How do you bring home inactive catholics?

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I’m would like to organize a program at our parish to reach out to inactive catholics. My idea in my little brain is to put together a sort of “gift bag” or “welcome home” bag that would contain a couple of inspiring books like Rome Sweet Home and Surprised by Truth along with one or two good conversion CD’s or even Father Corapi CD’s. Has anyone ever attempted something like this? I know there are programs out there specifically for inactive Catholics but I just wondered if anyone had tried something like this or what your thoughts were about it!
 
It’s no mystery. If you want them back you go out and ask them why they left and you taker seriously the reasons they give; you don’t dismiss those reasons out of hand and tell them them without a moment’s thought that they are wrong. You make changes where changes can be made and address concerns where they can be addressed. And, when you come across those whose thoughts and beliefs aren’t compatible you wish them well and view them as brothers and sisters in Christ and not some kind of damaged goods.
 
Our Parish did ask for volunteers to visit inactive Catholics at their homes. I believe that they did bring with them some information about our Parish, but, I cannot tell you more for I wasn’t a volunteer. I thoroughly love watching The Journey Home on EWTN, with Marcus Grodi. I know that there are advertisements from Arizona Catholics about returning to the Faith, and these ads are on during the super bowl, and, other times. They probably can advise you. We have a Parish library, where books can be taken home. Check out this very good site! catholicscomehome.org/ for ordering DVDs, books, magnets encouraging return to the Faith. I had a bumper sticker about praying the rosary, and, (before it faded) there was at least one person who spoke to me about returning to the Faith. (I like their car magnet idea …)
 
I like the welcome home bags idea.

I agree with Lutheranteach. Why they left is going to be one huge component. That is easy to find out but can be a frustrating conversation for one or both parties. Something that is more difficult to find out because you would need to be a little less direct so as not to scare them off like a deer, is what they liked about Catholicism. What things do they have good memories of, that made them feel at home or a sense of wonder. Those two incredibly complex things which are basically what they don’t like and what they did like are key to someone’s return or decision not to return.
 
I like the ‘sample bag’ idea too. I’m not so sure that most ex-Catholics would want strangers asking them why they left the church - but I do think that would be ok for friends, work mates and relatives.

It’s up to God ultimately, so daily prayer about it should be a component.

What I found useful (when my Catholicism was being awakened) was enthusiastic Catholics talking about their devotions, Mass, their favourite priests and cultural Catholic topics - not endlessly but a bit every so now and then.

Outward signs I found also thought provoking - crucifix, for instance.
 
I came home after attending a Catholics Come Home program at our local parish. What really touched me was others speaking about what the faith meant to them, how emotional they got, the personal touching stories they told. Also, there was not a person there that I met who was not warm and welcoming in a genuine way.

When I think about it now, I guess the love is what brought me home. Perhaps that will work with others too.
 
Chiltepin said:
I like the welcome home bags idea.

I agree with Lutheranteach. Why they left is going to be one huge component. That is easy to find out but can be a frustrating conversation for one or both parties. Something that is more difficult to find out because you would need to be a little less direct so as not to scare them off like a deer, is what they liked about Catholicism. What things do they have good memories of, that made them feel at home or a sense of wonder. Those two incredibly complex things which are basically what they don’t like and what they did like are key to someone’s return or decision not to return.
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It is very hard to listen to what prevents a Catholic from being active again. Having a Priest visit, or a nun, is something very special for these Catholics. Our Parish had laity in pairs, and, believe it, we also had a Deacon and the parish nurse visit us! Perhaps because my folks are in their 90s: This visit was not part of the coming home program, but a separate program of visiting. I was a part of a visiting program for those who are not able to attend Mass due to a disability or age. I was given, just lately, a book for returning Catholics … Patrick Madrid maybe the author? I felt a little disconcerted, not quite insulted. I was at the Adoration Chapel. A nun once had a class for Catholics, separate from RCIA, to review Catholic traditions. I’ve attended classes and read to boost my Faith. Promoting classes and special efforts for families, when you visit. Not everyone has the time to read, and, that is an activity that can be lonesome. Just an opinion. Now there is an opportunity for couples to renew their marriages on a retreat … besides retrouvaille, this weekend is a “tuneup” not an “overhaul.” I think that is how it was put. Most people need anullments, who dropped away; many don’t want one, though! They are sometimes, as our painter is, a person who’s Dad received an annullment … and, so, she cannot make the leap of Faith to Catholicism.
 
CORRECTION: Book recommendation from fellow parishioner was “Rediscovering Catholicism” by Matthew Kelly. (Not P.M. book) The parishioner actually gave me a copy of the book. I am reading “Jesus of Nazareth” by Pope Benedict XVI. The back of the book states: “At a time when many Catholics are disillusioned, questioning their Faith, and filled with doubts about the relevance of Catholicism in the modern world, the voice of one young man cries out to the world’s largest Faith community with a clarity that is rare and inspiring.”

Also, bsides Pope Benedict’s writings like “God is Love,” Scott Hahn’s book about the Catholic Mass and Revelations: “**The Lamb’s Supper
**Each time we celebrate the Mass we enter into the heavenly liturgy which is so powerfully and beautifully described in the Book of Revelation. The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth, will help you understand the Book of Revelation in light of the Mass.”

Books, partly fictional perhaps, biographies of the Saint, Eucharistically orientated books, some other very spiritual books by Adrienne Von Speyr, mysteries written by Catholics like Chesterton. … see … ignatius.com/Default.aspx (There are many Catholic publishing houses.)
ohioszo said:
. I was given, just lately, a book for returning Catholics … Patrick Madrid maybe the author? I felt a little disconcerted, not quite insulted. I was at the Adoration Chapel.
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See what it was that pissed them off first by calling them and trying to visit.
 
I was wrong (too) if I suggested that only those who had a grudge should be visited. Could be just non-involvement in Parish activities and not attending Mass. May I change the subject and tell you folk about the latest here?! Our new assistant Priest is very healthy and thin … there is a sign-up sheet in order to have him dine at Parishioners’ homes … to fatten him up. People are missing out on a lot of companionship, fun, learning … and, perpetual Holy Hours … those who want that have figured out that it is 360 hours … barely can 2 days be covered from 9 to 9 … I admire the hope in fellow parishioners. I’m sure someone finds the same with my life.
Samson01 said:
See what it was that pissed them off first by calling them and trying to visit.
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Matthew Kelly’s CD…7 Pillars of Catholic Spirituality would be a great one to add and so would Jeff Cavin’s “I’m Not Being Fed”…especially for those who left the Church and are considering coming back after joining a Protestant church.
 
I help run a program called LANDINGS. There returning Catholics can meet with other returnees and active Catholics to tell their story, ask questions and talk about their faith. Good conversation and a warm welcome home is helpful for returnees. Also, being encouraged to go to confession (at some point) and to start attending mass on a regular basis. Landings helps this process by providing friends to encourage them.
We come out and train a team of folks in your parish to run this ministry. Maybe there is already an active Landings group in your area to refer them to. If not, why don’t you start one yourself 🙂

see our website:
paulist.org/landings/
 
I’ve heard that when returning Catholics were asked why they hadn’t come back sooner, many of them said that no one ever invited them.

I think almost all of us know someone who “used to be” Catholic. When that description comes up with a relative, friend. co-worker, or neighbor, why not invite that person to come to Mass with you. Or perhaps they can come to a prayer service of some kind or a meeting of the social justice group or some other activity that might be of interest. You can be the one to help bridge the gap between the person and the Church.

And then, hopefully, your parish will have a person or program that will make the returnee feel welcome and valued.
 
Yes. You are dead on. After having coffee with hundreds of returnees, many feel that the church really doesn’t want them back (they have questions, aren’t good Catholics…etc). If we can extend an invitation and provide them with a simple way for them to renew their faith and meet some Catholic friends who are living an authentic Catholic life, many will feel like they have come home. The difficulties with the faith seem to disappear --and many become quite orthodox over time - if we can be the good shepherd to them , and celebrate their return.

I think this audience is very unique. They don’t belong in RCIA or general faith formation programs. Many need to talk about their stories with other who have had the same experience and to see the Church in a whole diifferent light - from alienating to welcoming.
This is not apologetics - it is truly evangelization.
 
one really relavent way to brig back inactive Catholics is through their children. Many inactive Catholics still send their kids to CCD. When they do that, you can evalangelize them throgh their children. I believe most lapsed catholics were poorly catechized in the first place. Send the parents an email explaining what you are teaching their kids each week. Some of them catch on and come back to the faith…
 
=SuscipeMeDomine;6986853]I’ve heard that when returning Catholics were asked why they hadn’t come back sooner, many of them said that no one ever invited them.
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I think almost all of us know someone who “used to be” Catholic. When that description comes up with a relative, friend. co-worker, or neighbor, why not invite that person to come to Mass with you. Or perhaps they can come to a prayer service of some kind or a meeting of the social justice group or some other activity that might be of interest. You can be the one to help bridge the gap between the person and the Church.
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And then, hopefully, your parish will have a person or program that will make the returnee feel welcome and valued.
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If as a parrish you are able to identfy a group of FC’s, a letter from the Pastor, inviting them back and perhaps to a casual agtthering [coffee and dougnuts for example] to discuss there issues with others who may have the same point of view?

Then after a VERY OPEN AND FRIENDLY discussion, charity first. Then maybe hve some passout materials for them.

Be sure to allow sufficient time in the gathering for a full discussion.

Best of luck!

Love and prayers,
Pat
 
Thankfully, I’ve finally seen a response to my unanswered questions submitted before-about how ot rejoin my faith after many years as an inactive Catholic. I still would like to bring this to the attention of my newly joined parish where I’ve had virtually no interaction with the clergy.
 
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