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NWR: Returning to the faith

happyfor25happyfor25 member
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in Catholic Weddings
I have lapsed from Catholicism for the past 24 years and have made the decision to recommit to practicing my faith.  I was baptized, received my first communion, confirmed and married in the church.  However, for the past 24 years I have not been to confession, received the eucharist nor attended Mass more than a handful of times.

I plan to attend confession this weekend (really nervous to go after so long).  I will also start attending Mass regularly.  Is there anything else I need to do in order to get "right" with the church?  to receive communion? 
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Re: NWR: Returning to the faith

  • Riss91Riss91 member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    Welcome back! I was in a similar boat - was away from the Church for about 10 years. My first confession after ten years was truly a great experience. I felt awfully nervous and stressed, but I think priests are typically very happy that you've come back and are comforting and positive. As long as you do your best to confess all your sins (and are truly sorry) you really don't need to do more to receive communion.

    Congrats and let us know if you have any other questions!

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  • Calypso1977Calypso1977 member
    Knottie Warrior 2500 Comments 25 Love Its First Answer
    this is wonderful news!

    dont be nervous.... you will do just fine in confession.  they will be happy to hear you have returned!  the one thing i always tell myself is that there is nothing you can confess that they havent heard before.  they are there to help you, not judge.
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  • chelseamb11chelseamb11 member
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    I have nothing else to add that the others did, but welcome!
    I had a similar experience when I came back (however I hadn't been Confirmed a Catholic, just everything previous) so I did have to go through RCIA.  I'd also find a church you'd like to call "home" and regularly attend!
     
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  • agapecarrieagapecarrie member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments 100 Love Its Combo Breaker
    I would suggest a couple things about your confession. 

    First, it might be better to make an appointment rather than go in a line at regular confession times because you might take a bit longer. This will relieve any feeling of pressure on your part or the priest's part about time.

    The other thing is to encourage you to not hold anything back. (not that you were planning to), but in addition to serious sins (like missing mass), just unload everything. Get a good examination of conscience and lay it all out there.

    Regarding any other issues of coming back, as long as your marriage is in the church, and you are sorry for your sins, and you have no intention of continuing them, everything should be clear. 
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  • bibliophile2010bibliophile2010 member
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    I have nothing to add that others haven't said already, but I wanted to welcome you Home to the Church! :)
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  • KamakananiKamakanani member
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    Not much more to add either, but welcome home!  I was in a similar boat, so I can understand the nervousness, but confession isn't anything to be too nervous about.  If it would help, you may want to, as Carrie said, make an appointment for the confession, and maybe even to just have some "counsel" time with a priest, just to go over what you're worried about in regards to coming home.
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  • Calypso1977Calypso1977 member
    Knottie Warrior 2500 Comments 25 Love Its First Answer
    here's a great guide for anyone at any point in their faith/confessional history.

    http://www.catholic.org/prayers/confession.php
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  • happyfor25happyfor25 member
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    Thanks, ladies, for the positive words!  I actually attended Catholic school from 1st grade through 12th so I do have a solid foundation.  I've felt like something's missing for the past few years and I now realize what it is. 

    I'll take the advice and make an appointment with a priest.  I have never really attended our local parish and there are several other parishes fairly close to me so I think I will "church hop" to find which feels most like "home".

    Thanks again!
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] member
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    Welcome back into the faith!
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  • CiardasullyCiardasully member
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    Welcome home!
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