Fifth Sunday in Lent

Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone

 In this week’s Gospel (John 8: 1-11) we are reminded that Jesus’ message was controversial in his time and we can still find the challenges in it today.  Jesus came to change the laws that had become too rigid; religious laws of his time promoted a way of life that was empty of true faith because they had lost their connection to a living God.  The old ways no longer made sense when life was now seen through a Gospel of love…loving God and loving neighbor.

 Where the people were used to judging others and administering their own punishment, now Jesus was asking them to suspend judgment and love.  Have you been challenged in this way throughout the Catholics Come Home evangelization efforts?  We all have seen new people at Sunday Mass.  Catholics are returning to the Church, some who have been away for more than a decade.  It is not for us to judge why they have left or what they need to do to atone for the time they were away, Jesus calls us to simply love them…maybe a new behavior for us, but one that finds its source in the most basic belief of our faith, the Greatest Commandment.

 Does this Gospel story hold up a mirror that reflects our faith lives?  Are we performing empty actions that should instead keep us in touch with a living God?  Do you fast in Lent or attend Mass just to fulfill an obligation or do those behaviors help you to hunger for God and to be nourished by worshipping in your parish community?

 The life and teachings of Jesus are always alive and fresh.  Jesus challenged the people of his time and he continues to challenge us today.

Catholics Come Home Chicago

Walking with Catholics who have “Come Home”

 In December and January there were 5 ½ weeks of television ads that invited Catholics to come back to the practice of the faith.  That invitation has touched the hearts of hundreds of Catholics in the Archdiocese!  As Catholics return to the Church, hundreds have celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the last month, some at special opportunities for Reconciliation while others have been returning to the Sacrament of Penance in their home parish.  The next phase of Catholics Come Home Chicago includes a series of adult formation sessions held during the Season of Lent, called “Homecoming: Catholics Renewing Their Faith”.  Parishes around the Archdiocese will continue to invite those Catholics who have drifted from the faith to come back and learn about the teachings and traditions of the Church.  If you know someone who wants to learn about the Catholic Church, you can be that warm, inviting voice that says, “If you’ve been away from the Church for whatever reason, we invite you to take another look and come home.”  To find all the parish locations, dates and time call 312-534-5100 or go to the website at www.CatholicsComeHomeCHICAGO.org

 Are you looking for ways to learn more about your Catholic faith?

Join others just like you at

HOMECOMING: Catholics Renewing Their Faith

During the Season of Lent 19 parishes around the Archdiocese will be hosting a series of presentations that will help you learn the answers to questions like: How does my faith make a difference in daily life?  What is ‘Catholic’ prayer?  Why does the Church put such emphasis on Sunday Mass?

 To find all the parish locations, dates and time call 312-534-5100

or go to the website at www.CatholicsComeHomeCHICAGO.org