My Dear Brother or Sister:
In the spirit of the Springtime of the New Evangelization, I am writing this letter to inactive Catholics of our parish community - perhaps you're in that category - to let you know that we miss you, we love you and we want you to come home to the Church.
The first dilemma I faced in writing this letter was how to describe you: an "inactive Catholic," a "fallen-away Catholic" or a "former-Catholic." I chose the first option. I decided against "fallen-away Catholic" for it suggests someone falling off a fence or out of a tree. The image is not helpful. Moreover, there's no such thing as a "former Catholic." If you were baptized a Catholic, you are a Catholic for life – even if you haven't been to Mass for years, even if you've renounced the title and joined another Church. Your baptism infused your soul with Catholic DNA; it defines who and what you are. Thus, I have chosen the title, "inactive Catholic," because even though you haven't been "active" in the Catholic family for a while, especially by attending Sunday Mass, receiving the sacraments and otherwise participating in the life of the Church, you are still a Catholic. Sorry...you're stuck with us!
Perhaps the exact name is not very important though. What is more important is why you drifted away from the Church, why you stopped coming to Mass, and what we can do about it. Did you leave the Church because you disagree with some of the Church's teachings and practices; or because you found it boring and "didn't get anything out of it;" or because someone in the Church offended you or disappointed you; or because you just got a little complacent, spiritually lazy, in the fulfillment of your obligations? Let us look at each of these reasons.
The irony of this letter, of course, is that if you are an inactive Catholic, you might not see this letter. However, I am counting on a Catholic member of your family, or a friend, neighbor or co-worker, to see it and share it.
God came to earth to search for us, to embrace us, to lift us up, and to take us with Him to eternal life. He came to invite you to be His friend and companion along the way.
Dear brother or sister, if you have been away from the Church for a while, it is time to come home. If there is an issue or a problem we can help you with, please contact our parish. We might not be able to solve every problem and meet every need, but we will try. Please know, however, that we miss you, we love you and we hope to see you soon!