Evangelizing a coworker

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CompSciGuy

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Hi all,

I have had a rather unique experience today. I would like to ask for prayers, and also maybe tips for future evangelization. I work as a software developer in an office with people of all kinds of different backgrounds. On Tuesday, I overheard a conversation between some coworkers regarding Lent. None of them really knew what it was all about, so I thought, what the heck, I’ll go over and tell 'em about it. So I go over and say “Hi, I’m Justin! I’m a Catholic and would be delighted to answer your questions about Lent.” So I told them all about it and we had a friendly conversation about Lent, Advent, Easter and Christmas, and afterwards I went back to my desk, and about an hour later one of the guys who was in the conversation, named Jim, came up to my desk and said “So I grew up Catholic, but haven’t been for a long time. I got a divorce, and the Catholic Church kicks you out when you have a divorce. I wasn’t willing to pay the annulment fee so I just said forget you guys and went home and never came back. Anyways, just thought I’d throw out those two cents.” Then he chatted with me briefly (like thirty seconds) about the statue and the icons I had on my desk, and then left. It didn’t feel particularly angry or confrontational, but since it was unsolicited, I thought that maybe his tone was to sort of “get something off his chest” and I took it to mean he was open talking about stuff like that. Anyways that night I thought about it and prayed about it a lot. The next day I went to the Ash Wednesday mass, and at the end of mass the priest was advocating a ministry called “Bridges back to the Church” and was handing out fliers that had a phone number you could call if you have broken away from the Catholic Church. He specifically mentioned divorced and remarried couples. I took this as a sign from God and brought one to work with me. I am a shy person and very conscientious, and was worried about walking up to him and starting that kind of conversation in the workplace, so I wrote him the following note expressing my thoughts on the matter and left it with the flier on his desk:
Hey Jim,
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Yesterday I was at the ash Wednesday mass and the priest was giving out these fliers for “Bridges Back to the Church.” He specifically mentioned divorced and remarried couples. I couldn’t help but remember what you had talked with me about the day before, regarding your divorce and your rift with the Church, so I thought I would pick one up for you. I have lots of friends and family members who are in the same (or similar) situation as you, and who are all trying to reconcile their marriage with the Church (my own mother-in-law included) so I know it can be a frustrating process. However all of them have told me it is worth it. I believe that faith is the most important thing a person can have in life. I know you are probably still mad at the Church but I hope you will at least give this a look and maybe call the number. I will leave it up to you, and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
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-Justin
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So far I have not heard back from him (left it some hours ago) but I am really nervous. Please pray for me that I can have the courage should he come to talk to me about it.

Thanks
 
You and he have my prayers. crossrc:

I think you did just the right thing. You’re note is friendly, non-confrontational and open-hearted. Now the ball is in his court. He broached the subject, so he must want to talk about it to some degree. Even if he doesn’t get back to you, you reached out as a fellow Catholic and showed love and concern. That’s a seed that God can work with to bring this man back to the faith. You planted, someone else might water, and another reap, as St. Paul put it, but it will be the grace of God working in all of you that will work God’s grace in his man’s life.
 
If he does come back, ask him if he’d be willing to talk to a good priest about his dilemma.
He needs facts.
You did the right thing.
God bless.
 
All of us has a free will. I once had a series of emails with a friend who would not go to church, but loved animals. In the end I gave up. Still I would occasionally pray for him. You take this same line. Let your co worker work out his problems. If he wants to convert he will do it, with or without your help. And you have sowed a seed of grace in Him. That for God is enough. God bless both of you.
 
You did the right thing. God bless you in your courage. You have evangelized by example; and just maybe have planted a seed to bring someone back to the Church. God bless you.
 
Excellent!! You stepped forward, witnessed and then still went the extra mile. There should be more people such as yourself! :amen:
 
DaddyGirl said:
IMO, his conversation with you about his past with the church didn’t strike me as him showing curiosity or interest (tho i didn’t hear his tone, as you describe)…the way you wrote it, it sounded more to me like he was letting you know where he stood re the church and why.
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Even if this is the case, I think it is necessary for me to try and evangelize him. Many people have no idea what the Church teaches, others have no idea why. I believe also that the Holy Spirit has the power to change hearts, but that won’t happen if the people of God don’t step up and say something. You’re right, I’m being careful not to be pushy, and I won’t bring it up again unless he wants to.
 
You didn’t mention that he remarried, only that he was divorced.
Divorced Catholics can still come to the sacraments. It is only when they try to remarry that they get into some trouble. So really, he left on a misconception on what the Church teaches.

I commend you for your prayerful efforts! This may be a very strategic time for him so please continue to pray for him and place him into the most merciful heart of Jesus every day.
 
Hi, CompSciGuy. Any follow up from your co-worker? Still keeping you and he in my prayers. 🙂
 
CompSciGuy, this is so cool! I myself am shy and understand the struggle. But the fact that you reached out to your co-worker is inspiring. God Bless you both!
 
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