‘Finding the One’

Workshop equips Catholics for encounters, questions from those who’ve left the church

By Tami S. Scott
Editor

Known for her perseverance in prayer, Saint Monica spent 17 years praying for her son, Saint Augustine, to convert to Catholicism. And though she faced moments of discouragement and great suffering along the way, she never gave up.

St. Monica’s story resonates today with many faithful who long to see their loved ones return to their Catholic faith. One couple even spoke out about the departures to Deacon Jeff Dixe, who became the director for the Offices of Adult & Ministerial Formation just under a year ago.

“[They] approached me very concerned about the number of people in our generation whose children are grown and who have exited the church,” he told the Sun. “And, you know, at that moment, there wasn’t much that I was able to do about it … but it’s something that really weighed on my heart for a long time.”

So much so that on Saturday, March 22, Catholics of all ages are invited to attend a workshop called, “Finding The One: Rebuilding The Bridge & Welcoming Them Home.” The six-hour forum will address the challenge of church members leaving the faith.

“The workshop is designed for those people similar to the folks that I had encountered … very active in their parish, very active in their faith and yet have this degree of sadness and hurt to have watched people close to them leave the faith, and wanting, naturally, to share the Good News with them,” Dc. Jeff explained.

People who leave the church provide many explanations — societal trends, the COVID pandemic, scandals, personal experiences. Whatever the reason, Dc. Jeff said the motivation behind this forum is to bring together believers to pray, listen, discuss and understand, because a big part of evangelization is being present to that person who left, and to meet them where they are.

“We can’t assume or presume anything about where you’re at in your faith life or even in your life journey … Who am I to judge you? Who am I to assume something I don’t know?

“All of our stories are very unique and every person who has left the church or abandoned their faith or is questioning or exploring their faith, there’s a reason for it,” he continued. “And if we first stop and learn how to listen to people and not necessarily try to find the right answer, but learn how to ask the right questions, those are the moments of encounter where we can just allow people to share their story and understand where they’re at.”

So what can attendees expect to walk away with at this seminar?

“A sense of hope, a sense of empowerment, so that when that encounter happens, and it will happen, you’ll be a lot more comfortable and prepared for whichever way that conversation or that encounter goes,” Dc. Jeff said. It’s so important that we learn to encounter, but we learn to encounter with love and listening and patience.”

Bishop Douglas J. Lucia is the keynote speaker. Four additional guest speakers include Tom Andino, former director of campus ministry at Le Moyne College; young adult witness Kateri Lickona; Allison Bracht, associate director of high school youth ministry in Baldwinsville; and Deacon Craig Rheaume, creator of the Firm Foundation Program.

Dc. Craig will tell his story of conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism, then his subsequent transition to becoming a Catholic deacon. Additionally, he will expound on his program, which will be offered to people who want to share their faith but wish they knew how to better articulate it — it’s like a refresher course. Dc. Jeff described it as a powerful tool for those wanting to feel more comfortable and confident discussing their faith.

No one knows how or when God works in others’ lives. In his writings, St. Augustine credited his mom with planting the seeds of faith in his heart as a child. Since Pope Francis has called Catholics to live as “Pilgrims of Hope” this Jubilee Year, Dc. Jeff anticipates this workshop, this journey of hope, will turn into a journey of action by rebuilding the bridge and welcoming loved ones back home.

“Finding the One” is free-of-charge and open to everyone. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at Holy Cross Church. Questions? Contact Dc. Jeff Dixe at [email protected]. Register at syracusediocese.org/formation-for-ministry.