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.

 

 

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 1^st.  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.