Starting my faith

[Alliepakulski]

as a child I was baptized and my parents started me at a religious preschool but they stopped with everything after that. I found this year I was becoming more interested in the catholic faith but sadly I don’t remember much from the time I spent in the environment. I wanted to find a way to connect with God, so I convinced my parents to send my sister and I to a catholic highschool. I’m very excited to start my journey and finally learn about something I’ve been so interested in for months now, but I want to take it even further. I really want to understand the faith and make the practices a daily routine before my first day of school, so any suggestions on where to start? Also I want to be able to say I recived my first communion and was confirmed to my children one day when it’s their time, but I’m obviously not. Would there be anyway I could find my way into late classes for 16 years+?

 

[Dlee]

I really don’t know, but you should speak with a local priest. They know everything and can always find a way to make things work, even in the most complicated situations. He would certainly be able to recommend some summer reading. Good luck! Attend daily Mass if you can.

 

[veritatisstella]

That is wonderful you are interested in the Catholic faith and want to learn more. On where to start, I would suggest contacting the priest at your local parish to explain your desire to fully practice the faith and ask about what programs there are and what you need to do to prepare for reception of the other sacraments.

If you wish to begin learning more on your own, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a very good comprehensive resource. It’s available for free on the Vatican website, and if you would like to buy a copy you can find it for around $10 on Amazon.

As to making practices of the faith a daily routine, the most important is prayer. If you don’t already, try adding a short morning prayer to your day just after you get up, and an evening prayer just before going to bed. Saying grace before meals is also a good practice. Also, go to Sunday Mass. Although you cannot receive communion yet because you haven’t had formal preparation for it, you can make an act of spiritual communion and grow closer to God.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to ask. God bless, and best of luck to you!

 

[Wesrock]

Do you or your parents currently attend a Catholic church? If not, I highly recommend you do (or at least ask if they can take you). I would contact the parish office and let them know you were baptized Catholic but that it never went further and that you’d like an appointment to speak to a priest about becoming more fully involved with the Church.

Since you are already baptized, you will probably want to request an opportunity to make a first confession. I don’t know if you should request that immediately, or maybe bring it up during your appointment and, if the priest doesn’t have time then, make another appointment to do it.

Since it’d be your first confession, you probably should do it in an appointment and not just in the Confessional, as you may need more time than normal.

 

[Seagull]

Wow !
I’m so delighted to read your post !
It really made me smile -
You’re showing a love for adventure - courage -
And faith !
Love hearing that you seek a daily routine !

I was reading “ All About The Angels “ today -
There’s a story about a gal named Saint Gemma ( forget her last name)
She - would be - my advice - to you
Maybe read her book…her brief story…like a summer homework assignment !

 

[End_Timer]

This gotta be her, “Galgani”

 

[Sockio]

I’ve been in this particular situation myself so I can give you some first-hand advice.

Definitely speak to someone, whether it’s a priest or another religious person. They will be able to give you all the advice you need. Be sure to ask plenty of questions too.