Topic: Can I regain lost faith?

Date originally posted: November 26, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: Father Phillip

Question:   I have another question. I have recently taken interest in the 'spirit world,' such as Ouija boards and astral projection. I find that this has driven me away from Catholicism. I have decided to end this, though I've been told the Catholic church has nothing against projection. Do you know anything that could help me regain the faith I have lost? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: 

Thanks, Kim, for your question(s).

The issue of Ouija boards has already been addressed here in www.CatholicQandA.org. Look in our Virtual Library under FAQ Library and the subject "Living as a Christian". My colleague, Cathy Rusin, did a super job talking about these kinds of issues.

While I personally don't know of a place where the Catholic Church has specifically prohibited "projection," I am rather sure that it falls into the more general category of relying on mediums and other 'occult' practices which are not at all consonant with our Church's reliance on God. I would urge you to leave all of these things behind you. You may need to look for a new and different group of friends in order to put this stuff aside in favor of more life-giving pursuits.

All any of us has to do to "regain the faith" is to ask God in prayer to fill us with the gift of faith. God always listens and always responds lovingly to our prayers.

Some things you might consider doing in order to faciliate growing in your faith could include any or all of the following:

1. Be sure you're attending weekend Liturgy.
2. Go to daily Mass as often as you can.
3. Make a really good Confession with a Confessor whom you like and trust; try to celebrate the Sacrament face-to-face.
4. Pray daily. The Rosary is a very useful prayer which brings a great deal of consolation and help.
5. Think about joining a prayer group and/or a (Catholic) Bible Study group.
6. Make a retreat. Cursillo is an excellent retreat program that is available in many dioceses around the world. "Search", "Encounter", "Tech" are variations of the Cursillo model which are often designed for young adults. Look into these possibilities.
7. Seek out a spiritual director or spiritual companion with whom you can talk about spiritual issues and the places in your life where God is present and to what God is directing and calling you. Your local campus ministry or parish can probably help you find a good spiritual director.

God bless you, Kim, as you continue to grow in the Lord!

Father Phillip