Welcome Home to St. Joseph Church

 

 

Praying for Those Who have Been Away To Return

As Catholics, we are called to “Evangelize” in our daily lives.  According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Evangelization means “bringing the Good News of Jesus into every human situation”.   Evangelization leads to conversion.

Prayer is one form of Evangelization.  Pope John Paul II told us, “There must be unceasing prayer to nourish the desire to carry Christ to all men and women”.

At the St. Joseph Altar a vase is placed along with 3x5 cards.  We ask parishioners to write on the cards the names of those family or friends that have fallen away.  Place the card in the vase.  The names will not be removed or seen by anyone. 

Once in the vase, pray for their return...

  1. Use the Prayer to the Holy Family available at the St. Joseph Altar and Welcome Tables.
  2. Pray for their return at the altar and in your daily prayers.
  3. Encourage your family and friends to pray for their return. Pray together.

The Vase Is Located at the
 St. Joseph Altar

~ Testimonials ~

Has someone you know returned to the Church through the intercession of your or others prayers?  Please share your testimonial with us so others may be strengthened and encouraged to do so.  Email your story to us at rectory@stjosephwilmette.org.  We will include your story in the testimonial section on the website and we will leave your name confidential should you choose to do so.

Visit the following and other testimonials at the Chicago Archdiocese website of those who have returned the Church and are sharing their faith with us:

www.catholicscomehomechicago.org

Or go directly to the link at:

www.goingforth.org/page.aspx?Id=118

Bishop Francis Kane shares his faith with us on the video testimonials. 

Others share their faith and talk about their return to the Catholic Church through the power of prayer...

Arlene

"During my early adolescence and a good part of my early adulthood I was a lost soul, going through the motions sometimes, but never feeling worthy to receive the sacraments. Many times as my children went through their religious education instructions, I was nudged by the Lord, but I continued to be filled with fear and shame. The sudden death of my sister was a bottom that I hit, "Where would I go with this pain?" Thank you Lord for calling me back to you and giving me the courage to say "yes" to you and begin the process of healing, and learning more about you and our church. You have led me to be of service to you, and I'm so happy to be using my gifts to serve you and your people.
Jesus said, "Don't be afraid, only believe - Mark 5:36"

Audra

"My return to the Catholic Church has brought about a life transition. This transition isn’t something that happened overnight, and I’d imagine that it’ll never be quite done. But what I can say is that what has occurred so far is an amazing act of God and something I value very dearly to my heart. I like the person I am today and the things she does. I’m kinder, more at peace, and more welcoming. The father, son, and Holy Spirit have guided me through my path and I realize that the challenges I’ve faced have only helped me to become stronger in my faith and stronger as a person. As our parish motto says, I've come home to St. Ben's."