On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
My nephew is making his First Communion next week at a Mass at his parish. It’s been a while since I went to church, but I’d like to participate. What do I have to do?
How wonderful that you want to be involved at your nephew’s First Communion. If by “a while” you
mean a few weeks or months, I’d suggest you receive the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation beforehand, at your parish or his. Examine your conscience… where have you sinned, or been involved in the near-occasion of sin? Identify patterns in your life; perhaps you tend to gossip or judge, or to sit by as others in your family or circle of friends or total strangers are struggling and could use your financial, spiritual or emotional assistance. Discuss them with the priest.
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