Guest Column / Richard Etienne

Love you, miss you: reaching out to those absent from the table of the Lord

Each of us probably knows someone who has drifted away from our parish or the larger Catholic community who we truly miss seeing.

If you’re like me, you probably often wonder and worry whether they’re still practicing their faith.

Does anyone come to mind as you ponder this? Take a moment and really think about it.

Here’s an idea: Why not draft a letter to that person you miss from your parish family? It could be a nephew, niece, friend, neighbor, child, parent, co-worker, or anyone.

Dear (name),

I hope that you are doing well. I have missed you! I was wondering if you would ever consider coming back to church? I would cherish hearing from you if you did return one day for a liturgy.

As you continue writing the letter, don’t be afraid to ask questions that could help you—and others—better understand why the person felt compelled to stop being a regular Massgoer at your Church:

• Did you feel welcome?
• Did you connect with the liturgical seasons (Lent, Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time) and the way they were represented at the church?
• What struck you personally when you heard the Scriptures?
• Were you inspired by the homilies? Were they relevant to your current life?
• Did the music inspire you?
• At any point did you find a sense of nourishment for your spirit?
• Were you ever overcome with a feeling of thanksgiving for the many blessings that you have experienced in your life?
• How did you feel as you left Mass each week?
• Did it bring a sense of peace to your life?

Please know that I am always ready to accompany you if you are uneasy about taking that first step to return. I hope to hear back from you soon. I love you and think of you often, and I truly miss you.

Signed

Some things in life are risky. But I believe that some risks are worth taking.

What is stopping you from writing a short note to someone who is currently absent from receiving the Body of Christ at your parish?

Would you feel more comfortable copying this column and forwarding it to him or her with the following note: “I thought of you when I read this.”

You might ask yourself: have I ever personally written such a letter to someone? Use this and say, “I just did!”

We all know God wants to use us as his instruments on our journey of faith, so here’s a plea to begin a letter-writing campaign. Maybe it will start a small fire and go viral!

Remember: God works in mysterious ways.
 

(Richard Etienne has a degree in theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad and resides in Newburgh, Ind.) †