Catholics Come Home
There are many reasons why you may no longer be practicing your Catholic faith. There equally as many reasons why you might consider "coming home" to you faith tradition once again.
Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions when someone is considering returning to the practice of their faith in the Catholic Church. We hope that they might help you discern your next steps in "coming home."
- I am thinking of returning to the Catholic Church. Do I have to go through some kind of program in order to do this?
No, if you are a Catholic who has been baptized and received First Holy Communion you do not need to go through any program. You are invited, if you desire, to visit with one of our Pastoral Staff to address any concerns you may have. You can contact Fr. Jack or Peg.
- If I return to the Church will I need to go to confessions? Or, can I just come to Mass?
You are always welcome to come to Mass! There are no prerequisites or conditions for attending and participating at Mass. However, before receiving Holy Communion you will most likely want to celebrate the sacrament of God's mercy and reconciliation by making a confession. Our regularly scheduled times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are Saturdays from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Church. If you would like to arrange a different time for confession, you can contact Fr. Jack or call him at 935-0358 x 107.
- I don't remember how to go to confession. What do I do?
Knowing the "formula" for confession is not as important as simply allowing yourself to receive the sacrament. If you go to confession and tell Father that it has been a long time an you don't remember exactly what to do, he will talk you through it without trouble or embarrassment. It is also possible to speak with one of the pastoral staff prior to your confession if that would make you feel more comfortable. Simply call the Parish Office at 935-0358 and ask to speak to someone about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and that you would like to "Come Home to the Catholic Church."
- I was not married in the Catholic Church. Does that affect my return to the Church?
If you are in your first marriage, then having your marriage recognized by the Church should be quite simple. If either you or your spouse has been married before, we can still help you, but it most likely will take more time. Fr. Jack will be happy to help you with this process. Call or email him at the parish office and ask to speak to him about your marriage because you would like to "Come Home to the Catholic Church."
- I have been divorced. Does that affect my return? What if I am remarried?
Divorce in and of itself does not affect your status in the Church, including participation in the sacraments like Holy Communion. If you are remarried outside the Church you may still attend Mass, but it may be beneficial for you to learn what is involved for the Church to recognize your present marriage. Again, Fr. Jack is happy to talk with you about this. Call or email him at the parish office and ask to speak to him about your marriage because you would like to "Come Home to the Catholic Church."
- I have unbaptized children. Can they be baptized?
Yes, your children can certainly be baptized. Please call the Parish Office to register for our Baptism Preparation Classes that parents must attend before bringing their children to the Sacrament of Baptism. You can also email Peg to register for classes, or to answer any questions you may have about the Sacrament of Baptism.
- I am not Catholic, but I am curious about the Catholic Church. What should I do?
The Church offers a wonderful process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Your initial questions can be addressed in a meeting with Peg Borkowski, our Pastoral Associate. The Catechumenate Process (or RCIA for short) allows for questions and inquiry before any decisions are made about becoming Catholic. It is a prayerful, enriching process that puts you in touch with others who are asking the same questions, as well as pairing you with a sponsor from the community who will walk with you on your journey of faith. Call or email Peg and tell her you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. You can also find out more about the RCIA process by going to Sacraments and clicking on RCIA.
- Do I have to register in the parish in order to be a Catholic in good standing?
Once you decide to be a parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe we do ask that you consider registering, but it is not required. However, registering in the parish makes a statement of your commitment and bond to the parish and allows the Parish Office to be in touch with you in important ways. It also enables us to keep accurate and current sacramental records. Registration forms are available on the shelf behind the last pew in the church.
