Used to be Catholic?
Here's Good News
There are many reasons why we Catholics sometimes take an extended leave-of-absence in our relationship with the Lord through the Catholic Church. We may be pushed away by painful experiences within the Church. We may be pulled away by the distractions and enticements of the world. We may simply drift away because our faith never had a mature foundation.
The two Salem, NH Roman Catholic parishes, St. Joseph and Mary Queen of Peace, are exploring how we can help you if you have been absent -- by listening to what you have to say -- by answering your questions -- by letting you know that you are welcome, whatever your reasons for leaving.
We are also looking at ourselves, to understand where many of us in various ways have fallen short of being the Church community that Christ calls us to be -- a community that loves all of our brothers and sisters, that welcomes the stranger, that leaves judgement to God, that forgives all who injure us, that makes trusting and loving and worshipping God the center of our lives.
We know we have far to go. If you think you might want to consider re-joining a bunch of sinners on this journey toward sainthood, here are some suggestions. You could email Edie, a lay member of St. Joseph parish, or you could call, email or visit Father Tom Fitzpatrick. Either will be happy to hear from you. If you prefer, you could explore one of the many good web sites like this one that were created with you in mind. We are also inviting inactive Catholics to participate in some meetings led by lay members of the parish, including several who returned to the Church after a period of absence. These meetings are on Monday evenings at 7:00 in St. Julie Hall, and are planned to be on 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8 and 3/15/2010. Feel free to come to any or all, or just drop in for Mass any day. God is waiting for you.