Fallen Away Catholics

[littleflower+JMJ]

What do you tell or how do you answer fallen away Catholics who grew up in the faith but never really participated but attended mass, CCD, etc. but are now non-denominational Christians? Its just so awkward and I have no route to take.

[rhetoricfemme]

How do you tell them what? I'd just pretend they were never Catholic at all, or that they're misinformed non-Catholics.

[littleflower+JMJ]

Well in telling them to go back to a Catholic church. I can't pretend these people were never Catholic because they were and when they talk to me they know my whole identity is Catholic. They just didnt' get anything out of it when they were or did not participate/understand in the sacraments.

[tinytherese]

I recommend reading Jeff Cavin's I'm Not Being Fed. He discusses how he came to leave the Church, became a Protestant minister, and came back home to Rome. He discusses why a lot of people leave Mother Church and in particular, in particular people who claimed that they "weren't being fed." He focuses attention on how we can be fed by receiving the Eucharist.

[CatherineM]

I don't know, but if you come up with anything that works, let the rest of us know because we all deal with it at one time or another. It's especially hard when it is family.

[melporcristo]

+JMJT+

Pray for them.

Sounds cliche, I know, but the Holy Spirit will guide you with words!

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='littleflower+JMJ' date='14 April 2010 - 06:55 PM' timestamp='1271289344' post='2093594']
What do you tell or how do you answer fallen away Catholics who grew up in the faith but never really participated but attended mass, CCD, etc. but are now non-denominational Christians? Its just so awkward and I have no route to take. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif[/img]
[/quote]

Rather than tell them, I'd ask them what it was about the Catholic church that made them turn away. I'd focus on their specific problems or concerns, rather than what you want to tell them or think you should tell them. Then you can gear the conversation to ways that the Catholic church addressses their particular needs.

Also, as I have said far too often, the best witness is your life. If people sense that you have something special--a peace, a happiness--they will want it, too, and ask you where you got it. I'm always impressed that, even though the messages Jesus gave were often difficult ones to hear, people were still VERY attracted to him--he gathered crowds, people wanted to be around him. They saw that he had something they wanted.

I know what I've just said is far too simplistic. It begs the question of, "Exactly, HOW do I do that?" Sorry.

[Saint Therese]

I think prayer and a holy example is the best solution. If we were all like Mother Teresa there wouldn't be any fallen away Catholics.

[Lil Red]

[quote name='littleflower+JMJ' date='14 April 2010 - 05:19 PM' timestamp='1271290799' post='2093602']
Well in telling them to go back to a Catholic church. I can't pretend these people were never Catholic because they were and when they talk to me they know my whole identity is Catholic. They just didnt' get anything out of it when they were or did not participate/understand in the sacraments.
[/quote]
+JMJ+
ask them what they ever put into Mass or the other sacraments.

[Lil Red]

+JMJ+
or as Fulton Sheen might say "What was your sin?" - basically, what were you doing that the Church declares sinful? but that's an aggressive tactic.

[picchick]

what is holding them back from the faith?

[Guest Freethinker]

First, let me start by saying that I'm not here to cause trouble or be a troll. As my religion tag says, I have left the Catholic Church and really don't intend on going back - it's possible, but not likely. I don't have a religion at the moment, although I have considered becoming an Episcopalian. However, I do enjoy learning about religious beliefs and lack of religious beliefs. I've been on Catholic sites as well as atheist/agnostic sites. My intent is to discuss, not to belittle or poke fun. I hope everyone will respond likewise.

In response to the question, my personal view is that I like to be left alone. At the end of the day, discussing beliefs is a bad idea. Nothing I say will be considered by a devout Catholic as a valid reason for leaving the church, and in my case organized religion in general. Nothing you say will convince me to come back. So please, just leave us alone.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Freethinker' date='10 May 2010 - 04:50 PM' timestamp='1273528225' post='2108296']
First, let me start by saying that I'm not here to cause trouble or be a troll. As my religion tag says, I have left the Catholic Church and really don't intend on going back - it's possible, but not likely. I don't have a religion at the moment, although I have considered becoming an Episcopalian. However, I do enjoy learning about religious beliefs and lack of religious beliefs. I've been on Catholic sites as well as atheist/agnostic sites. My intent is to discuss, not to belittle or poke fun. I hope everyone will respond likewise.

In response to the question, my personal view is that I like to be left alone. At the end of the day, discussing beliefs is a bad idea. Nothing I say will be considered by a devout Catholic as a valid reason for leaving the church, and in my case organized religion in general. Nothing you say will convince me to come back. So please, just leave us alone.
[/quote]
Like you, I don't want to cause trouble. What I wonder is what exactly there is to discuss if you're not open to changing any of your beliefs and don't expect any of us to respond to yours?

[HisChildForever]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='10 May 2010 - 05:55 PM' timestamp='1273528533' post='2108303']
Like you, I don't want to cause trouble. What I wonder is what exactly there is to discuss if you're not open to changing any of your beliefs and don't expect any of us to respond to yours?
[/quote]

Valid point.

[eagle_eye222001]

[quote name='Freethinker' date='10 May 2010 - 05:50 PM' timestamp='1273528225' post='2108296']
...In response to the question, my personal view is that I like to be left alone. At the end of the day, discussing beliefs is a bad idea. Nothing I say will be considered by a devout Catholic as a valid reason for leaving the church, and in my case organized religion in general. Nothing you say will convince me to come back. So please, just leave us alone.
[/quote]

Why? I do not ask sarcastically, but genuinely.

If you want to be left alone, well.....I will respect that. However bear in mind that such a course of action is "close-minded" and a contradiction of the term "free-thinker."