C
ChristiRose8
Guest
Hi, friends
This is my first post, and I hope it’s under the right forum/topic.
I converted a few years ago through RCIA to Catholicism. Unfortunately, since being confirmed, at various points in my life I have left and returned to the church again. A few months ago I left and joined a non-denominational church in my city and “rededicated” myself to Christ by getting re-baptized. At the time I was so confused and really thought that I was doing a good thing. I also threw out all of my Catholic items(Statues, Crucifixes, rosaries, pamphlets, font, etc.–I know, and I’m cringing now just thinking about it
) thinking that I would never return to the church again. However, I’ve been called back. I can’t explain it, but this Church is just a part of who I am. Although I’m not a Cradle Catholic, I feel as though it is part of my heritage almost and like this is where I need to be. I felt an indescribable pull back to the church. I met for spiritual guidance with a parish priest, confessed during the counseling session, and returned to the glory that is Mass on Christmas(and today, of course!). I’m so, so happy to be back again. I wish I had never left. I feel awful about throwing my things(and most of all my faith) out so carelessly for so long and I have a lot of guilt about it.
:tsktsk:
I have a few Protestant friends and acquaintances that were instrumental in my leaving the Church the last time. They were people who I asked questions of and they tried to encourage me during that time. They are very nice people, but being a bit non-confrontational I’m a little nervous to see or talk to them and tell them I’ve gone back to Catholicism. I’m proud of my faith regardless of whether they agree with it or not. Should I seek out these folks(some of whom I speak to only sporadically) specifically to let them know I’ve gone back? Or just wait and see if they call me and then bring it up? I’m really embarrassed because I’ve been so wishy washy in the past jumping from this church to that church and back again that I know that people are going to be like, “What?! Again?!”. I always mean well, but once I find that whatever out there is not as perfect and all-wonderful as it appears from the outside I begin to long for the Mass, our Tradition, our Liturgy, devotions, and most of all, the Eucharist and I return. So embarrasing(not that I return, but that I am so flighty and wishy washy).
Part of me wants to just get the conversation over with so that I don’t feel like I’m hiding anything but logically I think that for someone who needs to get back on firm ground in the Church I know I don’t need to be badgered or debated at this point. I know that I have to become strong in my faith. Part of me just wants to let these friendships go altogether, as many of them were situational or seasonal and now that I won’t be attending that particular church and don’t work with a couple of them any longer I don’t really "need’ to see them again. Would it be terrible of me to just quietly fade away if possible? I’m so glad to be back in the church again. If it would be better for me to stay away from those who might speak negatively against my faith I would be happy to do so if it means I get the ultimate glory of being in Jesus’ presence every week! Would this be unChristian of me to do, though?
Any advice for a recent returner to the faith? Any recommendations on how to strengthen myself so that I can be a confident Catholic again? I want to have unshakable faith. I never want to leave the church again! Any encouragement, advice, or support is so appreciated. Hopefully one day I can be a mature Catholic, as well! Thank you and God bless!
This is my first post, and I hope it’s under the right forum/topic.I converted a few years ago through RCIA to Catholicism. Unfortunately, since being confirmed, at various points in my life I have left and returned to the church again. A few months ago I left and joined a non-denominational church in my city and “rededicated” myself to Christ by getting re-baptized. At the time I was so confused and really thought that I was doing a good thing. I also threw out all of my Catholic items(Statues, Crucifixes, rosaries, pamphlets, font, etc.–I know, and I’m cringing now just thinking about it
) thinking that I would never return to the church again. However, I’ve been called back. I can’t explain it, but this Church is just a part of who I am. Although I’m not a Cradle Catholic, I feel as though it is part of my heritage almost and like this is where I need to be. I felt an indescribable pull back to the church. I met for spiritual guidance with a parish priest, confessed during the counseling session, and returned to the glory that is Mass on Christmas(and today, of course!). I’m so, so happy to be back again. I wish I had never left. I feel awful about throwing my things(and most of all my faith) out so carelessly for so long and I have a lot of guilt about it.:tsktsk:I have a few Protestant friends and acquaintances that were instrumental in my leaving the Church the last time. They were people who I asked questions of and they tried to encourage me during that time. They are very nice people, but being a bit non-confrontational I’m a little nervous to see or talk to them and tell them I’ve gone back to Catholicism. I’m proud of my faith regardless of whether they agree with it or not. Should I seek out these folks(some of whom I speak to only sporadically) specifically to let them know I’ve gone back? Or just wait and see if they call me and then bring it up? I’m really embarrassed because I’ve been so wishy washy in the past jumping from this church to that church and back again that I know that people are going to be like, “What?! Again?!”. I always mean well, but once I find that whatever out there is not as perfect and all-wonderful as it appears from the outside I begin to long for the Mass, our Tradition, our Liturgy, devotions, and most of all, the Eucharist and I return. So embarrasing(not that I return, but that I am so flighty and wishy washy).
Part of me wants to just get the conversation over with so that I don’t feel like I’m hiding anything but logically I think that for someone who needs to get back on firm ground in the Church I know I don’t need to be badgered or debated at this point. I know that I have to become strong in my faith. Part of me just wants to let these friendships go altogether, as many of them were situational or seasonal and now that I won’t be attending that particular church and don’t work with a couple of them any longer I don’t really "need’ to see them again. Would it be terrible of me to just quietly fade away if possible? I’m so glad to be back in the church again. If it would be better for me to stay away from those who might speak negatively against my faith I would be happy to do so if it means I get the ultimate glory of being in Jesus’ presence every week! Would this be unChristian of me to do, though?
Any advice for a recent returner to the faith? Any recommendations on how to strengthen myself so that I can be a confident Catholic again? I want to have unshakable faith. I never want to leave the church again! Any encouragement, advice, or support is so appreciated. Hopefully one day I can be a mature Catholic, as well! Thank you and God bless!
