How do I reconnect with the Church?
I have been away from the Catholic community and am looking to reconnect.
Have you been away from the Catholic community for a while? Are you feeling a strange inner pull to look into the Church again? That spiritual longing you feel is God drawing you back to Himself. God never forces; He only invites. He leaves the decision to return to the Catholic Church up to you.
No matter how long you have been away from the Catholic Church, you can always come home. You can start going to Mass again and become a part of a parish community (find a parish) that is ready to warmly welcome you. God is inviting you to dive into your faith, maybe even in a deeper way than you ever have before, to experience Christ's love and hope now and into the future.
Contact us
If you're interested in coming back to the Church or learning more about the Church, we suggest you reach out to your local parish office. If you're not sure where to turn, we're happy to try to help. Call us at 207-773-6471 or email [email protected].
Learn more about us
On Catholicscomehome.org you'll find answers to some common questions about the Catholic Church -- about Mary and the saints, about marriage and divorce, about the Mass and the sacraments, about confession.
You can also go straight to the source for understanding Catholic teaching by reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. Or you can tune into Relevant Radio, which is available in most parts of Maine. You will also find other helpful resources on our website.
Celebrate with us
Attending Mass is a wonderful place to start or renew your faith journey. it will give you a chance to spend time in prayer and maybe connect with the priest, a deacon, or a fellow parishioner.
During Advent, we're all preparing for the birth of our Lord so it's a perfect time to join us. During Lent, we're all renewing our relationship with Christ and the Church so that, too, would be a natural time to reconnect. Of course, you don't have to wait for a special season. You are welcome to join us at any time of the year.
Some parishes offer programs for those returning to the Church. Many offer special Bible study groups or hold small-group discussions. There are also volunteer opportunities. These are all wonderful ways to learn more and meet new friends. The parish staff will be happy to connect you with the right people to get you started.
Many events throughout the diocese are listed on the events section of our website (Click here).
If you're looking to learn more about a parish or parish events, use the "find a parish" section. The parish pages list contact information including email addresses and include links to parish websites.
Take time to reflect & pray
The prayer and faith resources section of our website includes many helpful links including common prayers, the Rosary, the daily Mass readings and Echoing God's Word, a reflection on those readings. You'll also find links to books of the Bible, Pope Francis' encylicals, and more.
Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Perhaps you are feeling weighed down by the troubles in your life that have occurred while you were outside the Church. Christ wants to free you of that burden and offer healing through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Check your local parish for confession times and make use of this healing sacrament as the beginning of your journey home.
