Returning to the Church. Possibly?

[peter26]

I used to post on this forum years ago so this is the first place I thought to come for advice.

I converted to Catholicism through the Ordinariate just over four years ago. About a year later, I started to have a bit of a crisis of faith. This was brought on in part by the fallout over Amortis Latitae, and partly over some rather overcritical people within the parish who didn’t seem to take kindly to anyone coming in and being involved in any ministries (especially ex-Anglicans). Bottom line, I became less involved, I went to Mass less often, and eventually stopped going entirely.

I’ve been giving some thought recently to trying to return to the Church. I’m not 100% sure if I want to do this or not, but I’m considering it, or at least considering trying and seeing how it goes for a while. I moved to a new town about four months ago, so I would be starting out fresh in a parish where no one knows me. But there are a number of reasons I am hesitant.

• Probably the top reason I hesitate is that I came to realise after my conversion that there are a number of Catholic doctrines that I really struggle with, not the least of which is papal infallability.
• On a more practical note, I am aware of my own sinfulness and of the sins I commit routinely and that, based on past experience, I would have to return to weekly confession if I start going to Mass again, something I am not sure was entirely healthy for me and probably made me slightly scrupulous. What is more, I would have to go to confession to a priest I don’t know, which makes the idea ten times more intimidating.
• There is no local Ordinariate group in my new town, nor are other more traditional options such as the Tridentine Mass avaliable.
• I feel if I am going to make an effort of it, I should be sure enough that I can make some sort of commitment.

Maybe its not a good idea. Maybe I should try. I’m not sure. I’d appreciate any advice or insights.

 

[StudentMI]

Absolutely you can return to the Church. I struggled with the idea of papal infallibility during my conversion but I came to accept it after reading more on it. Once you understand how it works it’s not as all embracing as people think, as in everything a Pope says at any time is infallible teaching.

As for liturgy, the NO, even though I don’t prefer it, is still the Mass. The trick is finding a parish that celebrates it reverently as opposed to folk Mass type liturgies.

 

[JulianN]

The trick is finding a parish that celebrates it reverently as opposed to folk Mass type liturgies.

… although, of course, one can have a reverent liturgy that also includes singable contemporary music.

 

[StudentMI]

… although, of course, one can have a reverent liturgy that also includes singable contemporary music.

Of course. I just meant if the OP doesn’t prefer that that’s okay too. I myself avoid the evening Sunday service because it’s, well, it’s not my type of thing. But a couple weeks ago I overslept (work second shift) and I went to that one because it’s the Mass.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Regarding papal infallibility, the Pope doesn’t exactly go around making infallible statements daily, or weekly, or very often at all. Also, from talking to others in the Ordinariate, my impression is that the few things that are considered by many to be infallible, such as the statement against women priests, don’t seem to be issues that trouble Anglican converts.

Setting that aside, there is one and only one big reason to keep going to Catholic Mass. That is to see and receive our Lord Jesus Christ in his Real Presence in the Eucharist.
Everything else - annoying parishioners who don’t welcome others to ministry, music that’s not to one’s taste, etc - is a side issue.

I could find plenty to annoy me about the local Catholic churches if I wanted to do that, but I just keep my eyes on the prize which is Jesus.

 

[1ke]

You don’t have to receive the Eucharist at every mass you attend.

So start going to mass at your local parish, make an appointment and talk to the local pastor about your spiritual concerns and your probable scruples and follow his direction on confession.

 

[Metis1]

I returned back to the Church from my 20 year stint with Judaism a bit over 2 years ago, and I told our priest that I will always have questions (I’m a retired scientist), because that’s my nature, but that I can commit myself to the Church. Learning about my theological background, he asked me to co-teach the RCIA program as I had over 20 years ago for 14 years, and I’m enjoying it. I also rejoined the Knights as well.

Feels great to be back.

 

[Jimbo]

Do you believe that the Catholic Church is the true Church founded by Christ?
Do you believe that the Catholic Church has the Eucharist, which is Body, Blood, Sould and Divinity of Christ?

If so, go back. The rest can be figured out.

I’m sorry you had difficulty with your parish; truly I am. That is hard, and sometimes people are jerks. However, remember that any Church, be it Protestant, Catholic, or Quaker, is made up of fallible, grouchy, sometimes nasty human beings. You’re there for Christ; and to participate in the sacrifice of the mass. Not necessarily for fellowship and good people on committees.