Overwhelming Myself With Wanting Knowledge

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JasonAdams

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I am looking for some advice on how to continue my question for knowledge, understanding, and discernment in my Catholic faith without swamping myself with materials or trying to cover too many things at once.

I converted to Catholicism in 2013 and have been trying to be a sponge and soak up all things Catholic. I feel like I have a lifetime of Catholic knowledge I have missed out on and need to make up as quickly as possible. I find myself taking on several projects, self-assigned reading and studying requirements and in the end I feel overwhelmed and and disorganized and complete none of it. I am also preparing to start my Masters of Catechesis degree through Catholic University of America either this summer or next fall and I am sure that I will be able to use the courseware as a handrail to guide me through the more important things I should know.

My issue that I find myself struggling with since my confirmation, is I felt like I was just left to the wind. I knew I needed more guidance and learning but wasn’t given a direction to go or a plan to follow. I appreciate any advice or tips. God bless.
 
I’ve been thinking about that too. I guess I just assumed it would be my priest, but I guess that’s not true right?
 
Doesn’t have to be, but asking him is the best place to start. Even if he can’t, he may know who can.
 
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Like Kei said, call. I pounced on mine one day after Mass. He agreed graciously and has been very good to me, but looking back I think I unfairly put him on the spot.
 
I have a great relationship with my priest so that’s an easy request.
 
I think this is a common feeling of neophytes and new convertees.

Relax.

Spend some time simply reading scripture and attending Mass.

Let the Spirt work…its God’s timeline, not ours.

Don’t be wrapped up in apologetics, church politics, canon law, and legalism. Instead concentrate on the Gospel…reading it, praying it, and living it!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice!
 
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I’d suggest picking one thing to concentrate on for a long period of time, like six months or a year. For example, if you decide you are going to be mostly reading Scripture, then just spend a whole year doing nothing but reading the Bible and getting to know it better. If instead you wanted to learn to pray LOTH, just spend a year focusing on that.

Then move to the next thing when ready to take the next step. Your spiritual director could help you with deciding what to choose and what to do first.
 
This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Slow down and enjoy the ride.

Slow and steady wins this race.
 
Very good advice, thank you. Apologetics was an area that I became overwhelmed. I enjoy listening to the “pros”.
 
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