Returning To The Catholic Church

Congratulations! Next step a Billy Graham style Catholic Crusade!

Just kidding. All the best for your future.

AussieChris said:

That's awesome you went as well!!!

The crazy thing about today is when President Trump got shot, I was actually in Confession, confessing my sins to God and then saying my "Our Father" and my "Hail Mary's." I'm not sure at what point I was at when the shooting happened but I feel good knowing I was making things right between God and myself and I was in God's house during that time.

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I confessed my sins of being judgemental. As I am in the center, politically, I am fed up with both sides, so I told the priest that I have criticized both parties, and judge quickly in general. Had to say three "Hail Marys" afterwards. I am not sure what time the major news event happened, but I think it was a few hours ago, but definitely at least an hour after confession.

The Guardian says it was 5:13 PM my time (6:13 PM Pennsylvania time, age rating: 16+ due to depiction of blood): What we know about the shooting at a Donald Trump rally

AussieChris said:

Update.....
I went to Confession today! Explained to the Priest that it has been several years since my last confession. I confessed all my sins to the Priest. He absolved me of my sins, gave me 1 Our Father and 5 Hail Mary's.

I'm an active member of the church again and I feel AMAZING!!!!!!

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So happy for you. I also welcome you home!

AussieChris said:

That's awesome you went as well!!!

The crazy thing about today is when President Trump got shot, I was actually in Confession, confessing my sins to God and then saying my "Our Father" and my "Hail Mary's." I'm not sure at what point I was at when the shooting happened but I feel good knowing I was making things right between God and myself and I was in God's house during that time.

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This afternoon I went to Mass but shortly before the shooting. Driving to Church, I saw that a
local gas station had a big banner near the highway that said ’Pray for Our Country‘, a sign which I hadn’t seen before. It felt like a ‘command’, so I said a prayer right then and when I got to Mass, one of my Mass intentions was prayer for our country. I’m so glad I did. Our country desperately needs prayer.

I know what a relief it is when I haven’t confessed for awhile and the confession goes well and my penance doesn’t feel burdensome. But I’m reminded of a confession I had where I thought my penance wasn’t tough enough and said so to the priest. He laughed and asked me if I’d feel better if my penance would be to say the rosary while crawling on my knees in the church parking lot. LOL!

I know what a relief it is when I haven’t confessed for awhile and the confession goes well and my penance doesn’t feel burdensome. But I’m reminded of a confession I had where I thought my penance wasn’t tough enough and said so to the priest. He laughed and asked me if I’d feel better if my penance would be to say the rosary while crawling on my knees in the church parking lot. LOL!

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The venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen had this to say about hearing nuns' confessions -

“Hearing nuns' confessions is like being stoned to death with popcorn.”​

― Fulton J. Sheen

Your confession might have been a bit more heavyweight.

I don't know about you but I usually find that when I go to reconcilation (not often enough), I have the same old shopping list of pet sins I had the last time.

AussieChris said:

HI SashaMaria!

Yes, I have received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. I will definitely call my Parish and make an appointment with the Priest. With how long I have been away from the church, I suspect Confession will take some time.

I appreciate you! Thank you!

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I was away for over 20 years and thought the same thing. The priest seemed underwhelmed at my confession. Although I was able to receive the sacraments especially the Eucharist, it was another 15 years for me to submit and accept all of Catholic doctrine, but when I did, I received overwhelming grace, and the sin that used to so easily beset me with my doubtful conscience, was gone. The grace of God flows through the sacraments and He does come to us when we receive Him as a little child

Peace be with you sashamaria. It was easy to go to confession and start receiving the sacraments, but it is a long road home. Narrow is the way, straight is the gate that leads to life

When you go to confession, that is your first step on that straight and narrow road. You need to develop a disciplined prayer life, so you can ask God for the grace to continue. I like the rosary as it is easy and well known. There are other disciplines, just take one where God leads you.
To know God’s path for you, you have to look at your enemies. We all have them, and God has them in your life for your good. He has commanded you to love them. It is ok to ask God why? He will tell you. A good thing to remember is the spiritual battle is in your mind. Prayer can change your thoughts to God’s thoughts as we are promised the mind of Christ

I am rambling and I could go on and on as I am so happy for you. I have walked your path but I am not better than you, as Our Lord says the last will be first and the first will be last. I am your servant and will do anything even to the point of shutting up and leaving you alone

I am happy and will pray for you

Alright, @AussieChris, my brother in Christ. Here are some resources for a returning Catholic:

1. Catholic Bible (NRSV-CE preferred)
2. Catholic Catechism (most recent edition)
3. Roman Missal (3rd Edition)
4. Prayer Book

Michie said:

We are required to confess at least once a year. That’s the bare minimum from what I was taught.

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Regular confession, at least once per month is a tremendous aid in the spiritual battle.

When I was a Protestant, I thought the spiritual battle was without. I thought I am saved and I love Jesus so I am good, others need help. Oh how wrong I was

God gives us free will, so we have to use that will to choose God, no matter the cost. I received grace when I fully submitted to the authority of Christ and His Church. Not my will, but thy will, I choose you Lord. That battle is within us, and it happens daily, and Satan with his minions use all kinds of tricks and snares to get us to use our wills outside the will of God.

Regular confession helps us to form our conscience properly, and prayer focuses our mind. Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows has the benefit of revealing your sin and the nature of the spirit oppressing you.
The spiritual battle is within your mind and how you think. Your will is free, so that is the point of Satan’s greatest attack