Irishgal,
Yes, God and the church will welcome you with open arms. I know this for a fact. Having spent around 30 years away from my religion, though I did not join another.
You really are still Catholic, having been baptized.
Make an appointment with a priest. He will guide you on your next steps, which undoubtably will include confession, some counseling, and whatever else you may need. Confession was tough for me; I did not live a very virtuous life. But the priest I confessed all to is one of my best friends now and he was very patient with me on my journey back.
It was the best thing I have ever done, even my friends have notice a change in me–and they say for the better! I have become a lector and this fall will become a Eucharistic Minister. My faith is stronger than it ever was before and am more appreciative of it.
I will pray for you that your journey will be a happy one.
Remember one thing: God never left YOU. Well, two things: Forgiveness is only a talk away.
Another Irish girl