Newer Catholic and Lacking Spiritual Direction

[SyZ]

Hey all,

I found this forum by googling 'how prevalent is mortal sin among Catholics?' and it pulled a post from a while back. 

I'm a newer Catholic, confirmed last November, but spent about 8 years in Protestant land amongst non-denom / Baptist churches in the Bible Belt. Met my wife 5 years ago and we have 3 boys - 3.5, 2, and 2.5 months.

Literally every single personal relationship I have, other than with my Jewish mom, is with a non-denom / Baptist / usually Calvinist leaning Protestant. Like, every single one. I have no Catholic friends, I am incredibly busy and have no idea how I could meet any in real life, and I feel like there's just far too much to learn and understand.

Lent is starting tomorrow, and I basically know that I'm fasting tomorrow, Good Friday, and on every Friday not eating meat, as well as engaging in other acts of penance.

Overall, I feel great that I joined the Church, and have incredible peace in my own personal relationship with Jesus, but often times I just encounter confusion or uncertainty. My 3 year old is up at 6 AM and I rarely get morning devotional time. In the evening, I'm talking with my wife / trying to relax after 14 hours of going nonstop with work or parenting. Rinse, repeat. But, I feel like I need to be reading the Bible, praying the Rosary, doing Examination of Conscience, reading the Catechism, keeping up to date with actual real life events, paying attention to what the Pope is doing, etc. Like, where does the time come from?

Then there's the actual relationships I have. Nobody in my life understands why I joined, they think the Church is wrong on just about everything, there's no opportunity to talk or discuss anything so I just don't, but then they'll show interest now and then like 'SyZ, what are you doing for Lent? SyZ, how are you feeling about baptizing your boys this weekend?' But if it ever moves to a theological discussion it gets contentious.

Am I just overthinking everything? I'm not sure how to love my wife, lead my children well, or really do much of anything in my new faith when I both 1) have very little clue what I'm doing and 2) no real life support.

[Luigi]

You, sir, are a breath of fresh air on this board. I'm glad you found us. 

I'm sure lots of folks will have plenty of good advice for you. I may contribute my two cents worth as well (although the cent is going the way the dinosaurs, so two cents never was worth much, and now it's worth less!), but I need time to organize my thoughts. 

For the moment, just hang in there!