Hello. This is my first post. I welcome all responses and tips.
At any rate, I was Catholic for many years. But I fell away from the Church and a lot of other things. I eventually got myself straightened out when my Ma needed round the clock care from her Alzheimer’s, advanced dementia, and crippled from a severe stroke. I was the only one left that could care for her at home. She passed on Nov. 1, 2019. Through a series of events, I would up joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was a practicing, gung ho Mormon for over 16 years. Over the last couple of years, I began to have a nagging thought in the back of my mind that perhaps I had made a mistake and began thinking about my old Catholic faith. It would be just a passing thought that I quickly would subdue. I just didn’t want to face it.
Last year, I was diagnosed with Stage 3B non-small cell carcinoma of the lung. It’s really affected me and knocked me down pretty bad. Currently, I’ve completed one round of radiation and just started round 2 of chemo. I’m 57, and I’ve never married. Not in His plan, I reckon. I have no living family and no friends outside the LDS church. Very good friends, who I know will drop me the moment they find out what I’ve done.
Last couple of months, starting right around the Easter Triduum, actually, the nagging voice had become a roaring I could no longer ignore. I began to pray for guidance and search the Gospel for guidance as to what to do. I knew what I needed to, GO HOME!
I contacted a priest at the Cathedral and he visited me. I made my confession, took Communion, and forged ahead. Every day I feel more and more at ease with that decision. Father Z even brought me a rosary, and I began to use it. I still remembered all the prayers, too. It has given me great peace in my solitude. It’s a lonely life, but that’s the way it is.
Even on my bad days, when I’m nauseous and weak, I feel something present in my life that’s been missing for a long time.
So…I guess I just wanted to share that. I’d love to hear any advice or if anyone has a similar experience.
Thanks for reading and sorry for the length.
Peace!
Hello!
I just want to let you know that your courage and humility are completely a grace from God. Through the struggles He revealed His love for you and your response has been a ‘Yes’. It’s so inspiring to listen to people like you sharing their pains and sufferings. Your sickness has brought you back to Him. Our soul is more important as it is for eternity. Hang on and God bless you always. Mel
Please be assured of my prayers. The community of saints is with you also. Please gove us some news from time to time. I also have no family closeby and a only few friends; I can relate.
Thanks for the kind words. There are a lot of struggles but Im getting by.
Thanks again!
KLM!
Thank you very much. I’m happy to hear such great support.
Peace!
KLM!
Congratulations. The Rosary is an extraordinary weapon against sin and vice. Please try to pray it daily.
Thank you!!! I really appreciate the kind words.
Many prayers for you. I hope somehow. Your new parish will keep you compnay.
I will pray for you. I hope where ever you are that you find friends with things in common. I live in a rural area and don;t have many friends either. Hang in there and pray for support and freindship. Take care
I’m very happy for you. You are in the right place at the right time. I think that you will grow more and more comfortable and gain more and more peace as you spend time in your new place.
I have a suggestion have a look at Universalis: Today started praying using this site ( its easier then buying the books) . Its required by Priest in the Catholic church but lay people can pray it also. Its based on David praying 7 times a day.It covers everything and teaches you from the Church doctors in the Office of Reading.
You start with a Invitatory Psalm The main prayers are the Office of the reading , Morning prayer , Evening prayer and Night prayer.There are 3 optional prayer times terce (mid morning) sext (noon) None ( mid afternoon). You also read the daily scripture said in church.
Its really not taxing and takes 5 10 minutes to do each one.It keeps you close to God and teaches your through the psalms and scriptures.
The site teaches you how to pray it. I purchased the app and have been using it for some time. It keeps my pray life alive and has taught me much.
I am like you I live alone take care of my mother who has dementia but have always been Catholic. I have the time to pray it others would not have the time so I consider myself blessed.
Every Catholic should be aware of the Divine office and consider using it for prayer.
WELCOME HOME!!
Im so happy for you, seriously! I am Cradle Catholic who never really understood the beauty of the Church so I left it for a long while until i was drawn back by my future husband.
I thank God every single day for saving me from my ignorance.
Even though it has been 30+ years since my conversion of heart, I am still learning so much from the Catechism In A Year with Fr Mike Schmitz.
I recommend it completely!!
A beautiful honest story you shared thank you. God bless you Sir.