Commission on Evangelization

Surprise at Wal Mart

Stories From the First Year, by Kathy O'Brien

After the first few sessions involving families referred by the court for the Active Parenting Program, we were taught a lesson. Karen, who was facilitating the series, happened to see a couple that was coming to the program in the local Wal-Mart. She spoke to them and asked how things were going. These people did not expect to be recognized or spoken to in public. Their surprise and pleasure at being recognized was so obvious that Karen shared it with others at church.

Our genuine Christian concern for them as persons was something new, something they had not experienced. We may not have changed their lives. Yet, for a brief time, they knew that the Catholic Christian community cared about them. The seeds of respect and care planted there may yet grow and blossom in their lives. 

Flowing from discipleship, service and social ministry are the deepest application of the notion of welcome..Unless people feel welcomed into the human network of believers with their dignity upheld, it will be impossible to invite them into the faith of those believers. (Lay Ministers, Lay Disciples: Evangelizing Power in the Parish, p. 168-169)

To return to 'Reaching Out to Famlies in Crisis With Active Parenting'

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