Returning Catholics

Please feel free to explore any questions you may have about the Catholic Church or how you can begin to more actively practice the faith by visiting the Catholics Come Home website. (Take me there!)

The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the United States, accounting for about 25 percent of the country’s population in 2020 (according to a Gallup poll). However, the single largest group (about a third of Americans) is now the "nones" - those who identify as having no religious affiliation.

There are many reasons why people either leave the Church entirely or choose to remain on the outskirts, not attending Sunday Mass or participating in parish life. Sure, there are disagreements and misunderstandings about Church teaching and how the Church operates. These alone can be divisive. But we're painfully aware that people have also been deeply hurt by Church leaders and representatives. Even those who weren't personally harmed might question whether God is truly present and active among us. Also, some people mistakenly believe (or have been wrongly told at some point) that they aren't welcome - that they don't belong. Others feel orphaned or cut off from neighbors because of the closing of a beloved parish or changes to the Mass schedule. Plus, the demands of our society and culture weigh on all of us, making it hard to accept challenging teachings or make time for prayer and ministry.

Nevertheless, despite such problems, many people continue to choose to embrace the Catholic faith. They discover a deeper sense of meaning, a closer relationship with God, a more authentic spiritual identity, a solid foundation on universal truths, hope for eternal life, and very real experiences of God's loving presence and wonderful gifts. They experience the Church as a vibrant, active community of believers that continues to have a much-needed, positive influence in the world. While they aren't blind to the Church's flaws, they also see Christ and his ongoing work of salvation.

Since the Church is a family, we miss those Catholics who have left the Church or who have stopped participating in its vibrant liturgy and sacramental life. Perhaps you or someone you know are in this situation and don't know how to come back or how to become active again. The first thing you need to know is that you are always welcome back. The Church misses you and hopes that you will choose to come home as an active member.

Catholics Come Home is a non-profit, independent charity whose purpose is to invite inactive Catholics, and others searching for a faith home, to the Catholic faith. Their informative and interactive website helps to answer questions about Church teachings and gives an overview of the Catholic faith. Some of its founders and supporters recently returned to the Catholic faith and want to share their positive experiences with others. Many never left the Church, but recently grew to understand and appreciate their Catholic faith more deeply. All feel part of a loving, world-wide family and sincerely hope others will also find more peace, real answers, and true happiness through the gift of faith.