Losing one's way

[lufty]

I seem to occasionally loose my way, stop attending Mass more then once a week, and slip into the lifestyle I led before being called to the CC back in October of last year.

Perhaps is the fact that I don’t know any other Catholics, attend service alone, yet meet regularly with my Spiritual Advisor (but even that I’ve unconsciously avoided for some reason), or the fact that I am disappointed with my CC experience in some way, with RCIA, and my expectations that I wouldn’t be alone on the journey.

Does this happen to new Catholics regularly? I wonder at times if it’s Gods way of pointing me in some other direction, or just a failure on my end.

I’ll attend Mass tomorrow, and stop by my favorite Chapel ASAP to pray/meditate about it. Just wondering if this is an issue for other new Inquirers…

 

[Monica4316]

Hi,

there’s one thing I noticed in my own ‘conversion’ to Catholicism and that of many others… and it’s that there are always obstacles. Sometimes they’re thoughts, or feelings, other times they come from other people… and I don’t think at all this is God trying to point you in another direction. I’m pretty sure it’s actually the opposite - all this proves that you’re going in the wrong direction and someone (ie the devil) is trying to stop you. Difficulties prove it is God’s work I recommend always going to Mass even if you don’t feel like it… I did this and God really blesses it. We receive many graces through the Mass even if we’re not aware of this at the time. We just have to be attentive and participate in it with our prayers.

God bless

 

[CalCatholic]

When you attend mass you are not alone, the 'body of Christ is there with you. All the parishioners at the mass, you, all the angels and saints in heaven and most importantly, our Lord Jesus Christ is there with you. The mass is not about you or me alone, it is about us. So you are part of the ‘body of Christ’ and are never alone! God bless you!

 

[surritter]

Well, I would say don’t get frustrated. You say that you’ve unconsciously avoided meeting with your spiritual director – but this post proves that you are now at least aware of it, so make that conscious decision to set up an appointment! He or she can then give you the best advice that’s suited to your situation.

 

[aspirant]

I don’t know any other Catholics

I recommend that you start making some efforts to change this. Start looking in local parish bulletins for ministries, activities, or groups that might interest you, whether it’s a group Bible study, basketball teams, Theology on Tap for young adults, a spiritual book club, volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen, a group that knits leprosy bandages, an Irish or polka dance troupe, a mission rosary-making group, or whatever. Lots of Catholics join larger communities like the Knights of Columbus, Communion & Liberation, or the Secular Franciscans. If you don’t find something right away, make more inquiries, perhaps with an eye to starting something.

When I first became Catholic, I didn’t know many Catholics beyond the folks who worked at the local Catholic bookstore. I ended up going to grad school for theology, and met a lot of great Catholic people that way.

 

[Tiffanyha5717]

Lufty…

I don’t know what your situation is, but I think I fully undrestand. I wient through RICA last year. I fully becam a Catholic on Holy Saturday.

I grew up in a very spiritual family. Not religious just very spiritual. I was tought from a young age to live as Jesus did (kindness, do not judge, help others…). Things like that. So, I started reading about the Catholic religion and fell in love with it. I think my first mistake was reading Mother Theresa’s book. Well, Coming from a spiritual home and not particularly a “religious” home. I have a hard time “feeling” close to god by just going to mass. I open my heart up each time I walk in to the church. and yes it is nice, but I feel that being close to god is actually doing HIS work. Does this make since? Well, I am engaged to a very “religious” catholic man. But I don’t know if he fully understands the spiritual part. I really feel like I’m alone. We don’t attend regularly, due to his work schedule. I have more of a need to make a difference, by volunteering in some way, but he thinks it is a waste of my time.

What is your background?

I’d love to hear more.

Tiffany