On Sunday evening I went to share in the retreat for our 9th grade confirmation candidates. Sean Forrest came to lead the evening for our students as well as those from Mary Our Queen and St. Matthew parishes. I had heard alot about him but had never heard him in person.
He certainly had a way with the kids. They responded well to him. He spoke from his personal experience, and also asked questions which showed that many were now where he had been at one point in his life. After much searching, Sean's journey took him to Protestant churches, the Buddhist religion and back to Catholicism. And he made it clear that so many Catholics know so little about their faith, and that is why many walk away or do not embrace it wholeheartedly.
For instance, when asked how many believed that the Eucharist IS Jesus, most responded that it only represented Jesus. And he made it clear that what drew him back to Catholicism was the fact that WE have the real presence of Jesus in the Communion we receive. He also said something that I will certainly repeat many times in the years to come. When asked how many had been to Mass that day, he told those who did not raise their hands, 'Whatever it was that you missed Mass for is what you worship in your life!' And, whatever it is we worship, if it is not Almighty God, then we have real problems, because we think we have to go it alone through life.
I have heard much positive feedback from students and parents alike regarding that retreat evening. Hopefully it made an impact on most of the candidates.
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