> Date: Mon, 1 Jan 1996
> From: "Kenneth R. Rhoades" <success@prairienet.org>
> To: Father Mateo <cinaskf@catinfo.cts.com>
> Subject: Question
>
> Dear Father,
>
> I have not been to Mass/confession for many years. I have gone
> down many other paths, It seems "all roads lead to Rome". Is
> there a best way to come back?
>
> Kenneth R. Rhoades
Dear Kenneth,
God has given you a major grace, bringing you home. Please read
the Gospel of St. Luke, 15:11-32. Welcome!
Please go at once to your parish priest, sit down with him, and
get acquainted. He will help you prepare for confession and when
you are ready, he will bring you Christ's mercy and forgiveness
in the Sacrament of Penance. After confession, go regularly to
Holy Communion.
Prayer is of primary importance. Make time every day for prayer
--- for adoration of God, thanksgiving, repentance for past sins,
and asking for your various needs.
After many years away, you need instruction in the truths of your
Faith. Get a Bible and begin to read the four gospels, the Book
of Acts, and the Psalms. Get a copy of "The Teaching of Christ:
a Catholic Catechism for Adults" by Wuerl, Lawler, and Lawler,
3rd edition (publish by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division
200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, Indiana 46750, ISBN 0-87973-850-2)
Catholic bookshops carry this book, or you can order it by mail
(write to the publisher for price and postage information). Read
it two of three times.
You will not go to Holy Communion until you have gone to
confession. But please begin going to Mass every Sunday at
least, and to other parish devotions.
Entrust your conversion to the intercession of Mary, the Mother
of God. Pray to her. Get a rosary and a rosary instruction
booklet to help you begin to pray the rosary with Our Lady.
Once more, welcome. Pray for me, and I will pray for you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit -
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