Trying to help a catholic realize the greatness

[RCWarrior821]

One of my “friends” at college just began to open up to me about faith. He mentioned he believes in God but doesnt know what to believe about anything else (Jesus, heaven, hell) He is confirmed but not too knowledgeable about ideas of faith, so a serious dialogue is hard to strike up. Also i am done with school tomorrow so i wont get the chance to see him again until next year. I am happy he’s finally opened up but im worried i did not handle things correctly and that the door he opened may be closed once i leave.

What can i do?

 

[idrum677]

Thank you for being open about your faith with someone!. I know how hard it can be, espicially on a college campus.

Don’t worry, if because of you he has opened up, you have done the Lord’s work. That seed will always be there. Pray that it takes root and grows.

Do you plan on keeping in touch with this friend over the summer? You can still talk via phone or email. Challenge him to go to Mass each week and then call to discuss the scripture readings or compare homilies from each church.

If you have any books about Catholicism, let him borrow them or suggest some that you have read.

Are there college age retreats in your diocese? Maybe invite him to go to one with you if he can travel or suggest one in his doicese.

Never underestimate what a few simple words or actions can do when they are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

God Bless and enjoy your summer.

 

[Trishie]

The willingness and prayerful concern you showed your friend is God’s working, God’s power and grace.
You triy your best and it doesn’t matter if what you say isn’t perfect, it still plants a seed in your friend. When and how it will germinate and grow is in God’s hands within your friend’s life. It may be soon or it may be years. Something said fifteen yeears ealier suddenly brought me back to the Church with deep commitment one morning, after I had suffered ten years outside the Faith. (God had been working on me unknown to anyone else prior to that.) Continue to pray and love, do what you can, praying for discernment and trust the Holy Spirit to work as He will.

Bless you for your goodwill and efforts. Trishie