u/smartpa09347

I'm currently in OCIA and I've been trying to take it seriously and learn. I've always believed in God but throghout my life I was pretty passive and almost lazy about it sometimes, especially now because I'm in a rigorous grad school program so I feel like I have no time for anything.

Specifically, I've always struggled with prayer. I struggle with praying consistently and even praying over certain things. Like I truly love praying for others but when it comes to prayering for certain things for myself, I just can't bring myself to do it because I believe God doesn't want to do it or it's too impossible. I feel like I'm crazy for this

Since October is the month of the Holy Rosary I thought it would be good a idea to become familiar with it and try to learn how to pray it. I actually have a rosary and while I don't know how to pray the rosary prayer, holding it already gives me peace. I've heard it's one of the most powerful prayers there is.

However, there's a few stumbling blocks I have about that I would love for someone to help clear up. I really don't mean to be rude, I just want to understand:

1. Why do we specfically say the creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc while we pray it? Out of all the prayers we could say, why those?

2. I know we're supposed to meditate on the mysteries of Jesus while praying it, but why does it seem like we're just praying to Mary during it? Especially because of all of the Hail Marys and Hail Holy Queen at the end? This is truly the hardest thing for me to wrap my mind around

3. How exactly am I supposed to meditate on the mysteries if I'm saying a prayer? Like my brain can't multitask and think about it if I'm trying to say all 10 Hail Marys at the same time

I also have another question about prayer in general:

4. I know Catholics believe in asking the saints for intercession because they're closer to God than we are since they're in Heaven with Him. However, I feel like that implies that God takes priority in listening to saints' prayer or anyone who's closer to Him over me. Perhaps that's the point, but that kind of makes me feel even more discouraged in praying for some things...

I appreciate if someone can help me understand this topics!!

I'll be graduating summer 2027 and I was curious about going straight into an entry-level position vs doing a fellowship. From my understanding, fellowships offer more specific training before going into a specialty (please correct me if I'm wrong on this lol)

I'm interested in neurology and dermatology right now and have prior experience in those areas as an MA before I started PA school, so I want to focus on applying to jobs in those fields since I'm familiar with them and really enjoyed it. I would like to do outpatient or inpatient neurology but for derm I'm specifically interested in skin cancer surgery and maybe even cosmetics. I don't have any experience in derm surgery or cosmetics so I thought a fellowship in this (if one even exists) may be beneficial.

Has anyone done a PA fellowship of any kind and would they recommend it? Or is it a waste and I should just go straight to an entry-level position and I guess do training on the job? I'd love some advice on this!

I'm going through a really difficult time now and I honestly don't know how I'll get through it. 3 months ago the guy who I thought I would spend my life with threw away our relationship and made me feel like I was worth nothing. Now a few days ago, my family found out my dad has cancer and I'm terrified. I've cried so much these past few days it's insane.

I'm currently in med school and I have to leave to go on rotations. I'm gonna be all alone in a place I've never been and I don't want to go at all. I was so excited for this but now I'm not looking forward to it and I just want to be with my dad.

I don't understand how I could go from being so happy and grateful for such a great season of life to lving my worst nightmare. I trying praying but it's hard and feels like no one is listening. I'm honestly mad at God for letting this all happen. I feel so alone, and depressed and I'm so close to going back to bad habits just to numb the pain and get away from it all.

I don't feel strong enough for this and my heart is hurting so bad. I don't know what to do

My ex (29M) ended things 3 months ago after all these promises of us getting married and having a future together after the came back home. I (25F) was comoletely blindsided and never got a full explanation about what happened. I just texted him that he was an asshole and left it at that but I never fully got to say what I wanted.

Now I'm really feeling an urge to let him know how I feel properly since it's been a while. I know I probs shouldn't but if there's any dumpers out there who the dumpee broke no contact and reached out again, what did you think? Like did you think your ex was crazy, desperate, or whatever?

I'm looking for a good ceramic only flat iron for my hair. I've tried ceramic iron in the past and they literally did nothing on my hair because I feel like they didn't get hot at all but I want to stick to ceramic because it's less damaging.

I have my eye on the Revlon 1 1/2 in ceramic flat iron now. Is that one good and do you have any recommendations?

Don't come for me in the comments y'all loll. I wanna go back to being a straight natural bc it was just easier for me but I'm NOT doing a relaxer just a silk press. I have to keep my hair up for work and I'm getting so tired of doind the same style bc I can't do much with my hair. My edges can't take anymore 😭

I was a straight natural in my teens and early 20s and it really saved my hair from a lot of tension. Are there any products and flat irons that are good for maintaining a silk press these days?

I just took my first PACKRAT at the end of my didactic year. There's onky a tiny bit more content that we have to cover but I got a 175. I reviewed the score report and know what I should review. Is that good, bad, or average score and like how does that correlate to actual PANCE score and passing?

I want to pray for my loved ones to accept God in their hearts but they're agnostic so it seems impossible. I know nothing is impossible for God, but I just really struggle with assuming some things just aren't in His will which is awful. Does anyone have any stories about how they prayed for a loved one to come to the Lord and He softened their hearts and accepted Him? I would love some encouragement

Y'all pls don't judge me but I feel lile this situation is a bit unique. I (25F) was with my bf (26M) for about 1 and a half years and he moved abroad 6 montha ago. Before he left we made plans for the future and he swore up and down he would be back in about another year and a half from now-like I'm talking marriage which we were both serious about. About 1 month ago my bf ended things with me out of the blue bc he claimed that he never felt like he belonged here at home but felt like he belonged in this other country. He said we should end things bc he didn't see himself coming back and didn't want to hold me back and that I deserved better. The whole time he was telling me this, he was crying and acknowledged that he was a jerk for not telling me sooner so I guess he showed some remorse. He even told me that he really loved me and wanted to have a future with me which seemed contradictory but idk I was in shock when we spoke.

​

Since I was so shocked I just texted him the next day saying what I wish I said on the phone. Since it was still fresh, I feel like I was just speaking out of anger. He tried to offer me an explanation but nothing made sense but I guess maybe it's because I'm not in his position. He was the one who texted me last saying he wished me well but I never responded. Then he removed me from ig and I blocked him on everything else....

​

Now that it's been a few weeks, the shock has worn off and I'm still so bothered by the circumstances and feel like I didn't say what I truly wanted. Basically, I want him to know that while I'm hurt, I wish I was there to talk with him about how he felt like he didn't belong and want him to think about what he's doing for the sake of his future bc in the long run there's no benefit to him being abroad and he's literally leaving his family behind. I know y'all are like just leave him to ruin his life but I'm the type of person who has to say what's in my chest for my sake. I know nothing I saw will probs change his mind or anything even if a tiny part of me wishes that would happen but I just can't let it go.

​

So do I send one last message or leave it alone? Any advice would be great...

​

I'm hoping to start OCIA this fall however with my schedule I'll be away from the parish that I usually attend from August-November and then I'll be gone mid February-mid March. I was baptized as Catholic but I never got confirmed or got other sacraments so idk if that would change the process. Would this be an issue with starting OCIA or do I have to wait for next year?

Sorry this is long but here's my story and I need to vent. I (26F) was in my first relationship for a little over a year until my ex (31M) ended everything suddenly and left me. We were long distance since January bc he took a job in a different country. I'm in grad school so I was shocked he decided to go but in retrospect he had the interview and accepted the position without even telling me then dropped the bomb on me before he left which was just cruel. He always talked about having a future with me and loved me so he promised he would come back before I graduated. I agreed bc I truly loved him and wanted to make it work.

A few weeks ago he calls me out of nowhere to tell me that he never felt like he belonged back at him and will be staying abroad. He told me all this stuff about how he loved me and wanted to have a future with me but that he needed to end things because he couldn't come back. Mind you he NEVER told me about those feelings before and dropped the fact that he wanted to end things so suddenly. He never gave me time to process this or even have an opinion. He literally moved away and abandoned me. To make it worse he also abandoned his own family bc they were under the impression that he was coming back in a few years.

It's been 3 weeks...I'm still so heartbroken and angry. I texted him one last time about how hurt I was and he gave me dumb apologies about how he loved me and acknowledged what he did was wrong but it would be unfair if we continued the relationship. If he truly loved me he wouldn't have abandoned me like this. I know I shouldn't text him but a part of me still wonders what if there' more to the story bc I really believe there is... I could really use some advice...

I want to make sure I don't offend anyone at mass or anything so I had some questions

1. I know when you enter the sanctuary, you get the holy water and make the sign of the cross then genuflect before sitting. But do you have to make the sign of the cross again while genuflecting?

2. I'm not able to receive the Eucharist yet so what do I do while everyone else is receiving it? Do I remain kneeling or just sit back down normally?

3. I did go in the communion line during Easter and crossed my arms for the priest to give me a blessing instead of the Eucharist. However, he specifically invited peoole to do so if they couldn't receive the Eucharist so everyone could go up that time. Are people who cannot receive the Eucharist being able to join the communion line and receive a blessing by crossing their arms something that I can do during any mass or it reserved for special ocassions?

Thank you!!

Hi everyone! I (25F) have been going to a new parish more often and I've really been enjoying it! I'm open to dating and making friends, especially at church because I want to meet like-minded people who share the same faith as me. In terms of dating, I prefer not to use any apps at this time (not judging those who do though, I don't think there's anything wrong with that!!). I'm also in a rigorous grad school program so it would be nice to make friends outside of my class lol. However, I can be a bit shy but I've really been working on putting myself out there and getting out of my comfort zone one step at a time 😊. As a young woman, do you have any tips on how to meet new people, make friends, and potentially dating? I'd love to hear your thoughts, thank you!

I'm interested in the Catholic faith and I've been trying to attend service more. I would really like to try going to adoration so I can have some quiet prayer time before God. However, I was only baptized in the Catholic church and never received any sacraments. I know I can't receive the Eucharist because of this but would I still be able to go to adoration? And if so, what do people typically do at adoration? I don't want to offend anyone or do something I'm not supposed to

Unfortunately I've (25F) been feeling pretty down and church usually makes me feel better. Plus I really was hoping to get a little more serious about my faith this year which I haven't been doing.

I've gone to church with my friend in the past but she's not able to go as often anymore but I still want to go. I'm quite shy and there's a lot of people in that parish so I'm a little nervous about going alone. I also really want to seek community within the church but I'm not fully Catholic in that I was only baptized in the Catholic church but never received any sacraments so I feel like that's a barrier. I'm also in a rigorous grad school program so I feel like not being able to attend many events might also be a barrier. If anyone has any advice on how to go to church and make friends as someone who's shy, I would appreciate it!!

*EDIT: thank you all for some tips! I tend to overthink things but I'm encouraged to push myself out of my comfort zone :)

Unfortunately I've (25F) been feeling pretty down and church usually makes me feel better. Plus I really was hoping to get a little more serious about my faith this year which I haven't been doing.

I've gone to church with my friend in the past but she's not able to go as often anymore but I still want to go. I'm quite shy and there's a lot of people in that parish so I'm a little nervous about going alone. I also really want to seek community within the church but I'm not fully Catholic in that I was only baptized in the Catholic church but never received any sacraments so I feel like that's a barrier. I'm also in a rigorous grad school program so I feel like not being able to attend many events might also be a barrier. If anyone has any advice on how to go to church and make friends as someone who's shy, I would appreciate it!!

Sorry this is long but here's my story. I (26F) was in my first relationship for a little over a year until my ex (31M) ended everything suddenly and left me. We were long distance since January bc he took a job in a different country. I'm in grad school so I was shocked he decided to go but in retrospect he had the interview and accepted the position without even telling me then dropped the bomb on me before he left which was just cruel. He always talked about having a future with me and loved me so he promised he would come back before I graduated. I agreed bc I truly loved him and wanted to make it work.

A few weeks ago he calls me out of nowhere to tell me that he never felt like he belonged back at home and will be staying abroad. He told me all this stuff about how he loved me and wanted to have a future with me but that he needed to end things because he couldn't come back. Mind you he NEVER told me about those feelings before and dropped the fact that he wanted to end things so suddenly. He never gave me time to process this or even have an opinion. He literally moved away and abandoned me. To make it worse he also abandoned his own family bc they were under the impression that he was coming back in a few years which is even more cruel.

I'm so heartbroken and angry. I already texted him one last time about how hurt I was and he gave me dumb apologies about how he loved me and acknowledged what he did was wrong but it would be unfair if we continued the relationship. It felt like he was just apologizing just to say it. I'm honestly left questioning if he really truly loved me at all even though it felt so real.

I feel like I lost a part of myself with him because I rrally loved him. I know what's done is done but I wish I could contact him again just to yell at him and tell him how angry I am even more. I wish he would come back so I tell him off more you know? This is my first break up and I didn't except things to end traumatically like this. I really need some advice so I don't have a full crash out...

Sorry this is long but here's my story. I (26F) was in my first relationship for a little over a year until my ex (31M) ended everything suddenly and left me. We were long distance since January bc he took a job in a different country. I'm in grad school so I was shocked he decided to go but in retrospect he had the interview and accepted the position without even telling me then dropped the bomb on me before he left which was just cruel. He always talked about having a future with me and loved me so he promised he would come back before I graduated. I agreed bc I truly loved him and wanted to make it work.

A few weeks ago he calls me out of nowhere to tell me that he never felt like he belonged back at him and will be staying abroad. He told me all this stuff about how he loved me and wanted to have a future with me but that he needed to end things because he couldn't come back. Mind you he NEVER told me about those feelings before and dropped the fact that he wanted to end things so suddenly. He never gave me time to process this or even have an opinion. He literally moved away and abandoned me. To make it worse he also abandoned his own family bc they were under the impression that he was coming back in a few years.

I'm so heartbroken and angry. I already texted him one last time about how heart I was and he gave me dumb apologies about how he loved me and acknowledged what he did was wrong but it would be unfair if we continued the relationship. If he truly loved me he wouldn't have abandoned me like this. I know I can't text him anymore and just go back and forth but I feel so lost and have no answers

Honestly I feel like there were so many things that I ignored in the relationship but the worst part of it all was that I compromised my beliefs. I'm Christian and he was agnostic so I already knew that would've been a problem in the long run. I didn't put God in the relationship and I regret it. I feel like God is so distant bc my heart is broken..some advice on how to move on and ask God for healing and forgiveness would be appreciated..

I (25F) was in a relationship for a little over a year then my ex bf (30M) moved to take a job in a different country. He made it out to be like this was his dream job so he took the opportunity while I stayed and continued school. The plan was for him to come back when I finished school and we had our future planned out. He told me he wanted a future with me. We were long distance for 6 months then all of a sudden he tells me out of nowhere that he never liked where he was in our home country and felt like he belonged abroad so he felt like it would be selfish of him to continue the relationship if he wasn't happy. Mind you, he never told me about how he felt and literally just told me about the things he hated about being abroad so I had no idea how he felt. He just texted me all this bullshit about he loved me but just couldn't come back but I feel like if he truly loved me he wouldn't have broken his promise so carelessly and left me in the dark

I felt like he was being so fucking selfish for leading me on and then just abandoning me. All I got was just a call and some texts when he dropped the news on me. He told me he loved me and saw a future with me but how could someone be so cruel when I never did anything like that to him.

I've never felt so angry and hurt and I want him to know how bad he hurt me. It feels like I can't get closure from this if he's gone. I really wanted a future with him and loved him but I guess it's clear he never loved me. He was my first real relationship and love but I feel like it was all a waste. I would appreciate talking to anyone who went through something similar...

So I guess every program has to take an end of didactic exam to move onto clinical year. My program is using Blueprint/Rosh and I feel like it's def hard so far with the pratice tests and my classmates have even found questions with wrong answers. I'm a pretty good student but I'm worried about passing because I only get 2 tries. Does anyone have any experience taking a Blueprint/Rosh exam as their didactic final and how did it go?