Coming back to the Catholic Church
If you are a Catholic who has been away from Sunday Mass, Confession or the ordinary practice of the faith for some time, you are very welcome to come back.
You do not need to have everything sorted out before returning.
You do not need to explain every year you have been away.
You do not need to wait until you feel worthy enough.
Through Baptism, you already belong to Christ and his Church. Returning to the faith is not becoming Catholic again. It is allowing the life of grace already begun in you to become active and visible again through prayer, worship, conversion and the sacraments.
The first step can be very simple:
come to Sunday Mass · begin to pray again · receive God’s mercy · speak with us when you are ready
A Simple Companion for Coming Home
To help with that return, our parish has prepared:
Returning to the Faith
A Catholic Companion for Coming Home
Come back to Mass. Receive mercy. Begin again.
The companion is for baptised Catholics who would like some help returning to the ordinary practice of the faith.
It is not an examination and it is not a course you have to pass.
There is no need to make up for lost time.
The book contains six short conversations, each taking about 15–20 minutes:
1. You Are Welcome Back
Baptism, belonging, grace and the first step home.
2. Looking Back with Truth and Mercy
Understanding distance from the Church without becoming trapped by blame, denial or shame.
3. Confession and Mercy
Returning to the Sacrament of Penance without fear.
4. Returning to Sunday Mass
Rediscovering Catholic worship, the Eucharist and your place within the Church.
5. Prayer and Ordinary Catholic Life
Building simple, realistic habits of prayer, worship and Christian life.
6. Staying Close to Christ and His Church
Perseverance, belonging and living the faith after the pathway.
You may work through the book at your own pace, alone, with the priest or with a trusted parish companion.
Each conversation follows a simple pattern:
REMEMBER → SHORT TEACHING → TALK ABOUT IT → THE ESSENTIALS → PRAYER → THIS WEEK
The aim is not to finish pages.
The aim is to begin living the Catholic faith again.
DOWNLOAD RETURNING TO THE FAITH — A CATHOLIC COMPANION FOR COMING HOME
Practical help for returning
The companion also includes:
- a step-by-step guide to making a good Confession after time away;
- a simple adult examination of conscience;
- practical guidance for returning to Mass and Holy Communion;
- fifteen essential Catholic answers;
- a simple rule of Catholic life;
- and guidance about when it is helpful to speak with the priest.
It also deals honestly with situations which may need personal pastoral attention — for example uncertainty about previous sacraments, marriage circumstances, questions about receiving Holy Communion, serious matters of conscience or other obstacles to returning confidently.
Coming back to Confession
For many returning Catholics, one of the most important steps is returning to the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
If it has been many years, do not worry about remembering every word or knowing exactly how to begin.
The priest will help you.
The companion contains a simple guide to making a good Confession after time away, including examination of conscience, confession of sins, penance and absolution.
You can also use our general parish guide:
Sunday Mass
Returning to Catholic practice ultimately means returning to the worshipping life of the Church.
You are welcome to come to Sunday Mass even before every question has been resolved.
If you are not yet properly disposed to receive Holy Communion, remain prayerfully in your place and make a spiritual Communion while preparing to receive sacramentally again.
Not sure if this is the right pathway?
This companion is specifically for someone who is already a baptised Catholic and is returning to the practice of the faith.
If you have never been baptised
→ BECOMING CATHOLIC — RCIA / THE CATECHUMENATE
If you were baptised in another Christian Church or community and now wish to become Catholic
→ RECEPTION INTO FULL COMMUNION
If you are a baptised Catholic adult who has never received Confirmation
→ ADULT CONFIRMATION
If you were baptised Catholic but missed another sacrament or are unsure what you have received
→ CONTACT THE PARISH
There Is No Graduation
Returning to the faith does not end in another programme.
There is no spiritual backlog to clear and no need to prove that your return is dramatic enough.
The destination is simply ordinary Catholic life:
Sunday Mass · prayer · Confession · worthy Holy Communion · charity · repentance · perseverance · belonging
If faith becomes difficult again, begin again.
If questions arise, ask.
If you fall into sin, return to mercy.
If you need help, let the parish accompany you.
Ready to Begin Again?
You do not need to complete the companion before contacting us.
You may download it and begin quietly, come to Mass first, or simply ask for a conversation.
Contact: Fr John Owens
john.owens@dioceseofnottingham.uk
“I will arise and go to my father.”
Luke 15:18
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 