Reconnect with your Faith through Catholics Returning Home

Reconnect with your Faith through Catholics Returning Home

Catholics Returning Home is a program to help Catholics reconnect with their faith and renew their relationship with Christ. There is no obligation or cost. Join us and you will find a:

· Supportive, non-judgmental group where you can freely explore your concerns and questions:

· Small community with others thinking about returning, recently returned Catholics, and clergy:

· Safe haven in which private issues are identified and dealt with privately, with compassion;

· Warm environment where you will be welcomed.

This 6-week series begins Monday, March 6 , from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the North Wing Room A at St. Mary Immaculate Parish.

March 6 Welcome, Overview of Series

March 13 Presentation on Inactive Catholics

March 20 The Church Today: Changes Since Vatican II

March 27 The Mass

April 3 Explanation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

April 10 The Creed: What Catholics Believe

Program is open to all. Pre-registration is requested but not required. For more information, please call the group’s facilitator, Deacon Tom O’Connell, at 815-230-2241 or visit www.smip.org.

Catholics Returning Home Testimonial

Catholics Returning Home, facilitated by Deacon Tom, provided a welcoming and comfortable forum regardless if you have been away from the Church for 24 months or 24 years. The weekly gatherings gave you a sense of sitting amongst family and friends. In turn, this created a camaraderie amongst those of us returning or thinking of returning to the Church.

You will have powerful overviews and personal insights from the Priests of St. Mary's, which resonates to the foundation of Catholicism and the importance of the Sacraments. The exploration of God's will is encouraged, but never forced. Personally, the program gave a sense of realism to my spirituality and the desire to uphold the blessings shared with us. I can't thank St. Mary's and Deacon Tom enough for the opportunity to feel welcomed back into the Church. God bless!

Penny Reynolds