Reclaiming lost Catholics

[Agripa]

I am reading over many of the discussion threads on this issue. I can tell you from experience, many knowingly choose to become “lost Catholics” and would not appreciate evangelizing of any sort, particulalrly from their children which would be seen as a ploy by erstwhile busybodies and do-gooders. .

For many, though not all, leaving the Catholic tradition may be a personal choice made after years of reflection, self-education, discussion and resolution. Maybe for others, they found better reflection of their beliefs in other, more democratic faiths. Whatever the reason, it may be a personal journey that led them from the church and an attempt to lay guilt or blame will only offend.

I suspect for some, faith takes on a very personal dimension over time and the conflicts, contradictions and weaknesses of the Church make it easier and more rational to depart from the comfort of the community to find a personal relationship with God, not defined by other men or ancient traditions.

Maybe for those that remain in the faith, they should be happy in the choice they made for themselves, be happy in their Faith and not try to get everybody else on the same page.

 

[TexCatholic4JMJ]

I am reading over many of the discussion threads on this issue. I can tell you from experience, many knowingly choose to become “lost Catholics” and would not appreciate evangelizing of any sort, particulalrly from their children which would be seen as a ploy by erstwhile busybodies and do-gooders. .

For many, though not all, leaving the Catholic tradition may be a personal choice made after years of reflection, self-education, discussion and resolution. Maybe for others, they found better reflection of their beliefs in other, more democratic faiths. Whatever the reason, it may be a personal journey that led them from the church and an attempt to lay guilt or blame will only offend.

I suspect for some, faith takes on a very personal dimension over time and the conflicts, contradictions and weaknesses of the Church make it easier and more rational to depart from the comfort of the community to find a personal relationship with God, not defined by other men or ancient traditions.

Maybe for those that remain in the faith, they should be happy in the choice they made for themselves, be happy in their Faith and not try to get everybody else on the same page.

Sorry to say but we are talking about parents who are sending
their children for confirmation. My sister was evangelized by her
son. He had lived away and when he was home, he asked them
(parents) So what are you guys, aren’t you still Catholics? Why
aren’t you going to Mass? They looked at each other and said,
yes, we’re Catholics, guess we’ve just been lazy. Not only did
they come back, but they started out finding out more about
their faith.
Also how do you as an agnostic give us suggestions? I think
you are speaking about your experience, and I’m sorry if you
were pushed, but sharing our faith for us as Catholics is some-
thing we want for everyone, eternal salvation. It’s a gift we want
everyone to have.

 

[paul_c]

I am reading over many of the discussion threads on this issue. I can tell you from experience, many knowingly choose to become “lost Catholics” and would not appreciate evangelizing of any sort, particulalrly from their children which would be seen as a ploy by erstwhile busybodies and do-gooders. .

For many, though not all, leaving the Catholic tradition may be a personal choice made after years of reflection, self-education, discussion and resolution. Maybe for others, they found better reflection of their beliefs in other, more democratic faiths. Whatever the reason, it may be a personal journey that led them from the church and an attempt to lay guilt or blame will only offend.

I suspect for some, faith takes on a very personal dimension over time and the conflicts, contradictions and weaknesses of the Church make it easier and more rational to depart from the comfort of the community to find a personal relationship with God, not defined by other men or ancient traditions.

Maybe for those that remain in the faith, they should be happy in the choice they made for themselves, be happy in their Faith and not try to get everybody else on the same page.

Maybe, but then, why are they sending their children to get confirmed in the faith?

 

[Agripa]

Maybe, but then, why are they sending their children to get confirmed in the faith?

As I will have mine if she chooses. There is no problem if it remains a freely taken choice by a family or an individual - otherwise, its merely joining in to appease others.

 

[paul_c]

As I will have mine if she chooses. There is no problem if it remains a freely taken choice by a family or an individual - otherwise, its merely joining in to appease others.

Well, you do know that Catholics believe that the only sure way of salvation is through the Church and that it is our duty ot help those we love to achieve salvation. And further, those we love should constitute everyone. Now I grant you that evangelization should be gentle and patient if it is out of love. It should definitely not involve scare tactics. Do not, however, mistake the fact that gentle prodding may be all that is required for some people to regain their faith and their salvation. God works that way sometimes. And the people we are talking about are engaged enough in the faith to want their children to be confirmed. That tells us they are not vehement athiests. And if they care enough to want their children to be confirmed, It is a fair question for the children to ask why they want that if they themselves do not practice the faith. This will take at least some off the fence. Some may recognize that the faith is indeed important and re-engage while others may simply pull their children out of CCD. I’ve experienced both.

 

[Agripa]

Well, you do know that Catholics believe that the only sure way of salvation is through the Church and that it is our duty ot help those we love to achieve salvation. And further, those we love should constitute everyone. Now I grant you that evangelization should be gentle and patient if it is out of love. It should definitely not involve scare tactics. Do not, however, mistake the fact that gentle prodding may be all that is required for some people to regain their faith and their salvation. God works that way sometimes. And the people we are talking about are engaged enough in the faith to want their children to be confirmed. That tells us they are not vehement athiests. And if they care enough to want their children to be confirmed, It is a fair question for the children to ask why they want that if they themselves do not practice the faith. This will take at least some off the fence. Some may recognize that the faith is indeed important and re-engage while others may simply pull their children out of CCD. I’ve experienced both.

Salvation, and faith for that matter, is no ones business but is for each of us to determine for him or herself. Because it is good that humans love one another does not mean we have license to interfere in the very private lives of people, or in their decisions regarding faith and how best to practice it (or not). On the other hand, if one asks for help, guidance or assistance, then by all means, give it.

 

[paul_c]

Salvation, and faith for that matter, is no ones business but is for each of us to determine for him or herself. Because it is good that humans love one another does not mean we have license to interfere in the very private lives of people, or in their decisions regarding faith and how best to practice it (or not). On the other hand, if one asks for help, guidance or assistance, then by all means, give it.

it is an acto fo love and charity to engage others in the faith. This is not interfering. If we are rebuffed and don’t back off, however, that is just badgering and is a waste of time for both parties.

 

[skeyes]

Salvation and faith and bringing to others is a command by our Lord and Savior. We have been commanded to take the gospel to the whole world. Now there are good ways and not so good ways of getting our job done. If it is in response to the urging of the Holy Spirit, then we must let our neighbors know of Jesus and His love for each of His children.

Paul C, it is disconcerting that we have so many in each of our Parishes that refuse to follow. There are many reasons for this in my estimation. People are hurt, people are bored, uninformed, never found a relationship with Jesus and the list goes on and on.

I don’t beleive there is one cure for all the ills, but I believe it is not one thing for everyone. At our Church, we are trying many things. Bible studies, guest speakers, prison ministry, door to door warm calls. None of these are for everyone, but we do have volunteers for all of them. We started about a year ago in earnest and it is still to soon to tell, but I know that the Lord doesn’t send us out unless there is a harvest to be reaped. I hope some of this helps.

In His service,
Stan

 

[Angela_Tate]

Agripa, paul c, and others interested in continuing the discussion about whether or not God is parent-like:

That discussion took this one off-topic into an area that doesn’t cover evangelization. Rather than delete the posts to bring this discussion back on topic I opted instead to let the side conversation continue elsewhere.

I created a SPLIT thread in Apologetics called “I do not buy God is loving and parent-like”. Please continue the discussion there.

Those who have comments regarding reclaiming lost Catholics are encouraged to continue this discussion here as intended. Both conversations have been quite interesting.