Episode 2927: Relearning the Faith: Transitioning to Traditional Catholicism with Nancy

Relearning the Faith: A Guide for Transitioning to Traditional Catholicism
Nancy:
Welcome to Catholic Reboot, where we explore the timeless truths of the traditional Catholic faith. I’m Nancy, your host, joined by my co-host Walt. Today, we’re diving into a topic that is crucial for many Catholics in our modern age: how to transition from the Novus Ordo to the Traditional Latin Mass while staying positive, persevering, and remaining faithful despite the challenges. This for me has been a big challenge because I was raised in the Novus Ordo faith and it was such a big part of me. Suddenly in my 60’s I discovered I needed to look back at my training and my understanding, which was a Herculean task. I mean Herculean. It was literally turning the tables on my religion as I knew it.
Walt: Do mind if I open with a prayer?
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking to know, love, and serve You in the fullness of Your truth. As we embark on this journey of deepening our faith and embracing the traditions handed down through the ages, grant us the wisdom to discern, the courage to persevere, and the grace to remain steadfast in the path of righteousness.
Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, may we be guided ever closer to Your Sacred Heart, finding joy in the beauty of the Traditional Latin Mass and strength in the teachings of Holy Mother Church.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Well Nancy I know that journey can be at first intimidating but so rewarding. If you've been formed in the Novus Ordo for years, it might feel overwhelming to realize just how much of the Church’s rich tradition you've never encountered. But God is merciful, and He meets us where we are and I am certain the Blessed Mother is taking you by the hand and saying “Come on Nancy, let's do this together”.
Nancy:
Absolutely. In this episode, we’ll discuss:
• Practical steps for relearning or possibly learning for the first time the fullness of the Catholic faith
• How to stay positive and avoid discouragement
• And most importantly, how to persevere in this beautiful journey toward the truths of the traditional Catholic faith
Walt:
And of course, we’ll share wisdom from the saints and Sacred Scripture to keep you encouraged along the way.
Nancy:
But first, let’s begin with a prayer.
Opening Prayer
Nancy:
O Lord, we ask for the intercession of Your Blessed Mother to guide us on our journey back to the fullness of the faith. Through her Immaculate Heart, may we remain faithful to the truths You have revealed and persevere through any challenges. Strengthen our hearts with courage and humility. Amen.
Segment 1: Acknowledge Where You’ve Been but Look Forward
Nancy:
The first step when transitioning to traditional Catholicism is to acknowledge where you’ve been without dwelling on frustrations. It’s natural to feel sadness, confusion, or even frustration when you discover how much of the Church's tradition has been lost or neglected in the Novus Ordo era. Remember, this was the way you were taught; it’s only natural that you will question a lot as you start to learn the true faith. But what I can also add is that as you continue to learn the true faith, your frustration about the falsities fed to you turns into a determination to learn as much as you can about what is true.
Walt:
That’s so true, Nancy. But one thing we always need to remember is that God’s providence is never absent. He allowed those experiences for a reason and can use them for your sanctification.
Nancy:
Exactly, Walt. I love this quote from St. Augustine:
"God does not abandon us unless we first abandon Him."
If you’re listening to this podcast, it’s because God is calling you to a deeper understanding and practice of the faith. He hasn't abandoned you, and He never will. This is the true essence of our faith, Wal, isn’t it? Because I thought I had abandoned God, and maybe in some ways I did, but at my very core I knew He was still there - and that, I believe, is what St. Augustine was saying - God will always be there for us; if we feel abandoned by Him it is because we brought it on ourselves.
Walt:
That’s a beautiful reminder. We need to thank God for the sacraments we’ve received and trust that He will guide us forward.
Nancy:
And as Romans 8:28 tells us:
"All things work together unto good for those who love God." So I’d like to use this quote as an example of how my new journey has changed my perspective on my faith and instilled a new love of learning about the traditional faith. So, this quote, “All things work together unto good for those who love God,” makes me think of the song, “Glory and Praise to Our God,” because the refrain’s lyrics read, “Glory and praise to our God, who alone brings light to our ways, many are the blessings He bears to those who trust in His ways.”
That song, “Glory and Praise to Our God,” was written in 1976 which falls during the time when Catholic school religion classes and music had been greatly affected by the changes brought about by Vatican II. Of course it is upbeat and singsongy which is typical of that time period. But now, instead of just discounting it because of when it was written, I was able to find that the song was written based on Psalms 65 and 66:
Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what great things he hath done for my soul. [17] I cried to him with my mouth: and I extolled him with my tongue. [18] If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. [19] Therefore hath God heard me, and hath attended to the voice of my supplication. [20] Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
[Psalms 65:1-20]
Unto the end, in, hymns, a psalm of a canticle for David. [2] May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he cause the light of his countenance to shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us. [3] That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations. [4] Let people confess to thee, O God: let all people give praise to thee. [5] Let the nations be glad and rejoice: for thou judgest the people with justice, and directest the nations upon earth.
[6] Let the people, O God, confess to thee: let all the people give praise to thee: [7] The earth hath yielded her fruit. May God, our God bless us, [8] May God bless us: and all the ends of the earth fear him.
[Psalms 66:1-8]
So you may be saying to yourself, that’s nice, so what? The beauty of this is in the learning; it’s peeling back some layers and discovering the true faith and finding the words of scripture as they were written in the early Church.
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Segment 2: Practical Steps to Relearn or Learn the Faith
Walt:
Now that we've discussed gratitude and forward thinking, let’s get into the practical side. What steps can Catholics take to relearn or, in some cases, learn the faith for the first time?
Nancy:
Great question, Walt. Here are five essential steps for transitioning to traditional Catholicism:
1. Attend the Traditional Latin Mass
Nancy:
If possible, start attending the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). Even if it requires extra effort, it’s worth it. I was unsure at first because I grew up thinking that Mass was communal - and dare I say, almost social. The beauty of the TLM is its timelessness. The sanctity of the true faith is revered in the traditions of the Mass itself, of the music, the silence, the time for prayer, for repentance, and to truly prepare yourself for the coming week. I can honestly say that I never felt so fulfilled attending a Mass as I do when attending a Traditional Latin Mass.
Walt:
The first time I attended the TLM, I was overwhelmed by its reverence. The priest facing the altar, the beautiful chants it was such a contrast to what I was used to.
Nancy:
Yes, it emphasizes the transcendence of God. And don’t be discouraged if you don’t understand everything at first. Just let the beauty of the liturgy speak to your heart.
2. Study the Catechism of the Council of Trent or the traditional Baltimore Catechism
Nancy:
Many Novus Ordo Catholics have never encountered traditional Church teachings in their fullness. I am told by you that the Catechism of the Council of Trent is an excellent resource, however you also mentioned the Baltimore Catechism. Do you have any advice for someone just starting to read the Baltimore Catechism?
Walt:
And it’s straightforward. You don’t have to be a theologian to understand it.
3. Read the Lives of the Saints
Nancy:
The saints are our role models in holiness. Their lives are filled with examples of courage and perseverance. What’s really great is having access to the traditional Feast Days of the saints on a calendar OR tuning in to Catholic Reboot is a phenomenal way to learn about the saints because you share their lives with us every day.
Walt:
Some great saints to focus on are St. Athanasius, St. Pius X, and St. Teresa of Avila.
Nancy:
Their lives remind us that holiness is possible IN every age and AT every age.
4. Incorporate Traditional Devotions
Nancy:
Devotions like the Rosary, the Brown Scapular, and First Friday devotions are powerful ways to deepen your spiritual life.
Walt:
And don’t forget the Angelus! It’s a simple but beautiful way to honor Our Lady and meditate on the Incarnation.
Nancy:
Can you give us some other examples of how we can incorporate traditional devotions, Walt?
Walt:

5. Seek a Traditional Spiritual Director
Nancy:
Find a priest who celebrates the TLM and adheres to traditional Catholic teaching. His guidance will be invaluable. Now this is something I have heard others do, but I have yet to seek out a traditional spiritual director on my journey. Do you have any advice to offer on this topic?
Walt:
And if you can’t find one locally, consider reaching out to traditional religious communities or even online resources.
Segment 3: Overcoming Challenges and Remaining Positive
Nancy:
Let’s be honest this journey is not without challenges.
Walt:
That's right. You might face criticism from family and friends or feel overwhelmed by all the new information.
Nancy:
When those challenges arise, remember the words of St. Paul in Philippians 4:13:
"I can do all things in Him who strengthens me." And this is so very true. You and I have talked about being the wrong kind of “apologist,” - the kind that feels the need to apologize to others for following the true Catholic faith.
Walt:
And don’t forget that God gives you the grace you need.
Tips for Persevering:
Nancy:
Here are some practical ways to stay strong:
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Spiritual growth takes time.
• Stay Close to the Sacraments: Frequent confession and reception of the Eucharist are essential.
• Build a Support System: Surround yourself with like-minded traditional Catholics.
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Segment 4: A Final Word of Encouragement
Nancy:
As we wrap up, I want to leave you with a final word of encouragement.
Walt:
This journey is worth it. God is calling you to a deeper relationship with Him through the richness of the traditional faith.
Nancy:
Remember these words from St. Augustine:
"Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord."
Stay humble, stay teachable, and remain joyful.
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Conclusion and Closing Prayer
Nancy:
Thank you for joining us. We pray this conversation has encouraged you to persevere on your journey to traditional Catholicism.
Walt:
And remember Mary is with you every step of the way.
Nancy:
Before we close with a prayer, do you have any final thoughts, Wal?
Walt:
Nancy: Let’s close with a prayer.
Prayer:
O God, who desires that all should come to the knowledge of the truth, bless and sustain us as we seek to live out the fullness of the Catholic faith. May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us and guide us ever closer to Your Sacred Heart. Amen.
Nancy:
Thank you so much, Walt, for sharing this episode with me. To those listening, God bless you and keep the faith! And in the words of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, “God love you!” Until next time.