Welcome Home Catholics

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Welcome Home Catholics

About the program
Welcome Home Catholics!

If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church, know that we are thinking about you, that you have been missed and that we invite you to be an active part of our faith community.

There are many reasons why you may no longer be actively practicing your Catholic faith. You are not alone. Many of us experience "bumpy roads" in our faith life. There are equally many reasons why you might be considering "coming home" to your faith tradition once again.

Resurrection Catholic Church offers you a safe place to be listened to, a place to ask questions and update your faith as an adult, a place for understanding and healing -- a place to be "Welcomed Home."

During our regularly offered seven-week Welcome Home program, a group of Resurrection parishioners, many "returnees" themselves, join with returning Catholics to share and explore our faith together -- and to assist you in overcoming the obstacles that lie between you and Christ and His Church.

If you are interested, please contact Pat Wachter (540-296-1588), Linda Wilmesher (540-721-1869) or Phil Servidea (540-721-3122).

NEXT WELCOME HOME PROGRAM SERIES: The next series is tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2012. The exact dates for the seven weekly sessions will be posted here soon. Please call the parish office (540-297-5530) if you have questions or desire to register.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are a few of the questions most often in the minds of someone considering returning to the practice of their faith in the Catholic Church. We hope that they might help you discern your next steps in "coming home."

- I am thinking of returning to the Catholic Church. Do I have to go through some kind of program in order to do this?

No. If you are a Catholic who has been baptized and received First Holy Communion, you do not need to go through any program. You are invited, if you desire, to visit with Deacon Chris, our Senior Pastoral Associate, to discuss any concerns you may have. Our Welcome Home Catholics series offers a transitional opportunity in which you can discuss reasons you have not been practicing and discover the appropriate course for yourself.

- If I return to the Church, will I need to go to confession? Or can I just come to Mass?

You are always welcome to come to Mass! There are no prerequisites or conditions for attending and participating at Mass. However, before receiving Holy Communion, you will most likely want to celebrate the sacrament of God's mercy and reconciliation. Our regularly scheduled time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is the last Thursday of each month at 10:30 AM. If you would like to schedule a different time for confession, you can contact Father Sal at 757-692-6435.

- I was not married in the Catholic Church. Does this affect my return to the Church?

If you are in your first marriage, then having your marriage recognized by the Church should be quite simple. If either you or your spouse has been married before, we can still help you, but it will likely take more time. Deacon Chris will be happy to help you with this process. Call or email him at 540-297-5530; cbarrett@resurrectioncatholic.org and ask to speak with him about your marriage and coming home to the Catholic Church.

- I have been divorced. Does this affect my return? What if I am remarried?

Divorce in and of itself does not affect your status in the Church, including participation in the sacraments like Holy Communion. If you are remarried outside the Church, you may still attend Mass. However, it may be beneficial for you to learn what is involved for the Church to recognize your present marriage. Again, you will want to speak with Deacon Chris and can set up a meeting time by calling or emailing him.

- I am not a Catholic, but am curious about the Catholic Church. What should I do?

The Church offers a wonderful process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). You can explore initial questions with Deacon Chris. The RCIA process allows for questions and inquiry before any decisions are made about becoming Catholic. It is a prayerful, enriching process that puts you in touch with others who are asking the same questions, as well as pairing you with a sponsor from the Resurrection faith community who will walk with you on your journey of faith. Call or email Deacon Chris and tell him you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.

- Do I have to register in the parish in order to be Catholic in good standing?

Once you decide to attend Resurrection as a parishioner, we do ask that you consider registering. But it is not required. Registering in the Parish makes a statement of your commitment, forms a bond with all other members of the faith community, and allows the Parish office to be in touch with you in important ways. Importantly, you will begin to receive parish mailings, such as "Heavenly Hash," our parish newsletter, that will keep you informed of programs, liturgies and other activities which will afford you the opportunity to deepen bonds with Christ and his Resurrection community. Registration forms are available outside the Parish office.

For additional helpful information regarding the Catholic faith, an excellent resource can be found at
catholicscomehome.org.
Jan 5, 2012, 16:00