Feeling anxious about getting out and stepping into that church

[Starrlight]

I promised my kiddos I would take them to Palm Sunday Mass, well we are going to the Saturday evening vigil actually. I am overthinking it. At least I know that I am. I haven’t been inside in years. It’s a church that i used to go to as a child and went to that catholic school next door with a lot of memories attached. I know I can always excuse us and leave for a bit to get fresh air if its too much. I am really feeling I will not be comfortable at all but yesterday I thought it was a great idea. Oh man.

[jkl5500]

I'm glad you're going, but keep in mind that it will be longer than the usual Mass, as the Passion is read.

[Starrlight in reply to jkl5500]

Ooooh thanks for the heads up Jkl5500!!!

[Hidden]

It is still probably a good idea. Try not to think about it too much, if you do not like it then find some place else you can go when you want to go. You do not want one church to create a picture for all churches in your thoughts. There are plenty of churches to choose from.

[Starrlight]

True! It seems wether I go to a church or mosque I feel out of place. There is one church in which I feel is a happier more welcoming atmosphere. BUT WHEREVER YOU GO THERE YOU ARE! I just need to focus on the mass instead of getting stuck in my head is all I think.

[Agora1]

Hi Starrlight, you are not alone in feeling apprehension in going into a big church. I have found that going to the Chapel at the hospital can offer me a smaller intimate place to reflect. The chaplain has music playing as you walk in as well as being dimly lit (which helps anxiety) There is a big screen on the stage showing slides of families and children. (a great way of distracting your mind from your anxiety) When the service starts, it's done in quick sessions and then the slides are portrayed in between. At the end, the chaplain tells a quick little joke and wishes everyone a good week as he blesses them. In and out in 30 minutes because there are many nurses and doctors attending the service who need to get back to work. And then there's me sitting in the back at the end of the row. xx

[Starrlight]

Ha I was at the back end today as well Agora! Sounds like you have found yourself a great place to reflect...Remindx me that I do like visiting the church when no masses are going on. It’s more peaceful. Today, I made it through a large crowded mass and did get a little out of it and my kiddos enjoyed it.

[Starrlight]

Too late hahaaaa! Good idea though. I did make it through. I think next time I will visit when no one is there, just to kneel and be.

[Starrlight]

Awww thanks Justliving.

[IChoose]

So, how did it go? I finally made confession today after 6 months and attended the vigil mass and receiving Our Lord in the bread and wine was so amazing. I held back on the Eucharist after I had been away from confession for what seemed to me too long. Can't wait to go again tomorrow. I had been away quite a bit since mid October. My excuse was avoiding crowds for fear of flu. God bless you!

[Starrlight in reply to IChoose]

Hi IChoose. Glad you made it back. It went fine thank you.

[Want2BHappy3]

Do it for your kid's, you don't want them to take on your fear. It will be okay. God won't care how long it's been since you've been to church. I don't know if I'll be able to go? Reason being that it's almost 4 am, mass is at ,6:30. I'm still awake??? I've tried to do the same thing in the past, but fell asleep.

I took some melintoin, buy maybe too late??? Well enjoy church, you'll be fine.

[Starrlight in reply to Want2BHappy3]

Yeah it was fine. The kids liked it especially 10 yr old. It was a bit long for my 6 yr old but he made it.

[Starrlight in reply to Want2BHappy3]

PJRR did you make it to mass?

[Want2BHappy3]

Unfortunately no, I couldn't sleep. I fell asleep like 4 or 5 am. Mass was at 6:30 am. I was afraid I'd fall asleep driving. I'll try for Easter Sunday, this time I'll take something to help me sleep. I'm glad you made it to church and that your son liked it. There is an evening Mass there's more going on, kids, music I'm afraid that would make me anxious. I went to a family party yesterday and felt shaky from my anxiety. I kept telling myself everythings fine. So early mass would be be better, less going on