I hadn't been to church since my wedding 20 years ago, but when my husband left me, I decided it might be time to return. The people in the parish have been so supportive to me that I know I have come to the right place. - Cheryl, age 43
A friend of min invited me to help build a home for a poor family. His parish sponsored this effort. I was so impressed by these people that I returned to the Church and joined the parish. - Michael, age 28
It had been 12 years since I confessed my sins and received communion, and I felt renewed. The guilt was gone. I felt open and hones with God and looked forward to participating again in my parish. - Patricia, age 35
Our parish priest was such a great help! He didn't give me a hard time about leaving the Church. He's been a terrific influence in helping me return. - Tom, age 27
I finally got the courage to return to the Church. The day I received the Lord in the Eucharist again was such a happy day, especially because it was the day my little boy received his first communion. - Phyllis, age 34
By coming back, I've been able to take my faith out of grade school and bring it up to date, on par with my adult thinking on everything else. - Chris, age 58
Welcome
  

 

 


To returning Catholics: St. William Parish welcomes you!
Whether you have been away for a long time, or simply do not attend Mass every weekend, the Church is incomplete as long as you are missing.

Copyright © 2005, Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association, Washington, DC. www.pncia.org Used with permission.

Have you been away from the Catholic Church?

Has it been a while since you've joined us for Mass or any other parish activities?

We Miss You

AN INVITATION TO RETURN TO
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Do You Have Questions Like These?
Is my own spirituality enough, or do I need something more?

What am I missing by not actively practicing my Catholic faith?

I have been away from the Church for a long time. Is it too late to return?

A lot has changed in the Church. Can I really get caught up?

What if I disagree with some of the Church's teachings?

What if I am divorced? Or married/remarried outside the Catholic Church?

I feel guilty about my past. How can returning to the Church help me?

I left the Church because I was hurt. Why should I return now?

If you are asking these or similar questions, you may be hearing God's loving call to return to the active practice of your Catholic faith. We can help you find answers.

Our Catholic community cares about you. We miss you!

We Miss You
The full, active, and joyous participation of every Catholic is a precious gift to our faith community. As long as any Catholic is inactive or alienated from the Church, the Church remains incomplete. We want all our inactive brothers and sisters to return to the Church, so we can support each other on our common journey of faith. Here are some reflections on that journey that you may find helpful.

Growing Spirituality
Faith is a gift from God that strengthens our spiritual life and inspires us to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Living fully in Christ means that we find a community of faith and enter into a fruitful relationship with other in the Church. The unique gifts we have been given are meant to be used for the good of others as well as for ourselves. In turn, the gifts of the whole church community strengthen, support, and challenge us to grow in the abundant life that Christ promised to all of us. We need each other.

Being Away
It doesn't matter how long someone has been away from the practice of the faith. The return of an inactive Catholic at any time brings great joy to God. Through God's grace, the person returning can develop a deeper and stronger faith.

Catching Up
The Catholic faith is a rich treasury of teachings and tradition. Even the most learned among us does not know everything. Lifelong Catholics continue to read, study, and attend adult faith formation classes to grow in their faith. Anyone who wants to "catch up" will be right at home with other Catholics.

Church Teachings
In His preaching and teaching, Jesus showed the way to freedom and happiness in God's love. The teachings of the Catholic Church guide us to follow Christ so we may grow in holiness and one day be united with God forever in heaven. In its teaching ministry, the Church prayerfully studies and hands on the fundamental truths of faith, as expressed in Scripture and Tradition. If you have questions about church teaching, we invite you to talk with a priest or other knowledgeable person.

Divorce and Marriage
Divorce alone does not exclude anyone from the sacraments. Catholics who are divorced may participate fully in the life of the parish community.

For those who were married or remarried outside the Church, each situation is unique. The best way to understand these situations is to speak with a parish representative to learn what is necessary to return to the sacraments and become active in the Catholic Church again.

The Joy of Forgiveness
The Church constantly teaches that Jesus is our Savior, who came not to condemn, but to save and to set us free. In the sacrament of penance or reconciliation, Christ forgives sin, dissolves guilt, and sends the repentant person away with a joyful heart.

The Hurts of the Past
The Church is made up of imperfect people on a journey to the fullness of life in Christ. If you have been hurt by a church leader or member in any way, we seek your forgiveness. We believe that you can find healing through the sacraments and through the compassionate support of our faith community.

Other Considerations
You may have questions about your faith or about the Catholic Church that are now answered here. If you would like to explore a topic further, a parish representative will be happy to talk with you.

An Invitation for You
If you want to talk with someone about returning to the practice of the Catholic faith, pleas contact us using the information below. Our parish representative will be in touch with you soon. Email us at rectory@stwilliam.com or call the rectory office at 248-624-1421.

If you do not want to speak with anyone right now, please join us for Mass and pick up a bulletin. Look at our parish activities and choose a place to start that is right for you. We look forward to seeing you.

Pray to God for guidance. Your response to this invitation could be the first step to a new beginning in your life!


The Mass Schedule is as follows:
Saturday: 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Weekdays(Tues., Wed., Thurs.): 8:15 a.m.
Holydays: 8:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m.,
and 7:30 p.m.

OnceCatholic.org is an additional resource that you may find helpful. And, when you're ready, we're always open to meeting with you.