Bring them Home!

Do you know someone who has left the Church? Most of us do not have to look very far to find non-practicing Catholics" in our circle of family and friends. Many of us are concerned about these loved ones; however, we don't know how to help them. Obviously, most of them are searching, but how can we help them find their way home?

As baptized, practicing Catholics we have a precious gift of faith and love from the Lord that needs shared with our non-practicing brothers and sisters. First, we need to pray for them. Secondly, we need to extend a personal invitation to them to come home to the Catholic Church. Most non-practicing Catholics are waiting for an invitation to return. Many mistakenly think they are excommunicated and are not welcome to return for a variety of reasons.

Many non-practicing Catholics carry a tremendous amount of guilt and misinformation about the Church so they are afraid of approaching the Church for fear of being rejected. You can make a tremendous difference in someone's life simply by reaching out to them and telling them that we miss them and would like for them to come back home to our Church family.

Here at St. Oliver’s we have a special program to help non-practicing Catholics return to the Church called Catholics Returning Home. Watch the weekly bulletin for the dates of the next session. This series is hosted by Chuck Brooks and Deacon Bill. It is an open session for attendees to ask questions about their faith and their church. Other sessions will follow and focus on a more intimate understanding of church teachings.

If you know someone, bring them to the next session. You might learn something, while evangelizing your faith. Sometimes we all need a little help to come back home. You can make a difference in someone life. There is no sign up or commitment on your part, just show up and bring that special someone.

For more information, call the office 770-979-2500 or Chuck Brooks, 678-615-3286.