indicate to the priest that you will not be receiving and you will receive a blessing instead.
 
Can my family and I attend a Catholic Church and receive the word of God and not participate in any catholic pratice? Even though my husband and I are Catholics we have not been to church. We believe that we don’t have to confess our sins to a priest, so I really don’t think I should practice the catholic religion again if their are some things I don’t see eye to eye on. I just want to find a church where I can receive the word of God for my family and myself. But is it wrong to go and attend a Catholic church if I am not going to pratice it?
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Don’t rush anything. You can’t practice a faith you don’t know or understand. For instance, before saying you don’t believe in the need to confess your sins to a priest, maybe you should do learn the reasons behind this practice?

There is nothing wrong with attending Mass. However, DO NOT RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST. This is very important. You must not recieve the bread and wine until you are in a state of Grace.

I recommend that you start by reading about the faith. Leave no stone unturned. We are here to help you. Ask us any question you want and we will do our best to find you the answer.

Reserve judgement until you learn about the faith.
 
juana said:
Can my family and I attend a Catholic Church and receive the word of God and not participate in any catholic pratice? Even though my husband and I are Catholics we have not been to church. We believe that we don’t have to confess our sins to a priest, so I really don’t think I should practice the catholic religion again if their are some things I don’t see eye to eye on. I just want to find a church where I can receive the word of God for my family and myself. But is it wrong to go and attend a Catholic church if I am not going to pratice it?
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Anyone is welcome to come and attend Mass, but non-Catholics should NOT receive Communion (since we believe in the Real Presence AND it is a Sacrament of Initiation). Likewise, if you are returning to Catholicism, you should abstain from Communion unless you make a formal Confession first. (It is common for even Catholics to abstain from Communion, if they haven’t been able to make it to Confession, and they have a mortal sin to confess.) That said, I know many people who are not Catholic that attend Catholic services on Sundays (or the Saturday Vigil Mass).

Confessing to a priest is a core belief of Catholicism. Of course, you are not actually confessing to the priest… you’re confessing to God. The priest is there to recommend a penance as a form of atonement for what you’ve done. Let me put it this way. Let’s say I’m a kid, and I’m playing outside, and I hit a baseball through my neighbor’s window. Now, perhaps I run inside, and I’m truly sorry for what I’ve done, and I confess it to God. It is entirely possible that I am legitimately sorry, and God forgives me. However… the more honest thing to do is to go confess what happened to my neighbor, tell him I’m sorry, and agree to pay for his broken window. This is a more honest sign that I am truly sorry for what I’ve done and that I’m committed to making it better. God forgives all sin, but there is STILL a temporal punishment that must be endured, either on earth, or in purgatory (if I don’t atone for it before my death). If I steal money from my boss, I may later truly be sorry for it. I may even go and apologize to him personally, and he may accept my apology. However, that doesn’t change the fact that I may have to serve some time in jail. (A temporal punishment.)
 
Thank you all for your insight on this. This forum is a really good for people like me. I always wonder why people crossed their arms and now I know thank you. I think my family and I are going to take it slow and see how everything goes. As long as I am receiving the word of God for myself and my family I am happy. Thank you all for your help, God bless you all.
 
We are so glad you are returning to the Catholic faith!!!
One of the best things you can do to restore your knowledge
of the practices is to attend RCIA classes. You will learn
so very much!! Many “cradle” Catholics at our parish should
attend the classes just to freshen up on things.

Check with your priest about the classes and when they
will begin at your parish. The classes for the children are
called CCD classes. Our parish holds RCIA and CCD on the
same night so that everyone can attend together…

Again…WELCOME HOME!!!
 
People have addressed some of your other questions but I don’t see anything about your children.

There are two things that are important for your children’s faith lives. One is instruction about the faith and the other is to have parents who are practicing Catholics.

Both of your children should be in classes to help them prepare for the sacraments. Your daughter will be looking forward to receiving her First Communion while your son will be looking forward to Confirmation. Check with your parish to see when these classes are offered.

While classes are good, they are nothing compared to having parents who go to Mass and practice their faith. Children usually value what their parents value.

I join with others here in saying WELCOME HOME.
 
We believe that we don’t have to confess our sins to a priest, so I really don’t think I should practice the catholic religion again if their are some things

**Why do you believe this? Is it on the basis of your own study of the Bible?

Or is it because you haven’t been to confession in a while and it’s convenient and comforting to have an excuse not to go to confession?**
 
juana said:
Can my family and I attend a Catholic Church and receive the word of God and not participate in any catholic pratice? Even though my husband and I are Catholics we have not been to church. We believe that we don’t have to confess our sins to a priest, so I really don’t think I should practice the catholic religion again if their are some things I don’t see eye to eye on. I just want to find a church where I can receive the word of God for my family and myself. But is it wrong to go and attend a Catholic church if I am not going to pratice it?
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All who are seeking God are welcome under Canon Law to participate in the Liturgy of the Word.

Now, if you don’t believe in the need for Confession, you have, in all probability, left the Catholic faith*; going and hearing the word is acceptable, but communing is not.

*The requirement for confession to a priest is biblical in its origins; the Apostles were granted power over sin BY Christ.
 
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