The Neocatechumenal Way has an uncanny ability to recruit one of two general types of people: those that like power and like to feel important and those who are hurting and vulnerable. Each person who has gone to a “catechesis” is seeking something. The longer you’re in a community, the more this divide becomes evident.
People like to talk about themselves; it’s one of our shortcomings. “Echos”, which take place after the Gospel but before a homily, are a perfect example of this. In your echo, you can say to the community what you heard in the readings, or how it touched you, or whatever else might be grieving or distressing you in life. They can be quite long, have not a lot to do with the readings, and are very rarely joyful. They can become windows into your troubled life for those already in power and those that will be. For the vulnerable, it is a huge mistake to think that this is going to be a way of finding counsel, healing, or answers to life’s problems, despite the many promotions of doing just that to get you to a catechesis.
In the Way, they will want to engrain in you the idea that your suffering is not only good but that God planned it for you. With a strange, almost reverse-Marcionite logic, they will justify this distorted version of God by saying things like “Everyone forgets God of the Old Testament, and somewhat dismiss the kind and loving Jesus in the New Testament. Here is a good summary of what the Church actually has to say about that.
It is immensely important to understand that what God allows is far different from desiring for you to be hurt--or worse. Satan is the author of all evil - not God. (See CCC 2850-2854).
God wants good for our lives--He makes all things new and good. He made us in His image and likeness (Gen 1:26). We are, down to the marrow of our bones, good. You got that? God loves you, immensely, perfectly, and wholly - God is good ALL THE TIME.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
God in His goodness gave us free will - the freedom to mess up, to sin, to love, hate or deny Him; thus, the story of Eve being duped by the author of evil and choosing wrongly. It is His ultimate fidelity to free will that He allows sin to happen, but that doesn’t mean He won’t move to make a greater good come of it. When someone is truly hurting, really going through hell on Earth, it’s so hard to see what possible good can come of that; but we need only look to the stories from those who have glimpsed Heaven, experienced the inexplicable miracles and ultimate salvation of Jesus and His promise of paradise.
The following are just a few links to various sites, articles, videos, prayers, podcasts, books, and other resources for healing and growth.
For those who have suffered or are suffering great harm (abused past or present), including from those in the Church:
Domestic Violence (Resources from the USCBB)
Create Soul Space (Help and healing from violence, help for abusers, and other resources)
Novena to St. Monica, Patroness of Wives and Abuse Victims (nine-day series of prayers. Can be said any time, or in preparation for her feast day on August 27)
Novena for Sexual Assault Survivors
"Hurting in the Church" by Fr. Thomas Berg (a half-hour video discussion of the book by the same title)
For those who have suffered a loss (death):
Scriptures and other prayers for times of grief and loss
Grief Support and Counseling through your local parish or (arch)diocese. (The link provided is for the Archdiocese of Denver, though many dioceses in the United States and around the world likely offer similar services)
For those ailing in health or have a loved one ailing in health:
Various prayers for the sick. Of course, one of the Church's most efficacious prayers for the sick is the Sacrament of Anointing.
The Art of Dying Well (Care, support, and understanding for death, dying, and bereavement)
Can we change God's mind by praying for the sick?
For those experiencing marital problems:
Novena for a Happy and Faithful Marriage (with reflections from St. Josemaría Escrivá)
Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots for your difficult marriage
A prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
A "miracle prayer" for marriage restoration
Various resources (here, here, and here) for counseling in the Archdiocese of Denver. Again, your local diocese likely offers its own marital counseling programs or can direct you to faithful, trustworthy secular resources. If you are unable to find good Catholic counseling resources in your area, seek a counselor who is supportive (or at minimum not openly hostile) to traditional Judeo-Christian family values.
Loving at Your Best (marriage strategies)
Finding Help When Your Marriage is in Trouble (information and other avenues of support, with a Catholic lens)
For those who are depressed and/or lonely:
Directories for Catholic therapists and other healthcare practitioners
A secular reading list for depression. Dr. Aaron Kheriaty and Sr. Kathryn Hermes have also written books from a Catholic perspective.
Novena to St. Dymphna, Patron Saint of Sufferers of Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Disorders
Novena to St. Louis Martin (father of St. Thérèse of Lisieux)
A prayer for loneliness
A prayer to St. Jude the Apostle, Patron Saint of Lost Causes and Desperate Situations
For those whose children or family are not practicing the faith:
Various informational resources here, here, and here.
Novena to Our Lady of Fatima for Conversion
Another novena to St. Monica, whose son (St. Augustine) and husband were both astray from the faith
For those who are burdened or weary:
A reflection on Matthew 11:28-30
A prayer for the weary of heart, also based on Mt 11:28-30
A video discussion of Fr. Benedict Groeschel's powerful book, "Arise from Darkness"
For those suffering from addictions:
Catholic Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Information, support, and rehab and therapy resources from Catholic Charities of Denver (look into Catholic Charities in your local area for similar resources and services)
Various informational and practical resources here, here, and here about overcoming pornography addictions.
No-Cost, Faith-Based rehab placement
Full Circle for youth recovery
There are countless great books, podcasts, and videos on all the above topics, and so many more. So many of our battles are with the unseen world. Fortunately for us, we are blessed with many great and holy priests, one of which has extensive experience with the diabolical and what to do about it:
"Q&A with an Exorcist" with Chris Stefanick and Fr. Chad Ripperger, Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
"Deliverance Prayers for Use by the Laity" is a powerful little prayer book compiled by Fr. Ripperger.
A list of Catholic podcasts to grow your faith, connect, and discover.
Sensus Fidelium is yet another site with numerous articles about the above topics.
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