Parishes welcome back Catholics, smoothing way for their return

To help non-practicing Catholics make a spiritual journey back home, parishioners of three Saratoga County parishes are presenting a six-week series called "Catholics Returning Home."

Members of Corpus Christi in Round Lake, St. Edward the Confessor in Clifton Park and St. Mary's in Crescent designed the program to attract those interested in once again becoming active, practicing Catholics.

According to Corpus Christi parishioner Rosemary Browne, co-chair of the committee that designed the series, it's all about "renewing their relationship with the Church."

Coming back

"No matter how long a person may have been away from the Church, or for whatever reason," Mrs. Browne said, "we want them to feel comfortable and supported as they make that journey back."

She believes that the sessions are unique in the Albany Diocese, adding: "They're based on 'Inviting Catholics Home: A Parish Program,' published by Liguori Press for just this purpose."

According to Rev. Martin Fisher, pastor of Corpus Christi, the idea for the program germinated about a year ago.

"We've wanted to do this for a while but couldn't find a program that suited our needs," he explained.

Questions

The program at Corpus Christi started on March 25 with two kick-off sessions designed to help people feel comfortable with themselves and with others while seeking reunion with the Church.

The sessions dealt with such questions as "Are you a Catholic who now feels separated from the Church?" and "Would you like to feel at home again in the Catholic Church?"

The non-judgmental program is designed to recognize each person's feelings and help them understand that they are not alone. 

"Even if people are angry, we're just asking them to give us a chance to listen to and address their concerns," Mrs. Browne said.

Issues

Some of the issues addressed in the sessions include the changes in the Church since the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Apostles' Creed and what Catholics believe. A walk-through of the church building with an explanation of fixtures and symbols was also held.

"Whenever members of a community do not participate in the life of the community, they are deeply missed," Mrs. Browne said. "The community is incomplete in their absence. These listening and sharing sessions were designed to provide those returning to the Church with a sense of support and love. Everyone is welcome, no matter where they are from."

(The sessions, all at 7 p.m., continue through April 29. The group plans to repeat the sessions at least two times a year. For information or to register, call 877-8506, ext. 215. The basis for the program is available to any parish that wants to use it; see www.liguori.org.)

(04/17/08) [[In-content Ad]]