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.
So I’m going to go to Church this week, since it’s Easter and all. Tell me why I should come back again the week after that.
Well, you’re not alone, which is a sad thing. Studies show that only 39 percent of Catholics go to Mass at least once a week; 16 percent say they never go. Yet 70 percent say they can’t imagine leaving the Church. You do the math; it’s a little hard to 
understand, but that’s what the researchers found.
Why come back the Sunday after Easter? That Sunday in particular may resonate for those contemplating a return to the Church. In 2000, the Sunday after Easter was designated Divine Mercy Sunday, based on a request the Lord made to the Polish nun we now know as St. Faustina. She wrote in her diary that she was told:
“My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. … Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.
So even you’re not sure returning is the right thing for you, give Divine Mercy a chance. It may rock your soul… and world.
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