Returning Catholics FAQs: When Is It Too Late?

On Mondays, I provide answers to 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.

When is it too late to return to the Church?

Never.

If this isn’t your time, maybe next week will be, or next month, or next year. But why wait? Life is short and precious.

If you feel you still have too many questions to commit to taking a parish course (such as Landings, Catholics Returning Home or Catholics Come Home) or going to Mass on Sundays, consider signing up to be part of the church team at a food pantry or homeless shelter, or participating in a one-time event such as a Walk for Life or rally for immigration reform. You can take a look at what faith—and and the parish’s people—look like in action.

Submit your own questions to returning@melanierigney.com; they may be addressed in a future post. Thanks, and God bless.