How can I start all over in the Catholic Church?

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HI I have been tring to renew my life in the church but, i am not sure where i need to start to do so. I have been wondering if i need to go to confession (the huge life confession) before i can start on the road.....i am confussed also as to if i can come back depending on the sins in my past. Is there some way i can find out? I lost my father at a young age and i just realised that is when i left the church in my heart. Any help would be so welcomed.

-- young woman (lost@rasiedcatholic.com), November 15, 1999

Answers

Response to How can i start all over in the catholic church?

don't be so confussed. Confession is a great way to start, you may want to seek a good spiritual director to help you prepare for confession and start to realise the wonderful depth and beauty of the church and the way it pesents the teachings of Jesus. Good Luck.

-- Tony Hicks (novusnet@iinet.net.au), November 15, 1999.

Response to How can i start all over in the catholic church?

where does one find a spirtual director??

-- young woman (lost@me.com), November 15, 1999.

Response to How can i start all over in the catholic church?

It depends on where you live. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you that any priest would do. My aunt, who lives in the US, went to a church where things seemed allright, having been far from the church for more than 30 years. She asked the priest about what to do, and he simply said to her to go to communion. She even asked him if she needed not to confess and he said no, it was not necessary. After more than 30 years!

On the other hand, there are plenty of new very orthodox catholic movements in the church, thank God. In a global stance, there are things like Folkolare, Communion and Liberation, and Opus Dei, to name a few. You will be wellcome in any of them and be sure to have sound spitirual direction. At least here in Brazil, alas!, unfortunately, you can expect very little from diocesan clergy, although of course there are luminous exceptions (God forgive me if I am being unjust...)

God bless you!

-- Atila (atila@none.com), November 16, 1999.


Response to How can i start all over in the catholic church?

young woman: Congratulations on your desire to renew your life in the church. Coming back supposes basically two things:

1-The Father in heaven loves you so much that He pains to see one of His children gone astray. He goes up to His terrace every day to look over the horizon to see whether you are coming back. Please don't deprive Him of the joy of seeing you back.

2- No matter how far away you went and how deep you plunged in sin and in misery do as the prodigal son: "I shall rise and I'll go to my Father" He wil come running with open arms to meet you and there will be merriment and feasting upon your return. That will make happy many thousands of your catholic brethren, among them little me!!

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), November 17, 1999.


Response to How can i start all over in the catholic church?

If when you left the church, you were of an age to understand what it was all about, I would suggest that you start with confession. You know, Bless me father for I have sinned--my last confession was 30 years ago--then list off your sins (writing them down is helpful) and discuss with the priest any points that you have questions on. You will feel a lot better and may find it easier to discuss anything else you want to know after being absolved. Ellen

-- Ellen K. Hornby (dkh@canada.com), November 23, 1999.


Response to How can i start all over in the catholic church?

Welcome to the club! - I went through the same thing some 2 1/2 years ago. Just wanting to return to your faith shows that the Holy Spirit is working in your life - Be open to Him and listen to His quiet voice. I found saying the Rosary a great starting point in my new life, but it was not easy for me, as I went kicking and screaming as my old ways held me back from making a good confession. It took three tries, but I finally realized that I was my worst enemy, and that I needed to supress my ego and become more child like in my faith. Be like a child, reach out to your Savior Jesus Christ for He is waiting there for you with opened arms. God Bless you - Your Brother in Christ - Dennis

-- Dennis (ddelauri@intertex.net), December 03, 1999.

Response to How can i start all over in the catholic church?

To The Lady - The suggestion of a Spiritual Director is very sound indeed. May I suggest as was stated go to confession and if in you area there are Franciscans or some such Order one will I am sure give you Spiritual Direction.

AS is told us one one sheep retirns to the fold " All the angels rejoice " Can you hear them???

-- jean bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), December 05, 1999.


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