Where to start studies - Late 20s Female in NYC

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jessb902

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Hello,

I am a baptized late 20s female who is trying to discover Catholicism again. I completed my communion as well. I haven’t practiced in 15 years… I don’t know where to start. I really need instruction on the “fundementals”. I tried to google some bible study groups but they seem to only be for high school students. Does anyway know a resource that I can go to?

Thank you!
 
Are you looking for a formal class or maybe a book recommendation?

Honestly, if you just want to get the very basics, I would start with the Catchecism and maybe even something like Catholicism for Dummies. (Not saying you’re a dummy, it’s just one of those basic overview books. Pretty sure that one is written by a priest.) Bishop Barron’s podcast is also good.

In any case, I would try to get a firm grasp on the fundamentals before you try to tackle anything denser. Otherwise, you’ll just be lost.
 
Fr. Trigilio’s “Catholicism for Dummies” is a good read.
 
I would recommend reading the following, in this order:

New Testament
Catechism
Anything by Scott Hahn, Peter Kreeft, or Brandt Pitre
 
Welcome back :hugs:
Go to confession and head back to Mass.
:pray:t2::pray:t2::pray:t2: for your faith journey!
 
Congratulations! I came back after 30 years and there was great joy in the Heavens, as there is for you.
This is what I did:
  1. Prayed and kept praying regularly. Prayed for guidance to help return.
  2. Emailed nearby priest for help.
  3. Met priest; discussed circumstance then confession.
  4. Went to Mass and received communion.
  5. Bought a bible - the version chosen was the New Catholic Answer Bible, which has informative inserts.
  6. Bought and read a book called ‘Faith for the Future’ which is an illustrated Catechism.
More came after this but always pray. I examine my conscience and try to understand what caused me to wander so as to avoid that happening again. Then rejoice.
 
Speak to a priest. In NYC I know you have lots of options for that. He may be able to suggest a course option to help you if you need instruction on fundamentals. If the first priest isn’t helpful, try another priest/ another parish. We are happy you’ve returned!
 
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jessb902 said:
I really need instruction on the “fundementals”.
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Here is an excellent link of an audio catechism with short mp3s for every topic covered by the Catechism. It makes it easy to learn. You can play them when going to bed and just listen, you can concentrate and let it all sink in. They are presented with powerful real life anecdotes by Archbishop Fulton J Sheen. Click on the following link to check it out:

AUDIO CATECHISM LINKS
 
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Make an appointment to talk to the pastor of your local church. Tell him that you received baptism and first communion and then have been away from the faith. If you have not received a confirmation, he will make plans to help you receive that sacrament and learn what you are missing. He will help you with the sacrament of confession, and returning to receiving the Eucharist at mass.

There are several routes that catechesis (instruction) could take depending on the resources of your parish. Your pastor might want you to join RCIA.
 
I was lapsed in my late teens and early twenties too. Watching EWTN and reading Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn is what made me fall in love with my faith again.
 
EWTN - has some great things.
Daily mass - if you’re lucky enough to do so.
Even this very site - has some great things !
 
Wonderful advice here! I agree with all of it, and am so glad you are coming home to the Church again!

Instead of RCIA, there might also be a separate class for Catholics who only need the Sacrament of Confirmation. Our parish offers that class. But you might just want to sign up for RCIA anyway and really go through the basics. Your parish secretary can put you in touch with the coordinators of the classes and they can guide you.

I second those who suggest listening/watching to EWTN. There is also an app for Relevant Radio. It’s amazing how much theology and fundamental basics you can absorb by listening to the radio shows.

Make sure you get a Bible and start reading through the Gospels. The books suggested are good. Another basic one is Why We’re Catholic by Trent Horn. Go to Adoration as often as you can…it really can work a miracle in your spiritual life.
 
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