Bringing some back to the church

[MTH]

I have a very good friend that is Catholic in name only. Although she was born and raised catholic and even had a catholic wedding, she has not been a practicing catholic, nor has she been to church, confession or any other the other sacraments for well over 20 years. This past Christmas, I stopped by to give her a Christmas present. I stayed awhile and we talked for a couple of hours. I don’t know how, but the conversation turned to the Catholic Church and she told me that she has been thinking about returning to the Church (ever since she saw the movie, “Passion of the Christ”) after all these years but she was scared and very nervous because of all the changes she has read about. (background: She has been divorced for about 15 years, never remarried but dates very frequently). I told her that I go to chruch every weekend (Saturday 5 o’clock Mass) and that she was more then welcome to come with me and follow my lead. That way she won’t be so nervous or unsure of herself. I also told her that I have several books on Catholicism and in particular, the Mass that she could borrow. She did borrow them. She has had them since Christmas and she returned them to me yesterday without reading them. I again offered her the opportunity to go to Mass with me and she keeps giving me excuses why this weekend or that weekend is a bad time for her. I feel if I continue to push her, she may turn away from the church forever. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestion that might help me get her back to the church without “turning her off”.

Thanks and may God be with you always!
Mark

 

[Della]

If you can sense that she is resisting then back off and just be there for her. Don’t bring it up unless she does, and of course, pray for her, as you no doubt are already doing.

 

[DeFide]

MTH:

… She has had them since Christmas and she returned them to me yesterday without reading them. …Mark

Some people are adverse to reading. If it seems appropriate, perhaps you can give her a tape or CD. Scott Hahn comes to mind.

I’ll keep her in prayer.

 

[Church_Militant]

Time for a Novena of the Divine Mercy Chaplet for her.
Then watch the Holy Spirit do the rest!

 

[AquinasXVI]

Mark:

This type can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. We cannot compel anyone against their will, our task is to be there when they’re ready to leap…but even more, to pray and offer personal sacrifices that the grace be given to them to be open to the fullness of truth.

Very very difficult and sometimes frustrating. A priest once told me that it is the authentic joy and integrity of the Catholic that is the most attractive way we can apostolate through our lives. But this is a long and steady witness…so our authenticity is indispensable.

The balance of leading and allowing them to come closer through their own volition is also a grace from God that we can ask for. We can’t do it on our own skill or strength.

Hope this helps.

in XT.

 

[puzzleannie]

invite her to a non-liturgical event, a parish picnic, potluck (you probably wont be having any celebration in Lent, but the next time something comes up) or just coffee and donuts. If your parish has a particular ministry or outreach invite her to participate with you, “so you won’t have to go alone” make is sound like she is helping you out.

My friend invited a neighbor in a similar position to your friend to help make PBJ sandwiches for a homeless ministry. Then one of us invited her to come with us to distribute the sandwiches. somebody else invited her to serve a hot meal weekly at the shelter. then she joined our appalachian mission trip. She brought her husband, a carpenter. they helped with several other similar projects. This was all about 8 years ago. it took a while but he is in RCIA and she is back in the church, now teaching PSR to kindergartners.

 

[byHisGrace]

MTH:

I have a very good friend that is Catholic in name only. Although she was born and raised catholic and even had a catholic wedding, she has not been a practicing catholic, nor has she been to church, confession or any other the other sacraments for well over 20 years. This past Christmas, I stopped by to give her a Christmas present. I stayed awhile and we talked for a couple of hours. I don’t know how, but the conversation turned to the Catholic Church and she told me that she has been thinking about returning to the Church (ever since she saw the movie, “Passion of the Christ”) after all these years but she was scared and very nervous because of all the changes she has read about. (background: She has been divorced for about 15 years, never remarried but dates very frequently). I told her that I go to chruch every weekend (Saturday 5 o’clock Mass) and that she was more then welcome to come with me and follow my lead. That way she won’t be so nervous or unsure of herself. I also told her that I have several books on Catholicism and in particular, the Mass that she could borrow. She did borrow them. She has had them since Christmas and she returned them to me yesterday without reading them. I again offered her the opportunity to go to Mass with me and she keeps giving me excuses why this weekend or that weekend is a bad time for her. I feel if I continue to push her, she may turn away from the church forever. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestion that might help me get her back to the church without “turning her off”.

Thanks and may God be with you always!
Mark

First of all, God bless you for caring so much about her. I agree with a lot of the other posts here. First, pray for her daily. If the Holy Spirit is working on her, she will return. As a revert who is now involved in evangelization, I sometimes have to remind myself it is God doing this work, not me. My job is to be obedient in these efforts, and pray for people like your friend. Second, love her the best way you know how…try to be “Jesus” to her. I wouldn’t give up inviting her…but just make it clear that you’ll be there for her regardless. It could happen quickly or take years. You may never see how God might be working through you with her. As long as you remain faithful and say yes to God and listen to her, and understand her fears, God will work through you and others to bring her home. Don’t give up or get discouraged. She may need to see someone over time who is consistently living their faith and being loving before she can overcome her fears, and develop the trust she needs to say Yes to Our Lord.
May God bless you!