Homecoming

Homecoming is a parish ministry for inactive catholics who desire to return to the Catholic Church.  The person is invited to participate in a process which reacquaints s/he with the Church.

How does Homecoming work?  It is based on a Paulist Program called Landings.  Neither a discussion group or class, it is an experience of faith sharing; a ministry of compassionate listening.  A group of six or eight parishioners over a period of eight to ten weeks gather together with the person(s) returning to the Church.  Through the prayer and sharing of faith stories, the person is made to feel welcome in the St. Frances Community of believers.  Information is available, if questions arise, as well as material for learning more about the faith.

The logo for Homecoming was created by Sister Marion C. Honors, CSJ, and captures the image of the loving father embracing his returning wayward son.  The father has spent long hours looking to the horizon for his son’s return, and when he spots him off in the distance, without hesitation, runs out to meet him.  Before the son can express sorrow for having run off, the father embracing him, takes the ring from his finger and puts it on his son, and places a cloak over his shoulders.

You may recognize the story as the parable St. Luke describes in his Gospel — the parable of the Prodigal Son.  The father images our loving God who always take the initiative in our lives, our Father who seeks out and embraces with compassionate love His wayward child who wants to come home.

For further information on the Homecoming Ministry call 785-2333 x206.