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.
What if I don’t fit in at a parish?
You won’t, always. Neither do cradle Catholics who’ve never missed a Sunday Mass in their lives.
Parishes and priests are different, just as people are different. Some of us are blessed with the ability to write or speak; others, with the gift of comforting and assisting the hungry and homeless; others, with musical talent; the list goes on and on.
The Church is missing something by your absence. Your presence, even if at times you don’t fit in, will enrich those with whom you have contact. God has a place at the table for you, and he’s not going to yell if you use a different fork or spoon.
Submit your own questions to returning@melanierigney.com; they may be addressed in a future post. Thanks, and God bless.
