The Path to Joy

In writing this, I was trying to figure out two things 1) what are the stages that I have taken in my faith journey and where do I go next? And 2) how do I work with people to help them get closer to Christ? On this second point, everyone that I talk to says that you have to meet them where they are. Well, where are they? How do I tell? So, I developed this guide for my personal use but shared it with several people. It spread pretty rapidly with people calling or emailing me comments and questions. I realized I had hit on an area where there is not a lot of practical information for today's world.

I am not developing any new concepts or beliefs, no new prayers or means of sanctification. I intend that every point be consistent with the precepts of the Catholic Church. It is funny. I once heard some prayers that I figured were made up by members of an order of priests with whom I had been working. I was a little put off that we were saying these non-standard prayers! Imagine my surprise when I found out that the prayers were posted in hymnals and prayer books. They were standard Catholic prayers that I didn't know existed, that's all. I not only found that reassuring, but beautiful. We have available to us so many "tried and tested" ways to get closer to God. We can choose means based on our temperament, station in life or where we are in faith walk.