Catholics Returning Home
An Invitation for Non-Practicing
Catholics
·
Were
you raised Catholic but seldom come to Church anymore?
·
Would
you like to feel at home in the Catholic Church again?
·
Would
you like to know more about the Church as it is Today?
·
Are
you a Catholic who now feels separated from your Church?
No matter how long you have been away for whatever
reason, we invite you to consider renewing your relationship with
the Catholic Church. Please join us for informal listening sessions
and an update of the Catholic faith, facilitated by Catholics
who have returned to the Church.
St. Gabriel Catholic Church
– Media Center
Tuesday evenings: 7:30-9:00
p.m.
Although the program has already started its not too late to join us. Please feel free to come for any or all of the remaining sessions.
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April 1
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-- Listening and Sharing
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April 8
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-- Why We Leave – Why We Return
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April 15
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-- Understanding the Mass
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April 22
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-- All About Reconciliation (Confession)
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April 29
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-- The Church Today: Changes Since Vatican II
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May 6
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-- What We Believe
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Do you know someone who has left the Church?
Most of us don't have to look very far to find "former Catholics"
among our family and friends.
Many people leave the Church because of boredom,
misunderstanding of the basic beliefs of the Church, hurt feelings
or anger caused by the Church in some way, anger at God and a
variety of differences.
Most non-practicing Catholics would prefer to
return to the Catholic Church, however, they don't know how.
They are afraid to approach the Church for fear of being rejected.
Some have very limited knowledge of the most basic beliefs of
the Church and they are especially concerned about their status
as "former" Catholics. They mistakenly think they are excommunicated
and are not welcome to return for a variety of reasons. Many are
searching for a way to reconcile their differences with the church.
Some are merely looking for a way to ease back into the Church
without feeling out of place. They are looking for stability and
peace that only God can provide in a Church community.
Shortly after Easter St. Gabriel Church will
offer a program to help those who are seeking to return. "Catholics
Returning Home" is a process for reaching out to inactive Catholics.
Non-practicing Catholics are invited to attend
a series of six weekly sessions conducted by a team including
former non-practicing Catholics. The sessions will be held from
Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. starting April 1st.
Participants may attend each evening or as often as they wish.
The program consists of informal "listening sessions"
conducted in a support group format with a sequence of topics
that cover the basics of the Catholic faith, changes since Vatican
II, a walk through of the Mass, and an explanation of the Sacrament
of Reconciliation. Each session will include informal sharing
and a question and answer period.
This is an opportunity for each of us to extend
an invitation to our non-practicing family and friends to come
back to the Church. We want them to feel welcome and that the
Church wants them back without putting them through a lot of red
tape. Everyone is welcome!
Most "former Catholics" are waiting for an invitation
to return. You can help by sharing your gift of faith and inviting
them to attend "Catholics Returning Home."
For more information call Fran Young: 291-5376
or the parish office during normal hours or e-mail Chris Young at cy_borg5@cyborg5.com.
