WELCOMING CATHOLICS HOME

Thank you for visiting our new Welcoming Catholics Home web page!

This page will be used to keep you informed about an exciting new movement growing across the country, and right here, in the parishes of the greater Keene community. Welcoming Catholics Home is about reaching out to invite Catholics back to actively practice their faith.

What is Welcoming Catholics Home?

Our Welcoming Catholics Home initiative is an invitation to those who have been away from the Church to come home to their Catholic faith; we will foster a nonthreatening, no obligations environment where you can speak openly about some of the issues that may be holding you back. Through our presentations and discussions we will try to answer those concerns. We will also be providing some basic teachings on different areas of the faith. You will be able to speak with people who have had many of the same questions that you have, Catholics who were away and felt God calling them home; they have never been happier. Even if you are unable to attend all of the sessions, please join us for the first session. We want to meet you, to listen to you and to talk with you and try answer any questions you may have about coming home to the Catholic faith. See also this ARTICLE about our local initiatives last Spring.

Our Next Session:

We have two formal sessions each year, but we are always ready to meet with you one-on-one any time. If you would like more information, please call the Catholic Faith Formation Center at 603 -352-7662.

A story of those who have come home:

Marissa Smith:

There are two reasons for which I returned to the Catholic Church. The first reason is because I felt I needed a sense of meaning in my life. In the hustle of my busy life, I felt I was missing the true meaning and purpose of my life. The Church offered me the true meaning of our human existence.

The second reason I came back to the church is because I want my children to have faith and guidance in their spiritual journey. Today's society can be overwhelming with so many obstacles and choices to make. The church provides them with a strong foundation of which they can build their beliefs, values and lives.

Barbara Ropiecki:

I was raised here in Keene and was baptized and confirmed at St. Bernard. I loved God growing up, but it was a blind faith. Despite going to church regularly and attending Sunday School classes, I didn't understand what it meant. I had a wonderful childhood, but somewhere along the way I got lost and stopped attending church, except for an occasional Christmas or Easter. When I got older I tried reading the Bible on my own, but without someone to guide me I didn't get very far. Life can be hard, and if we don't make God first in our lives and live by his commandments, life will undoubtedly get harder. It did for me! Welcoming Catholics Home got me to a place where a team of wonderful, caring people could help me understand all the things I didn't grasp growing up. I learned what being Catholic meant and I fell in love with my faith. My life is forever changed. I am truly home and I have a love for God and this community that I have never experienced, nor thought possible. Please come home too! The wonderful people that helped me will be there for you and so will I. "Be Not Afraid."

For more information, contact the Catholic Faith Formation Center: 603-352-7662

Welcome Catholics Home Brochure

Welcoming Catholics Home

Spring Schedule 2013

The program will be offered at St. Margaret Mary Church Hall on Thursdays starting April 4th. Each session starts at 7:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Even if you are unable to attend all of the sessions, please join us for the first session. We want to meet you, to listen to you, and to talk with you.

First Session: April 4th, 2013

Why people leave & why they come back?An introduction to the program led by the team of laity. No priests, deacons, or religious leaders will be present for this initial meeting. We will collect questions for the priest to answer for the next session.

Second Session: April 11th, 2013

An evening with Father Michael—Father Michael Monette will share his experience of Church and will answer any questions and explain the program further.

Third Session: April 18th, 2013

The Mass: Wayne Bolduc will give an explanation of the Mass which includes a walk through the church and will answer any questions you may have.

Forth Session: April 25th, 2013

The Sacraments: Dennis Marquis gives an explanation of the sacraments with an emphasis on reconciliation and the importance of receiving and giving forgiveness.

Fifth Session : May 2nd, 2013

The Bible: J. R. Davis gives us a brief overview of the Bible and how to read scripture in the light of Church teaching and how to apply it to your life.

Resources available to all:

Catholic Faith Formation Center: A center for continuing formation including adult courses in bible study, spirituality, Church teachings etc.; a library and religious article and bookstore.

Religious formation for all ages: Education programs for all ages from Kindergarten through High School, and Family-based Education; Youth Groups; College Campus Ministry, Adult Confirmation; and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

Prayer for Groups and Individuals: Eucharistic Adoration in the Clairvaux Chapel, Traveling Light Charismatic Prayer Group, Rosary Groups, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Chalice of Strength.

There are Many Ways to get Involved: Outreach to the homebound, hospital and jailed, St. Vincent de Paul Pantries, Bereavement luncheons, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Catholic Charities, liturgical ministries to name a few.