Any Catholics here?

[Rubyupbeat]

I am a lapsed Catholic, but dearly wish to worship in our local church. It's been so long that I have forgotten what is expected of me.
Should I make an appointment to see the priest? Or just go along to mass and see how that goes.
Also, and this is very silly I know, but I have very bad knees and can't kneel, is there an alternative for that?
Please don't give all the negative and anti God and Catholic comments please, that's not what this post is for, thank you.

Just go to Mass. I don’t kneel as I’ve got MS and no one cares.

Re transubstantiation - I don't know if this is of use or not, but it was to me. We live in very disenchanted times and we have secularised, materialists brains. I do anyway, it's the water someone my age and upbringing swims in. But when I struggled with some of these metaphysical claims, and felt I was somehow an imposter and wished dearly I could have a faith as sincere and deep as some of the much older people I know, someone said to me, "it is enough to will it to be so". That has been valuable beyond measure to me.

I'm not where you are in terms of returning to the church, but what I can reassure you about is: don't worry about kneeling - people will be kind and want to understand, And it's fine to show up and do your thing.

I went to mass recently with a friend and despite not having been for 20 years it all came flooding back!

No offence, I wasn’t hoping someone could help me accept that you can will it/want it/imagine it. I’m not interested in deepening my faith. Never believed in it. I quite like sitting with family, multiple children, the social aspect, I suppose.

I had no idea you had to go to confession to take communion? I've only been to confession twice in my entire life and would take communion if I went to mass now even though I've not been a regular churchgoers since I was 18 - I had no idea that was wrong!

I don’t kneel .. I have a bad knee, nobody is bothered.

Cradle catholic here!
Just turn up and attend Mass, stay seated if that is what is comfortable for you.
Some of the words may be slightly different as they have tweaked things a bit but Orders of Mass will be at the back to borrow or there may be welcomers giving these out along with hymn books.
Kneeling and singing are not compulsory
Welcome back!

Hi,
Depending when you last attended, the new translation of the Roman Missal was introduced in 2011 so some congregational responses and prayers have slightly changed but some parishes have printed Order of Mass booklets.

The passkeepers often welcome new faces so a friendly face may greet you as you enter the church. If you want to introduce yourself to the priest, they are pleased to meet visitors to the parish and new parishioners.

Midweek masses are less busy if you would prefer to go then or you could go to church outwith Mass times for a visit to light a candle or to pray.

Came here to say the above, the service and responses have changed! I’ve not been often since then…

I thought this was one of the basics of Roman Catholicism that everyone would know.

This is the up to date one in case you would like to familiarise before attending

westminstercathedral.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Order-of-Mass-Said-Weekdays.pdf

Just look up the mass times and go. I wouldn't speak to the priest first. You may not like the parish and want to try a few different services and that's tricky if you've made a song and dance about it.

Thank you all so, so much, you can't believe how much all of your responses mean to me. I have felt a pull to go back for a couple of years, but have been afraid as it's been many years. I have forgotten so much, but I guess after a couple of times I should be ok. I shall go on Sunday. Thank you all again.

Do not be afraid
Edited to add, this is the most commonly repeated phrase in the Bible. Take it quite literally! God is calling you and is with you all the time. Keep this thread is updated. I'm so glad you have decided to give it a go. Genuinely, welcome back.

Lots of people don’t kneel, and some don’t stand up either, I wouldn’t worry about that at all. Just go along. You definitely don’t need to introduce yourself but of course you can if you want to — usually the priest will greet people at the end, and if it’s the main/busiest mass on a Sunday morning there might be coffee afterwards as well.

That’s amazing that you’re thinking of going! Your priest will be delighted to welcome you. I would speak to him first though as he will probably recommend confession with him if it’s been some time since your last confession, this would be advised before receiving the Eucharist

Just go to church and get the vibe of the priest. Our last parish priest I don’t gel with, but our new one is a hoot!

Unless it is a very small church I would just go. Don't worry about kneeling. Many people don't now. I hope you enjoy your experience.

you could try asking for it. Not being funny, have an honest conversation with God, ask him to reveal himself to you and see what happens 🙏🏻

You want the fruit but don't care for the tree

Ouch
All welcome at our church

Lots of online Masses every day so you could always follow one or two before Sunday to see how the translation has changed?

Don't worry about any of it, just go! ❤️

I go only when I visit my mum. Never discussed it with the priest, they just say hello on the way out. I haven’t been to confession since I was a child and nobody has ever once mentioned this.

I have also only ever been twice @northernballer

I always take communion if I go. Just always have and DM would probably be sniffy if I didn’t!