Maybe it's been months. Maybe years. Maybe decades.
Or maybe… you never really left - you just sort of drifted.
You still believe in God (you think). You still consider yourself Catholic (more or less). You still light a candle now and again, perhaps whisper a prayer in the car. But something has held you back from stepping back through those doors - the ones of the church building, yes, but also of your faith life.
So this blog post is for you. Whether you feel lost, lapsed, unsure, afraid, or simply out of the habit… this is your gentle reminder:
The door is still open.
The Church is still here.
Christ is still waiting for you - with love, not judgement.
The
Church Isn't a Club for the Perfect - It's a Home for the Wounded
Too often, people think they have to "sort their life out" before they can come back to the Church. But that's like saying you have to get well before you go to the doctor. That's not how healing works.
The Church is not a reward for the righteous - it's a refuge for sinners.
"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
— Luke5:31–32 (RSV-CE)
You don't need to be holy to come home. You just need to be honest. God already knows your heart - He simply wants you to bring it to Him.
"But I've Been Away So Long…"
That's okay.
There is no spiritual stopwatch keeping track of how long you've been away. You're not on probation. You're not disqualified. There's no expiry date on mercy.
In fact, Jesus told a whole parable just for you. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) is a story of someone who walked away from his father - who took all the blessings, spent them selfishly, and hit rock bottom. But when he decided to return, even just hoping to be treated like a servant - the father ran to him. Embraced him. Rejoiced over him.
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found."
— Luke15:24 (RSV-CE)
Notice this: the father didn't wait for the son to crawl all the way back in shame. He ran to meet him.
That's how God feels about you.
"But I'm Not Sure I Believe Anymore…"
That's okay too.
Faith isn't a light switch that's either ON or OFF. For many of us, it flickers. It weakens. It gets tangled up in questions, wounds, and disappointments.
But Jesus is never afraid of your doubts. Bring them to Him.
"I believe; help my unbelief!"
— Mark9:24 (RSV-CE)
One honest prayer is better than a thousand hollow rituals. So just start where you are. Pray this:
"Lord, I'm not even sure You're there… but if You are, help me to come home."
God can work with that.
"I'm Ashamed… I've Done Too Much…"
You may carry things you think God could never forgive - but you underestimate His mercy.
The very heart of the Gospel is this: Christ came to save sinners. and not in a vague, theoretical way. He died for you. Personally. Out of love.
"God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."
— Romans5:8 (RSV-CE)
No matter your past, Confession is waiting for you. It may feel intimidating - but it is a sacred encounter with grace. The priest is not there to scold or shame you. He's there to bring you back to the Father.
What If I've Forgotten How?
Then you're in very good company!
Many people who return to the Church say things like:
"I don't remember the prayers."
"I don't know when to sit or stand."
"I don't know if I'm 'allowed' to receive Communion."
The truth is: you don't have to have it all figured out.
Come anyway.
You are not expected to perform perfectly. You're simply invited to return. Sit quietly at the back of the church, if you like. Watch. Listen. Breathe.
If you want to talk to someone, you can approach a priest after Mass or contact your local parish office. No pressure. Just say:
"Hi Father… I've been away a long time. Can I talk to you?"
You'll be surprised how warmly you'll be received.
What's My First Step?
You don't need a grand plan. Just begin.
Here are 3 simple things you can do this week:
1. Talk to God
In your own words. Out loud or silently. Even one sentence.
"Lord, I want to come home."
2. Visit a Church
Even if just to sit for five minutes. Even if it's empty. God is still there.
If you're near New Milton, our church is open: Our Lady of Lourdes, Catholic Church
You are welcome anytime.
3. Make a Confession Appointment
If it's been years - tell the priest that. He will guide you. He's heard everything before. What matters most is your heart.
What If I've Never Really Been Involved in the Church?
Then you're not coming back to the Church… you're coming home for the first time.
And that's a beautiful thing.
The Church is not a club you join - it's a family you're born into through baptism. Even if your faith life was never strong… even if your religious education was patchy… even if no one ever taught you to pray…
You are still invited. You still belong.
Jesus didn't say, "Come to me, all who are sorted and successful."
He said:
"Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
— Matthew11:28 (RSV-CE)
We're Praying for You
Maybe this is the first Catholic blog post you've read in years.
Maybe you're skimming this while waiting in a car park.
Maybe you've cried just reading these words.
Wherever you are… you are being prayed for.
If you'd like someone to pray for you by name, send us a message:
Contact Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or send an email to this blog - email address on the right panel
A Final Word
You may be thinking, "Is this really for me?"
Yes. It is.
This blog post isn't for "other people." It's for you.
The one who feels something stirring - even just a flicker.
The one who's wondering, "Could I really come back?"
Yes. You can. And more than that - you are wanted.
Jesus says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him."
— Revelation3:20 (RSV-CE)
Open the door. Just a crack.
He'll do the rest.
Come Home.
You're not too far gone.
You're not too broken.
You're not too late.
The Father is watching the road.
He's waiting to run to you.
To welcome you.
To forgive you.
To bring you in.
All you have to do…
…is take one step.
Come home.