From: Mulambo Silio, Cape Town
I couldn’t agree more with John Lee’s letter “Show lapsed Catholics Jesus” (October 27).
Like Mr Lee’s relative, I have been trying to get back to the Catholic church after being away for more than 20 years. I have been attending Mass for over a year, but I just cannot seem to find myself in the Church and God.
The Church prays to bring lapsed Catholics back home, but there is little guidance of any kind for one who is trying to come back or is new to the Church.
What I have observed is that as a new person in a parish, unless you know someone, no one talks to you. I almost did not want to go back when I first started going to church again. But I have continued. I have also attended some of the weekly meetings hoping to find something there, but I have not quite found it.
I really want to find myself with God. I read widely and Catholicism has become one of my favourite subjects. I feel encouraged by the readings and I want to be part of the Catholic Church in the full manner.
One year later I am still unsure how to go about it. I have read that people like myself and perhaps Mr Lee’s relative would need a spiritual guide to help us along—but who would that be in my parish, for I have not managed to be part of the little circles of friends that seem to be typical in the parish?
I would encourage parishioners to be more welcoming and offer guidance to newcomers or lost Catholics.
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