I was born a Catholic, I will die a Catholic. Of that, I am sure. I love my Catholic faith. During my 12 years of parochial education, I never once felt an urge to try an alternate faith. That was grace from God – not my doing. However, for many years, I was a passive Catholic. Attending Mass regularly and occasionally joining enrichment programs offered through the Church sufficed. For the most part, I remained content in my comfort.
A weekend retreat such as Cursillo or Christ Renews His Parish never appealed to me. I told myself I was too busy, or I convinced myself I knew all I needed to know. That is the mistake most of us make, even if we are faithful in our Sunday and holy-days obligations. Our pride assures us that continued enrichment is unnecessary.
As a Catholic school teacher, I sometimes resented the extra religion classes we teachers were expected us to take. Looking back, I am disappointed that I didn’t rejoice in the invitation. We are continually offered conversion opportunities – times when people encourage us to attend a retreat, commit to a weekly hour of Adoration or listen to a speaker who shares their journey to truth and faith. Are we similar to the invited guests of a wedding feast who were too busy with their mundane schedules to accept the king’s invitation (Matt 22: 1-14)?
Recently, I enjoyed a three-evening retreat presented by Keith Nester, a once-popular youth leader at a non-denominational church in Iowa, who had a 20-year Catholic conversion story. I was impressed by his willingness to examine his beliefs and seek the truth of Scriptures through readings and discussions with Catholic friends. Because of his openness, he converted. Keith and his wife, a fallen-away Catholic, put their trust in God and “walked away from a guaranteed job and 75% of our income to purchase the ‘hidden treasure in the field (Matt 13: 44).’”
His witness convinced me that we also must continually seek truth and holiness. How do we grow in our faith? We can read and discuss reliable Catholic writers. Many of the saints have left behind amazing accounts of their own lives, as well as Scriptural interpretations and guides to a more holy life.
There are countless retreats and studies offered at St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad or Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand. The Jesuits in St. Louis host silent retreats throughout the year based on the writing of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Mother of the Redeemer in Bloomington also offers a variety of spiritual weekends and speakers.
In Evansville, many of our parishes sponsor men’s and women’s CRHP. Joining a Catholic Bible study or book study in person or online are other options. Without continual growth in the understanding of our Catholic faith, it is like yeast that is too old — it grows flat.
If Mass has become ho hum, there are resources that enhance understanding of the beauty of the liturgy. In his book “The Convert’s Guide to Roman Catholicism,” Keith Nester wrote, “The Mass is where Heaven and Earth meet as the sacrifice of Calvary is made present on the altar.” The mass is not meant for our entertainment. Rather, it is the ultimate way to honor Christ’s sacrifice for us and to be in communion with Him through His body and blood. Christ feeds us every time we receive Him, just as God fed manna to the Israelites in the desert. When we truly understand and believe this Catholic teaching, why would we ever forfeit God’s heavenly gift?
A turning point in my faith life was a CRHP weekend. My CRHP sisters and I often marvel about the spiritual impact that saying yes to that time has had on our lives. We continue to meet and share God’s word, as well as reading many books that have encouraged growth in our prayer and personal lives.
God desires that each of us accepts His invitation to grow in grace and faith. In my own experience, I can attest to the joy that only a relationship with God offers. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!