Catholics Come Home
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Catholics Come Home Help bring your loved ones home to their Catholic family. Come, let us return to the Lord…and He will heal us… Hosea 6:1 |
Message from Fr. John P. Bell
For the Diocese of Dallas as a whole, the programs “Come Home for Christmas” and “Come Home for Easter” are being promoted. Our Lady of Angels Parish (OLA) is participating in these programs for 2012. However, this program is structuring the gospel imperative: “Go into the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation” (Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15; and by implication in Luke and John, and Acts by implementation).
Over our ten-year history one of the affirming experiences from our R[ite] C[hirstian] I[nitiation for] A[dults] — the process for non-Catholics to become Catholics — provides the examples of how a member of this parish triggered or stirred an inquirer’s interest in the Catholic Church. At the same time, some OLA members have intentionally but gently encouraged inactive or passive Catholic neighbors/acquaintances to come to this faith community in order to find potentially a fulfilling experience or an answer to their spiritual needs.
Don’t tell anyone, but such behavior satisfies or fulfills the above gospel citation. Yes, that is missionary work without going to foreign lands! Each one of us — regardless of status, age, or education attainment — can contribute to the Church’s mission to witness God’s plan of salvation to all.
So, continue being your Catholic selves. There’s no greater testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ than your fidelity in living it every day.
Over our ten-year history one of the affirming experiences from our R[ite] C[hirstian] I[nitiation for] A[dults] — the process for non-Catholics to become Catholics — provides the examples of how a member of this parish triggered or stirred an inquirer’s interest in the Catholic Church. At the same time, some OLA members have intentionally but gently encouraged inactive or passive Catholic neighbors/acquaintances to come to this faith community in order to find potentially a fulfilling experience or an answer to their spiritual needs.
Don’t tell anyone, but such behavior satisfies or fulfills the above gospel citation. Yes, that is missionary work without going to foreign lands! Each one of us — regardless of status, age, or education attainment — can contribute to the Church’s mission to witness God’s plan of salvation to all.
So, continue being your Catholic selves. There’s no greater testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ than your fidelity in living it every day.
Have you been asking questions like these?
Why do I have to be Catholic, I’m spiritual?
Why do I have to go to Mass, what’s the big deal?
I’ve been away from the Church for so long that I don't know how to come back?
So much has changed since I went to Church. How will I ever get caught up?
I do not agree with everything the Church teaches. What am I suppose to do?
I’ve made so many mistakes. Will the Church really welcome me back?
I was hurt by someone in the Church. How would returning to the Church help me?
If you have been wondering about these, or similar questions, you may be hearing God calling you back to the active practice of your Catholic faith. We can help you come back to the Church.
We Miss You
Every practicing Catholic is a gift to the Church community. As long as there are non-practicing Catholics, the Church is incomplete. We welcome all inactive Catholics to return to the faith so we can support and strengthen one another and the Church. We can play a role in helping your family, friends, co-workers or yourself return to our Catholic family. Consider the following:
Spiritual Growth
God’s gift of faith strengthens us and helps us to live as members of the Body of Christ—the Church. The Church is made up of unique individuals, each with his or her own gifts to share. In turn, the gifts of the church community strengthen and support the whole. We need each other.
Absence
It doesn’t matter how long you have been away from the Church. Your return will bring tremendous joy to God! Through His grace, your faith can deepen and grow like never before.
Changes in the Church
The Catholic faith is rich in its teachings and traditions. Even the most scholarly among us does not know everything. Learning about our Church and our faith is a lifelong process that can be enriched by formation classes, personal study, prayer, and the sharing of our faith. Anyone concerned that they need to catch up will feel right at home with other Catholics.
Forgiveness
The Church teaches that Jesus is our Savior; He came not to condemn, but to save. In the sacrament of penance or reconciliation, Christ forgives all our sins, strengthens us spiritually, restores us to a state of grace, and helps us forgive others.
Hurts of the Past
The Church is made up of imperfect people with human problems and issues. If you have been hurt by clergy or any church member, in any way, healing can be found in the sacraments and through the compassionate support of our faith community.
Church Teaching
The teachings of the Church provide guidance and help us to know, love, and serve God, so that one day we may be united with Him forever in heaven. If you have asked about Church teachings, we invite you to speak with a priest or other knowledgeable person.
What Now
If you would like to speak with someone about returning to the Church, please contact us. Someone will be in touch with you soon. If you are not ready to speak with someone, please join us for Mass. Take a bulletin and look a the various activities going on in our parish. Choose a place to start that feels comfortable. We look forward to seeing you. In prayer, ask God to guide you. Your response to His loving call could be the first step toward a new beginning.
Why do I have to go to Mass, what’s the big deal?
I’ve been away from the Church for so long that I don't know how to come back?
So much has changed since I went to Church. How will I ever get caught up?
I do not agree with everything the Church teaches. What am I suppose to do?
I’ve made so many mistakes. Will the Church really welcome me back?
I was hurt by someone in the Church. How would returning to the Church help me?
If you have been wondering about these, or similar questions, you may be hearing God calling you back to the active practice of your Catholic faith. We can help you come back to the Church.
We Miss You
Every practicing Catholic is a gift to the Church community. As long as there are non-practicing Catholics, the Church is incomplete. We welcome all inactive Catholics to return to the faith so we can support and strengthen one another and the Church. We can play a role in helping your family, friends, co-workers or yourself return to our Catholic family. Consider the following:
Spiritual Growth
God’s gift of faith strengthens us and helps us to live as members of the Body of Christ—the Church. The Church is made up of unique individuals, each with his or her own gifts to share. In turn, the gifts of the church community strengthen and support the whole. We need each other.
Absence
It doesn’t matter how long you have been away from the Church. Your return will bring tremendous joy to God! Through His grace, your faith can deepen and grow like never before.
Changes in the Church
The Catholic faith is rich in its teachings and traditions. Even the most scholarly among us does not know everything. Learning about our Church and our faith is a lifelong process that can be enriched by formation classes, personal study, prayer, and the sharing of our faith. Anyone concerned that they need to catch up will feel right at home with other Catholics.
Forgiveness
The Church teaches that Jesus is our Savior; He came not to condemn, but to save. In the sacrament of penance or reconciliation, Christ forgives all our sins, strengthens us spiritually, restores us to a state of grace, and helps us forgive others.
Hurts of the Past
The Church is made up of imperfect people with human problems and issues. If you have been hurt by clergy or any church member, in any way, healing can be found in the sacraments and through the compassionate support of our faith community.
Church Teaching
The teachings of the Church provide guidance and help us to know, love, and serve God, so that one day we may be united with Him forever in heaven. If you have asked about Church teachings, we invite you to speak with a priest or other knowledgeable person.
What Now
If you would like to speak with someone about returning to the Church, please contact us. Someone will be in touch with you soon. If you are not ready to speak with someone, please join us for Mass. Take a bulletin and look a the various activities going on in our parish. Choose a place to start that feels comfortable. We look forward to seeing you. In prayer, ask God to guide you. Your response to His loving call could be the first step toward a new beginning.