Need help coming home

[simpleman]

I hope this is in the right place, so sorry in advance if it’s not. Anyway, to make a long story short, I’m hoping to get some advice on how to get my mind right and come home to the Church.

Long story short, I’ve been away from Church about 6 months. We’ve had a rough time of it financially, which is why I’ve been a little angry with the Lord. But now I see some things happening, that will ease the strain somewhat. We’re still deep in debt, but at least I don’t think we’ll lose our home. Hopefully.

So now I’m wanting to come back. But I"m having a hard time getting a good confession together. I guess I’m looking for advice on how to sort out what I’ve done. How do you go about making a good confession?

Hope you can help.

simpleman

 

[wxboss]

The parish I attend RCIA at is actively involved in Catholics Come Home. It appears to be quite successful.

I wish I could help you more, but I do suggest you at least explore a bit the website I linked above.

Hoping that your journey home will be very fruitful.

“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners…”

 

[JRKH]

I hope this is in the right place, so sorry in advance if it’s not. Anyway, to make a long story short, I’m hoping to get some advice on how to get my mind right and come home to the Church.

Long story short, I’ve been away from Church about 6 months. We’ve had a rough time of it financially, which is why I’ve been a little angry with the Lord. But now I see some things happening, that will ease the strain somewhat. We’re still deep in debt, but at least I don’t think we’ll lose our home. Hopefully.

So now I’m wanting to come back. But I"m having a hard time getting a good confession together. I guess I’m looking for advice on how to sort out what I’ve done. How do you go about making a good confession?

Hope you can help.

simpleman

My simple suggestion is that you go to your priest and tell us what you have just told us. Of course you can give him a bit more detail about specific instances where you failed in your Love and Trust of God. Tell the priest that you are unsure about how to set about your confession.
Then let Him sort of guide you. He will probably ask a few questions and you simply respond as best you can.

Also don’t worry about having to have every “sin” itemized. Hit the highlights that cover most of them. For instance, it appears that much of your problem stems from giving into dispair of God’s Mercy, so rather than trying to list each time you “cursed God” or whatever, just talk about how dispair got ahold of you and as a result you failed to trust God on “numerous occasions” and even took God’s name in vain.
That, of course, is just an example and may not apply to your particular situation.

Later, if you remember something that you feel is significant you can always bring it up to the priest at then. The important thing is to get to confession and get back to communion. This will give you great encouragement to be a better Child of God.

I went through this when I came back to the Church too. Only I had been away for 30 years or more. The first time I went I made a rather perfunctory confession. Later I realized just how poor the confession was and I spent some time writing out a better and more comprehensive confession. Even this did not include each and every sin, how could it, but it covered the serious “deadly sins”. I took this and read it to my confessor, received absolution and penence. Then I took the paper home and burned it.

Anyway I tell you this only to let you know that, even if your initial confession is not as thorough as you would like, don’t be concerned. God’s mercy is great.

Peace
James

 

[Javl]

I hope this is in the right place, so sorry in advance if it’s not. Anyway, to make a long story short, I’m hoping to get some advice on how to get my mind right and come home to the Church.

Long story short, I’ve been away from Church about 6 months. We’ve had a rough time of it financially, which is why I’ve been a little angry with the Lord. But now I see some things happening, that will ease the strain somewhat. We’re still deep in debt, but at least I don’t think we’ll lose our home. Hopefully.

So now I’m wanting to come back. But I"m having a hard time getting a good confession together. I guess I’m looking for advice on how to sort out what I’ve done. How do you go about making a good confession?

Hope you can help.

simpleman

Being angry with God is understandable. There have been very few Catholics, and non-Catholic Christians too, who haven’t been angry with Him at one time or another. This means we need someone to blame for our shortcomings and don’t have enough faith in Him to ask for His help. Believe me, I’ve been there ( I’m a revert ). He understands and forgives quicker than you can imagine, as long as you’re contrite and confess to a priest. You can just say you were angry with the Lord, or you can go into detail as to why. Just confess, ask for forgiveness and do whatever penance is given you. Just remember, God’s Mercy is great and He is always willing to forgive. Go Bless.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

 

[simpleman]

Thanks for your responses. Despair - that’s it exactly. I despaired over my situation. Looking back, it was silly to despair. We’ve received everything we needed. You know, the power is still on, we have groceries in the cupboard, and the mortgage is paid; but for some reason I despaired over our situation.

I’ve been self-employed for quite a few years now, and I can see that coming to an end. I remember reading somewhere that men tend to define themselves by their profession. Mine has been self employed contractor. I really enjoyed it. I loved my work. I thought it was who I am. Guess I’m not who I thought…

I’ll be finding out tomorrow about a job I applied for a couple of months ago. You heard that old saying, The Lord works in mysterious ways? Well, when it came to this job, if I get it, I’ll be completely blown away. It’s just amazing to see how the Lord works.

It’s funny; I had quit praying all together. Then, a few weeks ago, I found myself asking Him to bring me back home. It felt silly, because I know all you have to do is suck it up, and go to confession, and do the right thing. But there I was, asking to be brought home. And now I’m on my way.

 

[wxboss]

It’s funny; I had quit praying all together. Then, a few weeks ago, I found myself asking Him to bring me back home. It felt silly, because I know all you have to do is suck it up, and go to confession, and do the right thing. But there I was, asking to be brought home. And now I’m on my way.

Great news!

 

[jmcrae]

But I"m having a hard time getting a good confession together. I guess I’m looking for advice on how to sort out what I’ve done. How do you go about making a good confession?

The first step is to get in there and do a bad one. The priest will help you.

 

[simpleman]

It’s been a good day. I went in for another interview, and was invited back for yet another one in a week or so. I’m getting anxious…

Probably going to confession tomorrow. Can’t say for sure, after having said that quite a few times already. But I intend to, lol.

I’ve been back in touch with some church friends I haven’t seen in a while, and they’re being very supportive. I don’t know what I was thinking. Sometimes I’m stupid.

Anyway, keep replying to me. You’re helping a lot!

 

[jmcrae]

It’s been a good day. I went in for another interview, and was invited back for yet another one in a week or so. I’m getting anxious…

Probably going to confession tomorrow. Can’t say for sure, after having said that quite a few times already. But I intend to, lol.

I’ve been back in touch with some church friends I haven’t seen in a while, and they’re being very supportive. I don’t know what I was thinking. Sometimes I’m stupid.

Anyway, keep replying to me. You’re helping a lot!

It sounds like you’re doing great!

 

[Javl]

It’s been a good day. I went in for another interview, and was invited back for yet another one in a week or so. I’m getting anxious…

Probably going to confession tomorrow. Can’t say for sure, after having said that quite a few times already. But I intend to, lol.

I’ve been back in touch with some church friends I haven’t seen in a while, and they’re being very supportive. I don’t know what I was thinking. Sometimes I’m stupid.

Anyway, keep replying to me. You’re helping a lot!

I’m happy to read about your progress, and NO, YOU ARE NOT STUPID! Please don’t think that way about your self. You made a mistake and the Holy Spirit has shown this to you and has led you back. Just always have faith, no matter what adversity you may be in. Our Heavenly Father is ALWAYS there to help and to guide you. God Bless.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

 

[jazzbaby1]

So did you go to confession? I’m glad that you were sensitive enough to the whispering of the Spirit to know what you needed to do. Welcome back, brother.

With love and joy,
jazzbaby1

 

[acadian]

Yep, suck it up and go! Six months isn’t bad. Many of us have been away much longer.

www.cmonback.com might be of help. (or .org - can’t remember right now).

We all do stupid things, but that doesn’t mean we ARE stupid. You hear God calling, and you have enough sense to say, “Yes.”

You’re in my prayers - just do it!!!