On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
I returned to Catholicism about six months ago, and MAN! are our priest’s homilies long and boring. I haven’t fallen asleep during one yet, but a lot of other people do. I’m a speechwriter by profession and would love to offer to help him. Should I?
Oh dear. My sympathies. A two-part answer here:
- Remember the homily, while an important part of Mass, is not the most critical part. The Mass is centered on preparing ourselves for and receiving the Eucharist. Can you contemplate the readings during the homily? Perhaps there’s a line from the Gospel in particular that resonated with or challenged you. Perhaps you could reflect on the Creed and your belief in each part, and how, through service or study, you could deepen your understanding of Catholic doctrine and dogma.
- As a speechwriter, you know people can be a bit protective and sensitive about their own writing and speaking abilities (or lack thereof). I wouldn’t advise going up to a priest or anyone else with whom you don’t have an existing relationship and offering to help the person do his or her job better. But why not get to know the priest in a non-threatening situation… through a parish-related ministry? After a relationship is established, you might better determine how your well-intentioned plans to offer help would be best received.
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