Rachel Evans
Returning to the Catholic Church after a long absence can be a daunting prospect, but there are many resources and steps that can help ease the transition. Many former Catholics have returned to the faith for various reasons, and it's important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Seeking advice from those who have previously returned to the Church can be invaluable. Additionally, the Church offers programs such as Catholics Come Home, Once Catholic, and Landings, which provide support and community for those returning. Attending Mass, participating in confession, and connecting with a local parish are also recommended steps for reintegration. It's important to be patient with yourself and trust in God during this process, as it may take time to reestablish your relationship with the Catholic community and deepen your faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease back into the church | Watch a mass online or watch livestreams of parishes in your area |
| Join a parish and get to know the people there | |
| Attend adult religion or theology classes | |
| Be patient with yourself and trust in God | |
| Be at peace | |
| Seek advice from someone who has previously left and returned to the church | |
| Discuss your frustrations with a priest or deacon at your local parish | |
| Go to confession | |
| Begin going to Mass again | |
| Read the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church | |
| Join a local returning Catholics group | |
| Pick up a church bulletin and find out what time the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered | |
| Contact the parish office to schedule an appointment with a priest | |
| Join programs such as Catholics Come Home, Once Catholic, or Landings |
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What You'll Learn
Seek guidance from a priest or deacon at your local parish
If you are thinking of returning to the Catholic Church and need guidance, a priest or deacon at your local parish can be a valuable resource. They can provide you with advice and support as you consider returning to the Catholic faith.
Priests are often more than happy to gently lead you through your confession and answer any questions you may have about your return. They can also provide you with reliable catechetical literature and informed answers to your concerns. They can help you navigate any specific situations, such as if you have remarried outside of the church.
You can also seek guidance from your local deacon, who can offer support and resources as you consider returning to the Catholic Church. They can provide you with information about the parish and its programs, as well as help you connect with other returning Catholics.
In addition to seeking guidance from a priest or deacon, you can also find support from your local parish community. Many parishes offer programs and resources specifically for returning Catholics, such as Catholics Come Home, Once Catholic, or Landings. These programs can provide you with a community of Catholics going through a similar journey and help you sort through any issues or concerns you may have.
Remember that you are not alone in your journey back to the Catholic Church. Many former Catholics are returning to their faith, and your local parish community is there to welcome you home.
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Attend confession and mass
Attending confession and Mass is an important part of returning to the Catholic Church. If you have been away from the Church for a while, you may feel nervous about coming back. However, it is important to remember that you are always welcome back, and your fellow members of Christ's body, the Church, want you to come home. Your Heavenly Father yearns for you to return to His Church, and He will welcome you with open arms.
The first step in returning to the Catholic Church is often to go to Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance. This sacrament reconciles us to both God and the community. By admitting our faults, we can rejoice in the mercy of God and experience the joy of a renewed relationship with Him. All parishes around the world have set times for Confession, which you can usually find on their websites or in their bulletins. If you are nervous about confessing again after a long absence, let the priest know, and they will gently lead you through your confession.
After Confession, you can start attending Mass again. Attending Mass is a very spiritual insight into the Catholic faith and will help you experience Christ's presence through worshipping in the liturgy. Many parishes have events to bring people together outside of Mass, such as adult religion or theology classes, which can be a great way to get to know other parishioners and deepen your understanding of the Church's teachings.
If you have married outside of the Church or have other unique circumstances, you may need to take additional steps before returning to the sacraments. In these cases, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a priest to discuss your specific situation and determine the best path forward.
Remember, returning to the Catholic Church is a step-by-step process, and you don't have to become a perfect Catholic overnight. Place your trust in God, and He will guide you home.
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Join a parish community and get to know others
Joining a parish community and getting to know others is a great way to reconnect with the Catholic Church. Catholicism is not a solitary practice, and every baptised Catholic is incorporated into the Mystical Body of Christ. We are called to worship God together at least once a week at Mass.
Many parishes have events to bring people together outside of Mass, such as adult religion or theology classes. These classes can be a great way to dive deeper into the rich teachings of the Church. Many parishes or diocesan centres offer these classes, and they can be an excellent opportunity to get to know others in the parish community.
In addition to attending Mass and participating in parish events, you can also get involved in ministries or volunteer work within the parish. This could include joining the choir, teaching religious education classes, or helping with social justice initiatives. Getting involved in these activities can help you feel more connected to the parish community and provide a sense of purpose and belonging.
If you're unsure where to start or how to get involved, don't be afraid to reach out to the priest or parish staff. They are there to support you and can provide guidance and resources to help you reconnect with the Catholic community. Many parishes also have greeters or ushers who can welcome you and help you feel comfortable.
Remember that returning to the Catholic Church is a journey, and it's okay to take it at your own pace. Be patient with yourself and trust in God. There are also programs designed specifically to help returning Catholics, such as "Catholics Come Home" and "Landings," which offer support and community as you transition back into the Church.
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Watch mass online or in-person to re-familiarise yourself
Watching Mass online or in person is a great way to re-familiarise yourself with the Catholic Church and its practices. It can be a helpful first step to ease yourself back into the community and its rituals.
If you are unable to attend Mass in person due to illness, travel, or other commitments, watching online can be a convenient alternative. Websites like Mass-online.org offer live broadcasts of Catholic Holy Masses from churches around the world. You can also find rebroadcasts and recordings on sites like CatholicTV, which offers daily Mass from the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Watertown, MA. These online resources can be a comfortable way to reacquaint yourself with the liturgy and rituals of the Mass. You can follow along at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home.
However, if you prefer a more traditional approach or wish to fully immerse yourself in the community, attending Mass in person can be a rewarding experience. It can be reassuring to know that you are not alone in your journey back to the Catholic Church. Many former Catholics have returned to the faith, and you will find a welcoming congregation. As one person on Reddit shared, "You won't be made fun of if you don't really know what to do at first. The congregation will be glad to have you." It is natural to feel nervous about returning after a long absence, but rest assured that you are unlikely to embarrass yourself. As another Redditor commented, "No one is gonna mock you or anything for not remembering prayers or when to kneel."
When attending Mass in person, consider finding a seat near the back, where you can easily follow along with the altar and the congregation. You can also chat with one of the ushers or greeters, who are often happy to help guide you. Remember, everyone's journey back to the Catholic Church is unique, so be patient with yourself and trust in God. As one source encourages, "It's a step-by-step process. Put your trust completely in God and start moving forward."
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Be patient with yourself and trust in God
Returning to the Catholic Church after a long absence can be daunting, but it is important to be patient with yourself and trust in God. Recognize that your Heavenly Father yearns for you to come home to His Church. Remember that God makes no mistakes and that He has a plan for you.
The Bible is filled with verses that encourage patience and trust in God. For instance, Psalm 37:7 says, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!". Similarly, St. Cyprian of Carthage said, " [Patience] makes men humble in prosperity, brave in adversity, meek in the face of injuries and insults." These verses remind us that we should not be anxious, but instead, we should trust in God's timing and His plan for our lives.
It is also important to remember that returning to the Catholic faith is a gradual process. You might not remember all the prayers or when to kneel, but that is okay. No one expects you to be perfect, and you will not be mocked for not knowing everything. As you ease back into the Church, consider joining a parish and getting to know the people there. Many parishes have events outside of Mass that can help you connect with other Catholics and deepen your understanding of the faith.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, pray and ask God for wisdom and guidance. He will generously give it to you without reproach. Remember, your faith should rest in the power of God, not in the wisdom of men. Trust that God is leading you and shaping you, even if it feels slow or uncertain at times.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to return to the Catholic Church, you should start by going to confession and then begin going to Mass again. You can also discuss any concerns or questions you may have about returning with a priest.
Don't worry if you don't know what to do during Mass. You won't be made fun of for not knowing. You can watch a mass online to refresh your memory or follow what everyone else is doing during the Mass.
There are many resources available to help you return to the Catholic Church, including inspiring media, community groups, and support groups. You can also seek advice from someone who has previously returned to the church or a priest who has counselled former Catholics about returning.
To help a returning Catholic, you should provide continued support and access to reliable resources. This can include picking them up for confession and Mass, sharing inspirational books and reading materials, and encouraging them to deepen their renewed faith.
