What is this?
A strong phenomenon of our time is some Catholics, at one point or another in their lives leave the Church. Often, at a later time, there is the desire to return to the Church.
Why might a person leave? Disagreement with a Church teaching. An unpleasant encounter with a priest or another Church leader. Just growing up and growing away. Searching. Doubts. Anger at God. Having to find God in one’s own way. There are many other reasons why a person could step away from the Church, Faith or even God.
Why do people return? The new sacramental life of their children. There is the feeling that something is missing, almost a hole that needs to be filled. Religion was a part of a person’s younger life. It was a value, and now that value and strength has been redefined in more adult terms. Or simply a person just leaves, gets too busy, or feels they can do without the Church and prayer but later realizes that cannot remain the case.
If you are an adult who left the Church for any reason – included or beyond the above reasons – and you are thinking of returning to the Church, are in the process of returning or have recently returned, join the Catholics Returning Home experience.
What happened while you were gone? Do you have questions or unresolved issues or anger? Is it just time to fill the void? Join others after Christmas.
There will times when you will speak without a priest present so you can be candid concerning your former or present feelings about the church or its teachings or clergy which may be painful. There will be times when a priest is present to respond to the feelings you wish to share or to answer questions and offer welcome, support and faith renewal.
Trained lay leaders – our own parishioners working with people from the Archdiocese – direct this program.
The first meeting (no priest present) will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday April 6, 2005
in the Voss Parish Center. Call 773-539-7510. For further details please contact Michelle Montroy at 773-334-5497 or Jon Corrado at 773-769-5208.
Remember: Catholics can always come home!
