Inactive Catholics
The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) reports that there are approximately 64.8 million Catholics in the United States today. Approximately 33% of this group are not practicing their Catholic faith.
Canon #528 says: “The pastor is to make every effort with the aid of the Christian faithful, to bring the gospel message to those who have ceased practicing their religion or who do not profess the true faith.”
Based on research done by the U.S. bishops' Committee on Evangelization, in January 2000 Bishop Michael Saltarelli of Wilmington, Delaware, stated that most Catholics drifted away from the Church because they:
- did not experience God's presence in their Catholic community,
- did not experience warm, personal, caring relationships in encounters with Catholics,
- saw Catholicism as complex and unrelated to their lives,
- experienced hurt from clergy or lay Catholics,
- came into conflict with Church teachings,
- were easily misled by people who attack the Church,
- were in marriages not recognized by the Church,
- got busy and did not take the time to get involved,
- relocated but never reconnected with another Catholic parish.
Ways in which to reach out to those who have left the Church:
- talk to God about them before you talk to them about God
- listen to their stories,
- extending an invitation to: a parish event, spiritual talk, Mass, parish celebration, small community, family gathering,
- share your enthusiasm for your faith,
- invite them to “come and see” and walk with them,
- don’t criticizing, argue, or moralize.
Inactive Catholics are not anonymous people, they are our family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends.
RESOURCES FOR INACTIVE CATHOLICS
TRAINING THE ACTIVE CATHOLIC TO REACH OUT
PROGRAMS
ALPHA FOR CATHOLICS
ALPHA for Catholics is for people interested in investigating Christianity, newcomers in the Church, those who wish to brush up on their faith. Alpha can help people overcome any reluctance to share their faith journey with others. It helps people have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. ALPHA for Catholics refers to the promotion of the Alpha 10-week course for use within the Catholic Church. It is a basic introduction to Christianity and above all, brings us into contact, face to face with the Lord Jesus. www.alphausa.org
AWAKENING FAITH
Awakening Faith, Reconnecting with Your Catholic Faith, is a small group process that helps inactive Catholics return to the Church. The group meets once a week for six weeks of conversation and socializing. The conversations are based on short, easy to read essays about spirituality, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God’s mercy, the Mass, and the Church. The meetings foster reflection, prayer, and honest sharing in a setting of hospitality and acceptance.
http://www.awakeningfaith.org/
CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME
Catholics Returning Home (CRH) is a parish based program designed to reach-out and invite non-practicing/inactive Catholics to return “Home to the Catholic Church” and resume active practice of their faith. The program is a proven, step-by-step method that is ready to use. Just follow the instructions in the “how to” book, Inviting Catholics Home, and insert the parish name and specific information into the support materials.
www.catholicsreturninghome.org
LANDINGS
A comprehensive Paulist approach to welcome returning Catholics. It is a proven process designed to welcome those who for whatever reason have become inactive in the exercise of their faith. This ten-week ministry of reconciliation evangelizes active Catholics who help welcome back inactive Catholics.
www.landings-international.org
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is a Parish outreach to every registered household for the purpose of reconnecting with inactive Catholics, conducting pastoral visits and updating parish records. It can be done at any time of the year. To learn more about the process, time line, role of leadership team, materials needed and follow-up action steps download the following three booklets and the other materials to make this outreach successful.
Booklets: 
It is not always possible for a parish to do a door-to-door visitation but, in a desire to reach out, a parish could make phone calls. Here are two booklets to help parishes with that important ministry. One is for the team in preparing this outreach and the other is a guideline for the callers. (For additional materials for the phone visits, see the materials listed under Home Visitation and adapt accordingly.)