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 Salem, NH, Roman Catholic parish of Saints Mary and Joseph, comprising two churches, St. Joseph and Mary Queen of Peace, would like to 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. Most of all, you should always feel welcome to drop in for Mass any day. God is waiting for you.
Beginning on Monday, February 27, 2012, we will be hosting a series of 5 or 6 weekly meetings for individuals who are considering renewing their relationship with the Catholic Church. The meetings will include members of the parish community who had left the Church and then returned. Participants will have the opportunity to express why they left, and to ask questions. There will be no priests at the introductory meeting on Februyary 27. Subsequent meetings will explore current information about the Catholic Church and its teachings and practices. All meetings will be held at 7 PM in the parish Family Room, which is in the basement of St. Joseph church.