what's the best way for someone who has been outside the church for a long time to take a tentative step back?
I have wanted at different times for years to try to repair my relationship with the church, go back to confession after 16 years, discuss a lot of problems I have with the church and the dogma with an open mind.
I've had this fear of rejection though, because of too many past experiences, that I will have a bad experience if I go to my random local priest here in Brooklyn NY.
I'm interested in hearing what anyone who is practicing has to say especially if you've come back to the church yourself after some time or if you've struggled with issues of the doctrine/the institution of the church.
and if anyone is interested enough to discuss this stuff, feel free to mail me privately
2006-11-08 16:26:23 · 9 answers · asked by daedalus 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Welcome home!
Have faith in God. In Him all things are possible. We are all prodigal sons and daughters at certain times in our lives and the Father will always take us back.
Start by going regularly to Church.
Become involved in your parish.
As you become comfortable, go to confession and begin receiving the Eucharist.
Take classes that discuss the doctrines of the Church, most of your struggles may be based on misunderstandings.
With love and prayers in Christ.
2006-11-08 18:03:38 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, I am and have always been a practicing Catholic, but may I suggest that you go through the RCIA classes at your local church. I know RCIA is usually for those seeking to join the church from other faiths, but this is not always the case. Some go to help others, some to learn more about their faith, other, like you have left the Church and are looking to return home. This would ease you back into the Church and you may learn some things you didn't know or have forgotten. Leave what is in the past in the past and try to move on. All priests are different. In my experience they are generally good people. Hope you find this helpful.
God bless,
Stanbo
2006-11-08 16:34:30 · answer #2 · answered by Stanbo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I fully understand the tentativeness you have, never doubt Gods mercy. I was away for 20 years. I returned 4 yrs ago during the Easter season. I did the novena of Divine Mercy, look into that.
I've been on fire ever since. Totally changed my life around. I was the problem not the church. God loves you so very much and the angels and saints in heaven will be rejoicing and praising God of your return ( the prodigal son). In the mean time I would recommend to do the Holy Rosary Mary has NEVER rejected anyone who went to her.
I will email you to give you a more personal testimony and help you as best I can.
2006-11-08 16:53:07 · answer #3 · answered by Gods child 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Churchs vary from each other because the father of each church have different approaches to Catholicism. Just find a church in you're area where you feel comfortable and where the ideals are similar to yours.
At my church I'm with people I know and who share the same ideals as me. I'm free to question the bible and the Church and I'll get intelligent answers (one backed by evidence and whatnot) so I'm really interested in Catholicism.
2006-11-08 16:32:46 · answer #4 · answered by pacific_crush 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, the only way to do it is to just go. Start by going to mass again, then when you are ready and have done alot of soul searching, go to confession and start recieving communion. Don't worry about the time that you have spent away, it is only keeping you from returning, and that is what is important! Seek out another Church that you can go to if you need a fresh start. If you think too much about it you will keep finding reasons to not return, and that is not good. God wants you to return. So just go! Good luck and God Bless you for returning! As far as converting to Prodistantism, I wouldn't do that. It is not the same religion, and you would be cheating yourself out of why you want to return to the Catholic fold, the Eucharist. You CAN do it.
2006-11-08 16:31:31 · answer #5 · answered by The Nag 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I went back to the church after a 20-year gap and i was accepted back. I still do not agree with a lot of policy, but you should not be afraid of your church
2006-11-08 16:28:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
maybe you should try a different church. try a protestant church for a while and see if that restores your faith. no fear of rejection, no priest to make you feel even guiltier about your sins, and some of the practices are slightly different than a catholic church (although the religion is still the same).
2006-11-08 16:28:53 · answer #7 · answered by mighty_power7 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
My priest got mad at me once when I asked about this:
The Catholic Encyclopedia [1913, Vol. VIII, p. 329] states: “Jehovah, the proper name of God in the Old Testament; hence the Jews called it the name by excellence, the great name, the only name
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08329a.htm
I hope you find what you seek.
2006-11-08 16:32:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
fear not my friend, I fell in a similar predicament.
the best thing to do is to go to confession and talk to the priest. they will know how to guide you back.
your soul is dead, but through the church it can be reborn
2006-11-08 16:32:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋