"If you want to get warm, you must stand near the fire; If you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them." C.S. Lewis

Welcome!

There may be many reasons that you have stopped actively participating in the Church and attending Mass. We live in a busy culture and society. There are many demands that are placed on us. Yet, you may right now be searching for a deeper sense of meaning, for a closer relationship with God, and for a more authentic spiritual identity. Since the Church is a family, we miss those Catholics who may have left the Church or who have stopped participating in its vibrant liturgy and sacramental life. Perhaps you do not know how to come back or how to become active again. The first thing you need to know is that you are always welcome to return. The Church misses you and hopes that you will choose to come home as an active member.

Where to Start

It’s easy to get a fresh start!  Consider the following:

1. start attending Mass again.
2. come with a friend to church
3. meet a friend at church

We as Catholics are blessed by Jesus for having the true food of life. During Mass, when the priest prays over the bread and wine, it becomes the true Body and Blood of Jesus. Our bodies and souls are nourished by the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in Communion.

Continue to Grow

Here are some ways to renew and deepen your faith:

1. consider reading and studying the Bible regularly
2. come with a friend to a small group Bible study
3. join any of Holy Redeemer’s ministries to feel connected to the Church, as well as serve our community

God wants you to have a relationship with Him as well as with your Catholic community of believers. We are a loving body of people, sinful and broken, striving to grow in holiness, and all with the same goal, to be like Jesus. 

RCIA

You may have missed receiving some Sacraments or need to refresh your childhood education of the catechism. Holy Redeemer offers the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) that meets weekly to discuss the catechism, discuss topics within the Catholic faith, and help guide you to have a relationship with God or prepare you to receive any missed Sacraments.

Be Open to Hear God's Answer!

You're not alone in this process. That tiny voice that whispers that you are missing something in your life may be the Holy Spirit, helping to guide you to look again at the Catholic Church, as you seek answers about your faith. So regardless of why you left, our loving God is calling you back. He can fill any loneliness or heartache you experience. He can protect you from evil, sin, and can be the light that shines in the darkness. He needs YOU now more than ever, to bring as many people to Him as possible.

Want to come home to the Catholic Church? Call our office @ 419-629-2543 and our Welcome Committee will give you a personal tour of the church as well as answer any concerns or questions you may have about the faith.

Do you want to hear other stories about coming home to the Catholic Church? www.catholicscomehome.org offers answers to questions you might have about Church teaching, as well as testimonials of returning Catholics like you. Be sure and check it out.