Did you read last week’s article in this space? It was a wonderful piece written by staff member, Jennifer Williams, long involved in faith formation for our parish. If you haven’t read it, please take the time to do so. Since I got a “week off” from writing the column I had the chance to stop and reflect upon what Jennifer wrote. If you think about it, she was writing about the most basic act of mercy: acting upon the compassion in our hearts for one another (Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae [ST II-II.30.1]). To invite another to be part of our community is a mercy that says to another: you are noticed, you are valued for who you are, and you are welcomed. As Jennifer wrote: “Research has found that at least one-third of inactive Catholics would like to reconnect with the Church, but they are reluctant to make the first move. They are waiting for an invitation, for some sign that they will be welcomed. We all know someone (a family member, friend, neighbor) whose faith has taken a back seat.” Continue reading →