Maybe it’s been a few months. Maybe a few years. Maybe a few decades.
Maybe you know exactly why you stepped away from the Catholic Church. Maybe life simply got busy and, little by little, you stopped coming. Maybe you have questions, hurts or circumstances that have made returning feel complicated. Or maybe lately you’ve simply felt a quiet tug to come back.
Whatever brought you to this page, we’re glad you’re here.
You don’t have to have everything figured out. You don’t have to remember all the prayers or responses. And you don’t have to explain where you’ve been before walking through our doors.
Explore our First Steps page to discover Mass Times and what to expect.
Yes. Come to Mass.
Sit wherever you’d like. Follow along when you’re comfortable. Listen. Pray. Be present.
If the Mass feels unfamiliar after some time away, don’t worry. Some of the words may have changed, you may not remember when to sit, stand or kneel, and everyone around you may seem to know exactly what comes next.
That’s okay.
You are welcome at Mass exactly where you are today.
Come anyway. Really.
The Eucharist is at the heart of our Catholic faith, and Catholics prepare ourselves to receive Holy Communion worthily. If you know that you are not ready to receive the Eucharist right now—or you simply aren’t sure—you are still welcome at Mass.
You may remain in your pew during Communion. At OLBS, you may also come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to indicate that you are not receiving Holy Communion.
If that makes you feel self-conscious, please know this: you may feel as though everyone notices, but most of us are focused on the Eucharist, our own prayer and what is happening at Mass.
There is nothing embarrassing about recognizing that you are not ready to receive. Your reverence for the Eucharist matters, and we’re glad you’re here.
Maybe it’s been a long time since you celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Maybe you vaguely remember the phrase state of grace but aren’t quite sure what it means anymore. Maybe you have questions about your marriage or another circumstance in your life. Maybe you never received Confirmation or another Sacrament.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Our priests, staff and ministers are here to listen, answer questions and help you understand what your next step might be.
It may be as simple as returning to Reconciliation. There may be a Sacrament you’d like to complete. A marriage situation may need some conversation, and in some circumstances an annulment may be part of the path forward.
Or you may simply need someone to help you sort through the questions.
Start with a conversation. We’ll walk with you.
Contact the parish office to be connected with one of our priests or explore Reconciliation.
It’s been years. Where do I even start?
Start wherever you are.
Come to Mass. Stop into church and spend a few quiet minutes in prayer. Talk with one of our priests. Explore this website. Try Alpha or another opportunity to rediscover your faith.
There isn’t one required first step.
Start wherever you are.
Come to Mass. Stop into church and spend a few quiet minutes in prayer. Talk with one of our priests. Explore this website. Try Alpha or another opportunity to rediscover your faith.
There isn’t one required first step.
Tell the priest it’s been a while. He’ll help you from there.
You don’t need to memorize everything before you arrive. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an encounter with the mercy of God, and we would be happy to help you rediscover it.
Come to Mass. You are welcome here.
Marriage circumstances can be complicated, and every situation is different. Please don’t assume there is no path forward based on something you’ve heard or read.
Talk with one of our priests. He can listen to your particular circumstances and help you understand whether there are any steps to consider, including whether the annulment process may be appropriate.
You’re not alone.
Whether you missed First Eucharist, Confirmation or another Sacrament, we can help you determine the right path for you.
Bring them.
You don’t have to resolve every question or doubt before coming back to church. Faith grows through prayer, learning, conversation and encounter with Christ.
Questions are welcome here.
We recognize that some people carry painful experiences of the Church or of people within it.
You don’t have to pretend those experiences didn’t happen in order to begin exploring your faith again.
If you would like someone to listen, we’re here.
Take One Step Closer
You don’t have to do everything today. Choose one step that feels possible.
No introduction necessary. Just come.
View Mass Times.
Whether it’s been six months or 30 years, you are welcome.
Explore our Reconciliation Times.
Questions about faith, the Sacraments, marriage or your particular circumstances? Start with a conversation.
Contact the parish office to be connected with one of our parish priests.
Explore Alpha, Scripture, prayer, adult faith formation and other opportunities to encounter Christ anew.
Explore Faith Formation.
Sometimes coming back begins simply by meeting people. Discover community, ministries, service and opportunities to belong.
Get Connected and find your place.
That’s okay, too.
You found your way to this page. Maybe that’s your one step today.
You can learn more, ask questions, visit the church when it’s quiet, say a prayer—or simply come back to this page when you’re ready.
God isn’t asking you to have the whole journey mapped out before taking the next step.
Maybe you know exactly what brought you back.
Maybe you have a marriage or sacramental question you’ve carried for years.
Maybe something feels unsettled and you aren’t even sure what question to ask.
Tell us where you are. We’ll help you find the next step.
Our priests, staff, ministers and parish community are here to walk alongside you.
That’s what it means to be Companions on the Journey.
Coming back doesn’t mean pretending the years away didn’t happen.
It means beginning again from exactly where you are.
So come to Mass. Bring your questions. Bring your uncertainty. Bring your story.
There’s a place for you at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.
Contact the parish office to be connected with a priest, staff member, or minister who will be happy to walk with you.