Sarah Mitchell
Returning to the Catholic Church after a long absence can be a daunting prospect, but it doesn't have to be scary. Many former Catholics are returning to the faith, and there are several steps you can take to ease your way back into the Church. Firstly, it is important to remember that you are not alone on this journey; your fellow members of Christ's body, the Church, want you to come home. You can start by talking to Catholic friends who attend church regularly and joining them for Mass. You can also join your local parish and get to know the people there, as Catholicism is not a solitary practice. Many parishes have events outside of Mass that you can attend, such as adult religion or theology classes. It is also recommended to go to Confession (the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance) and discuss any concerns or questions you may have about returning with a priest. Remember to be patient with yourself and trust in God as you take it step by step.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Join a parish | Get to know the people there, attend events and classes |
| Be patient | Trust in God, don't be discouraged |
| Talk to Catholic friends | Ask around, find someone to go to church with |
| Seek advice | Speak to a priest, or someone who has returned to the Church |
| Attend Mass | All are welcome, it's a spiritual insight into the Catholic faith |
| Go to Confession | The "Sacrament of Reconciliation" or "Penance" |
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What You'll Learn
Seek advice from someone who has returned to the Catholic Church after a separation
Returning to the Catholic Church after a separation can be intimidating, but it is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Many former Catholics have successfully returned to the faith, and there are several steps you can take to facilitate your own return.
First, consider seeking advice and guidance from someone who has gone through a similar experience. Find someone who has returned to the Catholic Church after a separation and ask them about their journey. They can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate your own return. This person may be a friend or family member, or you may need to reach out to someone new. For instance, you could contact Dr. Francis J. Beckwith, who left the Catholic Church as a teenager and returned 30 years later. He has since written about his experience in "Return to Rome: Confessions of an Evangelical Catholic." Another person you could contact is Keith F. Luscher, who returned to the Church following a 21-year absence and is now co-founder of Non Solum Columbus.
Once you have connected with someone who has been through a similar experience, ask them about their reasons for returning to the Catholic Church. For Dr. Francis J. Beckwith, his return was primarily intellectual. He discovered that much of what he liked in Protestant literature was actually Catholic, and he found the Catholic spiritual tradition particularly appealing. He also appreciated the vibrancy and seriousness of Evangelicals, which he felt Catholics could learn from. Speaking with someone about their reasons for returning can help clarify your own thoughts and motivations for returning to the Catholic Church.
Additionally, ask about their experiences with the Catholic community during their return. Did they feel welcomed and supported? Were there any particular resources or programs that helped them reconnect with the Church? For example, some parishes offer a "New Parishioner Welcome Night" or programs like Catholics Come Home, which aims to inspire inactive Catholics to rediscover the Church. Inquire about any challenges they faced during their return and how they overcame them. This can help you anticipate and address potential obstacles in your own journey.
Remember that everyone's journey back to the Catholic Church is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. By seeking advice and sharing experiences, you can gain valuable insights, support, and encouragement as you take steps towards returning to the Catholic Church.
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Discuss your concerns with a priest or deacon at your local parish
Returning to the Catholic Church can be an emotional and even anxiety-provoking experience. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Many former Catholics are returning to the faith, and your local parish community is there to welcome you back.
Discussing your concerns with a priest or deacon at your local parish can be a valuable step in your journey back to the Catholic Church. Priests have counselled many prior Catholics about returning and can be a great resource for you. They can provide spiritual guidance and help you navigate your unique situation. For example, if you have married outside the Catholic Church, a priest can advise on the steps needed to have your marriage convalidated.
If you are unsure about how to initiate contact with a priest or deacon, consider reaching out to your Catholic friends who attend church regularly. They may be able to accompany you to your first meeting or introduce you to the priest or deacon. You can also look out for events specifically for "returning Catholics" in your parish bulletin or newsletter. Attending Mass is another way to connect with your local priest, who can support you on your spiritual journey.
Remember that the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession, is always available to those returning to the Catholic Church. Confession can be a powerful moment of God's love and mercy, and priests are there to help you through this process. Through Confession, you can experience the joy of a renewed relationship with God, who loves and accepts you unconditionally.
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Attend Mass with a friend or alone
If you are thinking of returning to the Catholic Church, you are not alone. Many former Catholics are returning to the faith. It can be an anxious time, but there is lots of support available.
Attending Mass is a great way to start your journey back to the Catholic Church. You can go alone or with a friend. If you are going alone, you might want to take a church bulletin so you can find out what time the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered. You can also speak to the priest presiding at Mass, who may have time to hear your confession. If you are going with a friend, you could make a "church date" and attend together.
If you have been away from the Church for a long time, Mass may have changed a little since you last attended due to a new translation. However, it should be very familiar to you. Attending Mass is a very spiritual insight into the Catholic faith. It is a great way to connect with a local Catholic community and your local priest, who can help you navigate your spiritual journey back.
If you have married outside the Catholic Church, this might be an impediment to receiving Holy Communion right away. However, this does not stand in the way of attending Mass and participating in any of the other worship, formational or social opportunities offered by the Church.
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Go to Confession (the Sacrament of Reconciliation)
Returning to the Catholic Church doesn't have to be scary. If you have been away from the Church for a while, you may be feeling a pull inside you, hearing a little voice beckoning you to turn back to God and rejoin the Catholic Church. These are the urgings of the Holy Spirit.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession, is a great way to return to the Catholic Church if you have been away for some time. It is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ to offer sinners forgiveness for their offenses against God and others. Confession brings reconciliation between God and the penitent, the penitent and others, and to the individual penitent.
- Start by talking to your Catholic friends who attend church regularly. Ask around and find someone you'd like to go to church with, and then make a "church date" and attend with them. You can also investigate a local parish by attending a wedding, baptism, funeral, or other event.
- Pick up a church bulletin and find out when the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered in that parish. If you are lucky, the priest presiding at Mass might have some spare time to hear your confession that day. Alternatively, some parishes offer communal reconciliation services, especially during Lent, which provide an opportunity to participate in the sacrament of penance in the context of the larger parish community.
- When you are ready, go to Confession privately behind a screen or face-to-face with the priest. Begin with the Sign of the Cross and greet the priest with the words, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was...", specifying the length of time since your last confession.
- Confess your mortal sins in number and kind as best as you are able. You may also want to discuss the circumstances and root causes of your sins and ask the priest for advice or direction. Don't be afraid—the priest is also a sinner and cannot tell anyone what you tell him.
- When you are finished, say, “I am sorry for these sins and all the sins I cannot remember." Listen to the priest and accept the penance from him. Penances are things we do to begin again and show God we are sorry, such as prayers, reflections, or works of charity.
- Pray the Act of Contrition: "My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy."
- Receive absolution from God through the priest, who will say a prayer to absolve you of your sins.
- Make the Sign of the Cross and respond, "Amen." The priest will then conclude with the words, "Go in peace."
Remember, if you are not comfortable going to your own parish for confession, you may explore other churches in your area, or even chapels in airports if you are travelling. It's better to go to confession at a different church than not to go at all.
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Join a parish community and get to know others
Joining a parish community and getting to know others is a crucial aspect of returning to the Catholic Church. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you in this process:
Find a Parish Community
Firstly, locate a parish community that you feel comfortable with. You can start by investigating your local parish. Visit their website or social media pages to learn about their events and activities. Consider attending a wedding, baptism, funeral, or any other event that is open to the public. This will give you an initial introduction to the community.
Attend Mass
All are welcome to attend Mass, regardless of their background or current relationship with the Catholic Church. By attending Mass, you will not only connect with God but also with your local Catholic community. Mass is a powerful way to worship God together and experience the richness of Catholic liturgy and tradition.
Participate in Parish Events
Many parishes organise events beyond regular Mass services. These events can be excellent opportunities to get to know others in the community. Look out for adult religious education classes, bible study groups, social gatherings, or volunteer initiatives. These events can provide a more intimate setting to develop relationships and a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.
Seek Out Returning Catholics Initiatives
Some parishes have specific programmes or initiatives aimed at welcoming returning Catholics. These initiatives often include support groups, spiritual direction, and resources tailored to those returning to the Church. Check the parish bulletin or newsletter, or speak directly to the priest to learn about any such opportunities.
Invite a Friend
Returning to the Catholic Church can be more enjoyable and comforting if you have a companion. Consider inviting a friend or family member who is also interested in returning to the Church. Attending Mass or parish events together can provide mutual support and encouragement. You can also reach out to Catholic friends who attend church regularly, as they may offer guidance and companionship on your journey back.
Remember, the Catholic faith is not meant to be practised in isolation. By joining a parish community and actively participating in its activities, you will not only deepen your own faith but also find support and fellowship in your spiritual journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by talking to your Catholic friends who attend church regularly and ask them to accompany you. You can also join your local church for Mass, which is open to all, and get to know the people in your parish.
If you have received the Sacrament of Penance and Eucharist (Holy Communion) before, you can return to the Communion table after going to Confession. If not, sacramental preparation is required.
There are many factors that will determine what will need to happen for you to have your marriage convalidated in the church and be able to return to the sacraments.
