Evangelizing the Divorced

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Curious to how you would try to get a divorced protestant or fallen-away Catholic back to the Catholic church? I am timid to tell them to come to a church that says they are still married and everything that comes with that. Suggestions?
 
The RCC has its rules and doctrines. It also has a mandate from Christ the bind and to loosen. And it has the same mandate to interpret and teach his word and to speak in one voice on a given subject. So, there is always the possibility that in the future, understandings and interpretations may not be as concrete as they seem at this time. Yes Jesus instituted “laws” to be followed, yet at the same time, Jesus was merciful to the sinner. A solid reading of the Scriptures shows that Christ wants all to come to him, the saint and the sinner. All are welcome in his sight and in His kingdom. Christ doesn’t close the door on anyone, neither should someone close the door on Christ … and his Church. Not the easiest sell, but the Church holds the truth. Always leave the door open.
 
Don’t open with it, I guess.
Have them realize the truth of the Church first, and then let the minutiae come afterwards.
 
Hey its easy… Just explain . the believer’s authority… That a catholic church has in contrast with their non catholic understanding.
Its always one religious belief pitted against another religion.
 
JHC said:
Curious to how you would try to get a divorced protestant or fallen-away Catholic back to the Catholic church? I am timid to tell them to come to a church that says they are still married and everything that comes with that. Suggestions?
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Start with prayer.

Next, start with yourself. Does that person see God’s love working in your life? An inarticulate speaker who they realize actually loves them will have more credibility than some people with well planned arguments.

Recognize God’s grace working in their life right now. Are they parents? If “remarried” (in their own eyes) , are they caring and loving towards that person?

What good things are they doing right now? They may be willing to pray for your needs.

I am more interested in helping people reconcile with the Catholic Faith, than just the Catholic Church.

People vary. Some are angry - at the Church, at God, at their ex - but others are uninformed or apathetic. Have they explored the grounds for possible annulment? Sometimes a meeting with a priest can clarify this, and other matters.

Some people are angry at Christianity in general, others are currently involved with a Protestant church, and may be in counseling with a minister. Do not minimize the value of this. You probably won’t make a big immediate impact on their views towards Catholicism but by being a caring friend or relative, you might clear up some misinformation they have, and show them where some open doors are, that they may enter in the future.

Show you are a listening ear, they may later ask you questions. Every divorcee I have known still held to the ideal of romantic, permanent marriage as part of God’s plan, and wished that for their children and friends. You just have to show them that romance is named after Rome, that permanence is pretty compatible with Catholicism. Don’t focus on the one area of divorce/remarriage, but the larger fabric of the Faith.
 
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  1. Pray: lots of generous prayers.
  2. Sacrifice and Example: cheerful, quiet, sacrificial friendship. They must see the image of Christ in you and your actions, ever more constantly/consistently. Coffee, beer with them, details of friendship.
  3. Get them curious and interested in drawing closer to Jesus Christ, particularly in the Eucharist, the Holy Mass, and the Sacrament of Confession. Let their own attention draw them in (Holy Spirit will nudge them). Pull not push approach. Let them pull Jesus toward them.
 
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Thanks. It would be different if they were the ones initiating the conversation and asking questions. But these are friends of mine, and I would be the one pushing them in the direction of this information. They currently may not even have a knowledge about the churches understanding of marriage and divorce. It would be new to them. I would ultimately be the one breaking the news.
 
I see what you mean. Yeah that would be rough. Although if they are a fallen away you could still start the way Trent does and ask why aren’t you Catholic anymore.

To jump right in and tell someone they are wrong, especially someone who is divorced and remarried, is bound to make you into looking like the Bible thumping bad guy.
 
Give it a few years and the church won’t say they are still married.
 
None of us are as close to Christ as we ought to be, could be. It is truly a journey and each of us often take wrong turns and need help finding our way back to the proper path.

First things first:

Do we truly believe God exists as well as Heaven and Hell - our final destination?
Do we truly believe that Jesus Christ is indeed the LIVING SON OF GOD and all He taught is indeed the truth which is the only way to Heaven?
Do we truly believe that Christ established ONE CHURCH and gave it His Authority?

If our answers are a heartfelt YES, then we can pray that the Holy Spirit open our minds and hearts to God’s guidance. And trust that God will answer our heartfelt constant prayer in good time.

As to marriages that are not perfect, we should recognize that we ourselves are not canon law experts. We will need the guidance and advice of a properly trained Church marriage counselor, eventually presenting our case to the Diocese.

Given the First things first above, our goal is to make efforts to come closer to Christ by seeking the Guidance available.
 
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