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 "e;tried and tested"e; ways to get closer to God. We can choose means based on our temperament, station in life or where we are in faith walk.