Drawing ex-Catholics back home

by Letters Editor · November 14, 2013

From Sydney Duval, Cape Town

Your editorial �Call ex-Catholics home� (November 6) explores challenging and sensitive issues concerning those who stay away from church for various reasons.

“The issue of Catholics who have lapsed, and the reasons for their disconnect, is a troubling sign of the times for the Church, from Europe to North and South America to South Africa itself. ” (CNS photo/ KNA-Bild)

On a working trip to Vienna in November 1989 I stayed at a Redemptorist monastery/parish run by Fr Andrew Hiller CSsR, a classmate and friend of the late Archbishop Stephen Naidoo CSsR.

On a Saturday night, while preparing a talk to the parish, Fr Andrew invited me to put my work aside. He wanted to show me something interesting going on in the parish hall.

The large hall was filled with dancing couples and lively chatter. Fr Andrew explained the occasion: �We hold gatherings for people who have left the Church or do not come to church for whatever reason. We invite them here, with no questions asked or judgmental comments. We simply want to keep the door open�that they can come in and join us and socialise. You never know what renewed contact can spark.�

The issue of Catholics who have lapsed, and the reasons for their disconnect, is a troubling sign of the times for the Church, from Europe to North and South America to South Africa itself.

In the spirit of Pope Francis, in solidarity with his call for a Church of pastors caring for their flock, there is work to be done to rebuild bridges, mend broken relationships, find lost sheep, the stragglers and drifters, rekindle what has become indifferent, and heal alienated minds and hearts.

Together a compassionate Church community could reach out to reclaim families, friends and neighbours to the faith and roots that first nurtured them.

Our spirited new pope is showing us the way. How can we follow?