Q: I am in college, and it’s been over two years since I came back to the Catholic faith. One thing that helped me strengthen my faith (along with the weekly Masses, new Catholic friends, and online resources) was this Catholic charismatic group that I belong to. Over a year ago, this group held a Life in the Spirit Seminar in our chapel. That helped me encounter the Lord in a very profound way. Afterward, I regularly attended this group’s weekly prayer meeting – until a few months ago. Honestly, it feels like I got tired. I just don’t feel inclined to charismatic worship. I still do my other devotions, such as weekly Eucharistic adoration and daily rosary and Gospel readings. Recently I started praying vespers. Am I wrong for feeling this way? Am I just being lazy? – A.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: It’s good to hear that you returned to practicing your faith. Our Lord loves you dearly and wants you to take advantage of what he offers through the Church.

As for the charismatic movement: Some people feel drawn to it, some don’t. Some might find it helpful for a while, then move on.

If you are praying the rosary and vespers, reading Scripture, adoring Our Lord in the Eucharist, those are all signs that you are on the right path.

The charismatic movement helped you along that path at a crucial moment. You might be tired of that movement, but you don’t seem tired of prayer – and that, too, is a good sign.

So, stay the course. Perseverance in prayer and your growth in the virtues are sure signs of a healthy spiritual life.

A few resources that might help are Time for God, by Jacques Philippe, and the fourth part of the Catechism, on Christian prayer, that begins at No. 2558.

I hope some of this helps. Count on my prayers.