Taking the Homeless to Church

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I work downtown and come across quite a few homeless men during lunch time. I recognize most of them by now. Well this lent I have started to go to daily mass a bit more. It’s only a 1/2 mile walk and starts at noon so it works out great. And instead of giving the homeless cash I offer to buy them a meal and ask if they would like to go to church with me. Most of them decline the meal and the offer because I really believe most of them are looking for cash for other reasons. Anyways, I had one homeless man that I have never seen give me his life sob story this morning while I was walking to my office. I could sense the sadness in his heart and his yearning for help. So I did give him some cash but also told him that he is welcome to join me at mass this afternoon. To my surprise he seemed very interested. I hope he shows up.

I’ve never really been in the situation to take somebody that has no idea what the church is about to mass. I don’t want to scare him off and am looking for advice on the best way to go about this. Try to explain every detail I can to him? Just let him soak it in and talk afterwards? Thanks for any (name removed by moderator)ut.
 
That nice And I pray he shows up. I would just simply say you are happy he took you up on your offer to attend mass… Not to much, plus you will be in church and can’t talk much anyway…
 
I hope he shows up. People who have hit rock bottom are generally more open to “trying” God. I will pray for this poor man.
Our parish has a group that does a lot with homeless and needy people in general. We’ve found that when you pair the help with “want to come to church with me?” that it is an immediate turn off. Some folks make these invitations as a “condition” to the assistance. Which is completely wrong. We’re supposed to help people and be open to the possibility of them returning to the Lord, which is what you did.
Just be aware that some may have gone before you, and muddied the waters by insisting they come to their church. Once you “get to know” people, it will be easier to bring up why you are passing that way each day. Who knows? You may be the vessel God uses to illustrate to these homeless on the mercy of God. God bless you. And keep being compassionate! It’s wonderful to read stories like this.
 
pianistclare said:
I hope he shows up. People who have hit rock bottom are generally more open to “trying” God. I will pray for this poor man.
Our parish has a group that does a lot with homeless and needy people in general. We’ve found that when you pair the help with “want to come to church with me?” that it is an immediate turn off. Some folks make these invitations as a “condition” to the assistance. Which is completely wrong. We’re supposed to help people and be open to the possibility of them returning to the Lord, which is what you did.
Just be aware that some may have gone before you, and muddied the waters by insisting they come to their church. Once you “get to know” people, it will be easier to bring up why you are passing that way each day. Who knows? You may be the vessel God uses to illustrate to these homeless on the mercy of God. God bless you. And keep being compassionate! It’s wonderful to read stories like this.
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Thank you for the prayers.

A couple of weeks ago, after mass, a buddy and me saw a homeless man leaving mass. We started talking to him about God and the church. It was by the grace of God that he was at the church. A couple months earlier, he decided to try out going to mass at this downtown church. Unfortunately, a police officer ran him off and he vowed he wouldn’t go back. But fast forward to a couple weeks ago when we saw him and he said that something was telling him to give it another try. We assured him that the police officer was not representing what the Church is about or what God was about.

I only make it to daily mass once or twice a week and haven’t seen him back but am hoping that I have just missed the days that he shows up:)
 
CatholicSooner said:
Thank you for the prayers.

A couple of weeks ago, after mass, a buddy and me saw a homeless man leaving mass. We started talking to him about God and the church. It was by the grace of God that he was at the church. A couple months earlier, he decided to try out going to mass at this downtown church. Unfortunately, a police officer ran him off and he vowed he wouldn’t go back. But fast forward to a couple weeks ago when we saw him and he said that something was telling him to give it another try. We assured him that the police officer was not representing what the Church is about or what God was about.

I only make it to daily mass once or twice a week and haven’t seen him back but am hoping that I have just missed the days that he shows up:)
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Yeah, the cops walk a fine judgment line between moving along problem people who are either scaring the parishioners, acting on the Pastor’s initiative…(wary of vandalism) and feeling like people loiter. We should all “loiter” in the church more, eh?
I hope you continue to be a positive in the lives of those who feel so much negativity from society. The church helps these folks in so many ways. Maybe this in-town parish has a meal ministry that you could work with a couple of weekends a month? Check it out. Make friends with the Pastor. You might be on the verge of a ministry here! 👍

One of our parishioners did just as you did. And now our youth groups and their parents are trekking downtown regularly and feeding on Saturday mornings the many people that just need soup and a sandwich. Some won’t make eye-contact. Others, just want someone to hear their story.

In this time of Lent, let’s all pray for those who live outdoors and who have no one to pray for them.
:gopray:
 
Well I was a little bummed at mass because I didn’t see him. But I think he came in toward the end because while I was walking out of the pew he met up with me. We went and had lunch and chatted. Turns out he just got out of prison 3 weeks ago after 10 years for felony charges (I didn’t ask or feel it was my place to ask). He has no family and hasn’t found a job yet. He was very appreciative. He said he made some bad choices and they were the result of turning away from God. He grew up going to a nondenominational church. I told him that I attend mass a couple times a week and he was always welcome. I’m not sure what else to do though. I can contact the parish and see if they have any programs in place for homeless. Catholic charities isn’t too far away either. He has been to the local Jesus house and Salvation Army but they are full supposedly.
 
Just be careful, I don’t want him to take advantage of you or hurt you… You never know what people are capable of.
 
CatholicSooner said:
I work downtown and come across quite a few homeless men during lunch time. I recognize most of them by now. Well this lent I have started to go to daily mass a bit more. It’s only a 1/2 mile walk and starts at noon so it works out great. And instead of giving the homeless cash I offer to buy them a meal and ask if they would like to go to church with me. Most of them decline the meal and the offer because I really believe most of them are looking for cash for other reasons. Anyways, I had one homeless man that I have never seen give me his life sob story this morning while I was walking to my office. I could sense the sadness in his heart and his yearning for help. So I did give him some cash but also told him that he is welcome to join me at mass this afternoon. To my surprise he seemed very interested. I hope he shows up.

I’ve never really been in the situation to take somebody that has no idea what the church is about to mass. I don’t want to scare him off and am looking for advice on the best way to go about this. Try to explain every detail I can to him? Just let him soak it in and talk afterwards? Thanks for any (name removed by moderator)ut.
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Just follow St. Francis of Assisi
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

If he has questions answer them to the best of your ability and if you don’t know, admit that you don’t know but will find the answer for him. Also, most importantly, let your love or Christ show through your example. All the saints have given good example and through their deep love for Christ is what drew other towards a conversion.

I hope this helps:)

God Bless!

Read more at brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/francis_of_assisi.html#QMLwU1qAGd2m84Qm.99
 
I think the best think you can do is get to know the guy. Love him “where he’s at.” If he senses you genuinely care about him, he’ll come to trust you more. Then you can share your faith with him more. You never know, you might find that he already knows something about Catholicism. Once you know, then you can decide better how to help him. God bless you for your efforts!
 
I’ve decided that I am just going to carry around some pieces of paper in my wallet that have several means of help on them. Different ministries in the area that help the poor, homeless, and recently incarcerated.
 
CatholicSooner said:
I’ve decided that I am just going to carry around some pieces of paper in my wallet that have several means of help on them. Different ministries in the area that help the poor, homeless, and recently incarcerated.
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Hi!
Good job! Good job at letting the Spirit lead you!

Instead of pieces of paper, UPS Store (or FedEx store??) is having a business card special, if you google it. Vista Print offers similar business cards. If you read my blog (and click on 'did you get a card to come here), it details what is on my card.

Your story sounds similar to our downtown parishes. Our security officer/police is there for parking, especially when the convention center is hosting things nearby.

God bless you!
 
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