Programs for Returning Catholics
Catholics Returning Home (training available from the Evangelization Commission)
Catholics Returning Home is a six-week parish-based series intended to be a reconnection point for Catholics who are away from the Church and are open to discerning a possible return to an active practice of the faith.
The series is intended to be run twice a year (after Christmas and after Easter) though it can optionally be held in the early fall (back to school) as well.
The series can be facilitated by a small team of parishioners (3-5) who are willing to do a small amount of promotion and planning in advance of the series and then facilitate the sessions during the six weeks. Though it could be led by a member of the clergy, it is best if most of the team is made up of laity and those who themselves were away from the Church at some point. Speakers on Vatican II, Eucharist, and Reconciliation are required; priests and deacons typically fill the role as speakers.
Cost: The start-up costs can be between $200-$300 which includes a large yard banner and a DVD presented in Week Two. Ongoing costs are minimal (copies of hand-outs and other optional materials).
Target Audience: Inactive Catholics of all ages (time away from Church doesn’t matter).
Note: The CRH team at the Cathedral of Christ the King is willing to train other parishes or groups of parishes on how to get this series started. Email Deacon Tim Weinmann or call him at 859-272-0277.
The series is intended to be run twice a year (after Christmas and after Easter) though it can optionally be held in the early fall (back to school) as well.
The series can be facilitated by a small team of parishioners (3-5) who are willing to do a small amount of promotion and planning in advance of the series and then facilitate the sessions during the six weeks. Though it could be led by a member of the clergy, it is best if most of the team is made up of laity and those who themselves were away from the Church at some point. Speakers on Vatican II, Eucharist, and Reconciliation are required; priests and deacons typically fill the role as speakers.
Cost: The start-up costs can be between $200-$300 which includes a large yard banner and a DVD presented in Week Two. Ongoing costs are minimal (copies of hand-outs and other optional materials).
Target Audience: Inactive Catholics of all ages (time away from Church doesn’t matter).
Note: The CRH team at the Cathedral of Christ the King is willing to train other parishes or groups of parishes on how to get this series started. Email Deacon Tim Weinmann or call him at 859-272-0277.
Awakening Faith
Awakening Faith, Reconnecting with Your Catholic Faith, is a small group process that helps inactive Catholics return to the Church. The group meets once a week for six weeks of conversation and socializing. The conversations are based on short, easy to read essays about spirituality, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God’s mercy, the Mass, and the Church. The meetings foster reflection, prayer, and honest sharing in a setting of hospitality and acceptance. Spanish versions also available. Click on Awakening Faith to examine this process.