Pre-Marriage Wobble Over - now what?

[Rose71]

Thanks to all who helped me through my recent panic about my future with a good and kind Catholic man (yes, I did take my brain out and wash it - metaphorically speaking of course!)

Something I did more than usual of over the last couple of weeks is praying and I found I was able to really look forward to my time at prayer, rather than see it as I do at times, like cleaning my teeth i.e. I know it’s good for me, but I’d rather just get it done and snuggle up in bed

I’ve never felt the religious life of a sister was my calling although I do truly believe that my time as a single person enabled me to complete a few tasks that have helped others and helped me grow as a person and that the time was not wasted.

Anyway, moving swiftly on…if all goes well, I hope one day I shall be married and serve God by making my marriage the best I can, but I want to do more to keep up my relationship with God and to learn more about prayer and the Church. I feel that once in a marriage, there are only so many deeds I can commit to (I used to spend a lot of time volunteering for various groups and causes) but I can pray any time.

I don’t know anything about groups like Opus Dei ( apart from some pretty interesting rumours!) and I know the orders of Knights are for men. What is out there for women (or men and women) who want to give a little more to God through prayer and good deeds?

Can anyone suggest books I could read (I am thinking of the Jesuit Guide that Darklight suggested in another thread) I want to thank God for bringing me a lovely, caring and amazing man when I least expecetd it and had all but given up hope.

 

[red85]

I’d recommend “the Story of the Soul.”

I have heard stories of mothers having mystical experiences, increased time within the hour in which to pray. You don’t go looking for those favors from God, obviously, but it is evident that you can be a secular mother and still be very close to God.

There are other books I can recommend. “The Catholic Catechism of the Church” is dry but illuminative. “Theology and Sanity” by Frank Sheed is a favorite book of mine - it’s a bit intellectual, though. I think “Introduction to the Devote LIfe” by St. Francis De Sales would be a good fit for you - it discusses how people in different states of life achieve sanctity.

Pray for me, and I will pray for you.

 

[Br.Carlo]

God’s peace. Being one myself, I strongly recommend that you consider looking into becoming a Third Order Franciscan (SFO). The opportunities for service as a lay Franciscan are tremendous, and can be adapted to any walk of life. Ask around at your local parish and you are bound to find out where a local SFO fraternity is. God bless! ~Br. Carlo~