Talking with friends and family about faith

[rc8]

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about speaking to family and friends about our faith. I am a cradle Catholic who loves our Church but has never been good at discussing the faith. I am not neccessarily trying to convert anyone because they are almost all Catholics already. But most of them are like me and tend to keep our Catholocism private. At family gatherings, I just wish it could be part of the conversation since it is such a major part of our lives. I am not good at bringing it up. Any suggestions?

 

[embracethecross]

I dont think in order to explain the faith that you have to go into all of these theological doctrines and such. Our faith is about Jesus and Jesus is about love. My suggestion is to be more open about it. I have problems at my family gatherings becuase a lot of them have an ax to grind with the catholic church. Think of a good conversation starter; “isnt this weather beautiful, God does great work doesnt he?”

Pax Christi

 

[thomasf]

Try asking about their parishes, their priests, how they like their service, the choir/cantor, etc. This will break the ice. Maybe talk about the readings from the sunday before. Bring up little things about the church and transition it to bigger things. One of my favorite tactics is to ask about confession at someone’s church. They will either squirm because they never go, or talk to you about going. Either way it’s a great teaching/learning experience.