In the parables of Divine Mercy, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, models that we as disciples need to reach out to our non-practicing brethren and help them return to their faith community. Catholics Returning Home is a time-tested, proven, step-by-step parish-based ministry that does this in a simple, practical manner. People drift away for all sorts of reasons, and some because they have deep wounds somehow related to church experiences. Thus, we need to help them return in a kind, compassionate, nonjudgmental manner. Catholics Returning Home is designed to invite them to return when most of them are open to an invitation, when they come back at Christmas, Easter, and in the fall. The outreach publicity is put out during Advent and Lent and late summer. The actual six-week series starts after Christmas and Easter and in the fall and consists of faith-sharing sessions with basic-level updates of the Catholic faith. During the six-week series, the returnees reattach and bond and let go of their anger and hurts related to the church and are able to move on to further faith development within the church. Many get very active and involved with the Catholics Returning Home Ministry and other parish activities. This book, "Catholics Returning Home: A Ministry of Compassion and Reconciliation," is the tool you need to start this ministry in your parish.
