Be on the lookout, they're out there, somewhere!

You see them at the grocery store, the gas station, at football games, in cars, planes, and even in church. They are short, tall, slender, and not so slender. They are young, old, and in between. As male and female, they come in all colors as well as culture and economic backgrounds. NO I DON'T MEAN ALIENS FROM ANOTHER PLANET!

This time of the year in Catholic churches all over the Diocese you will see and hopefully meet people who are "inquiring" about becoming Catholic. In "churchy" words they are referred to as Catechumens & Candidates.

But in a practical sense they are just like you and me. They come with their own life experiences as well as parents, siblings, education and work. They bring to us their own particular story, concerns, hurts, struggles, hopes, and dreams.

They may have a long and strong relationship with God or they may be seeking such a relationship. Considering the possibility of becoming Catholic may have been a long journey for them. They are now beginning a pilgrimage of faith with those of us who are already a part of a parish faith community. We should be willing to support them in their search for a deeper relationship with God through the Catholic Church.

During a gradual process of initiation these folks will grow in knowledge of the teachings of the Church, explore the meaning of the Scriptures for daily life, develop friendships with members of the parish community, (that's you and me) learn to pray and worship in the Catholic tradition, and discover the joy of serving others. That sounds like something all Catholics should be doing.

Many of these wonderful people may never have set foot in a Catholic church. They may not know anyone and it may be difficult for them to meet people. Have you ever moved to a new place, a new parish, a new job, a new neighborhood or a new city. If you answer is yes then try and remember how you felt. You have the opportunity to be a part of their bridge into Catholic parish life.

Becoming Catholic is not only about learning what Catholics believe, it is also uncovering and discovering how we as Catholics live our faith in our daily life. It is important to let these beautiful people know that you don't have to be perfect to be a Catholic. If they spend anytime around me they will realize that is true.

Alright, you don't have to agree with me!

Be Honest! Let these Catechumens and Candidates know that your faith is important to you but at the same time let them know that you don't know everything and you don't have all the answers. If they happen to ask you a particular question about the Church and you don't know the answer, it is okay to say, "Here's what I do know. Let me try and explain how I understand church teaching in that area."

Then promise to find out more about it and get back to them. Assure them that you still have questions and from time to time struggle with your faith. If you don't struggle and question once in a while you are not human.

In closing, next year at the Easter Vigil, many of these people will take a major step in their life long journey to the Father. They will be renewed in the waters of Baptism, anointed in the Spirit and led to the table of the Eucharist. You can be part of their journey. When you see and meet them this year, and you will, please don't treat them like aliens from another planet but as your sister and brother in the Lord. Journey with them into a "new springtime Christianity."

Glenn Harmon © 2002