How many non-practicing Catholics do you know? What would it mean to you if you played a role in them returning to the regular practice of the faith? What would it mean to them? That is what the will be accomplished by the United Catholic Movement.
In October, 2016, at the Diocese of Covington priest retreat, Bishop Roger Foys asked seven priests to meet with a facilitator to develop a plan to help non-practicing Catholics come back to Mass. The first meeting of these priests along with a facilitator took place in January, 2017. The result of several meetings and many hours of discussion and planning was a strategic plan with the mission statement: Bringing All Catholics Together
By joining the United Catholic Movement, you can play an important role in helping to bring non-practicing Catholics back to Mass. A simple invitation to share mass with you can make a significant difference. Our shared efforts will successfully engage all Catholics to be joined in the Catholic faith and community.
I was born and “raised’’ Catholic, including attending 12 years at Catholic schools. When I moved to the northern Kentucky area 10 years ago, I attended Sunday mass almost every week even though I questioned the existence of God, I never went to confession, I never prayed, I did not understand Adoration, and I definitely did not love Jesus. I was angry, impatient, a worry wart, caught up in the material world, and I did not like too many people. A personal relationship with Jesus has changed all that. I was invited to a prayer group which triggered the rest. I started going to regular confession, going to daily mass, praying the rosary daily and going to Adoration once a week, not all at once of course, but over time. Over the years Jesus has given me signs of encouragement, especially during mass. Since most of my adult life I had never really prayed, I did not know how to start. “Jesus, I trust in You” was the way I started. I do not remember how I came to do this, but every time I thought to say it, I said it. I did not trust Jesus at first, but through saying it I began to slowly trust in Him. At this point in my life, I cannot wait to get to mass to receive the Eucharist, for it is the only way I can find peace in this life. I tell people, forget the alcohol and drugs. The perfect solution to all that ails you is receiving Jesus in the Eucharist at mass, praying the rosary, going to confession and spending time with Jesus in Adoration. Over the last 7 years, I have learned that the more I trust Jesus, the more peace I feel. Things definitely go “wrong” according to the world’s view of things, but I know that all is going according to God’s plan to save our souls from the deceit of the devil. Now I am peaceful, kinder, more patient, I hardly ever worry and I love all people, despite their faults, and that is truly miraculous to me. |