Open Letter to Our New Catholics

The following editorial is from the March 29, 2008 issue of Arkansas Catholic, the official newspaper for the Diocese of Little Rock.

Last Saturday you made a major decision in your life to become Catholic. In many communities, joining the Catholic Church is not a popular choice. So we praise you for your faith, strength and perseverance even when your family and friends questioned you.

Addressing you at the Rite of Election at the beginning of Lent, Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert discouraged you from becoming “second-class Catholics.” We agree. There are about 116,000 registered Catholics in this diocese and on any given Sunday about 33 percent are at Mass.

We aren’t sure where the other people are, but we see no greater appointment to make each week on your calendar than attending Mass. Sleeping in, reading the Sunday newspaper or walking the dog can wait.

We really do need some more first-class Catholics in this diocese. With this in mind, we have a few helpful hints as you continue your journey.

Fitting In

Hopefully you have found a parish ministry where you can fit in and contribute your talents. Please get involved now. Don’t wait until someone asks because unfortunately parishes aren’t always the best at plugging in their new converts.

Some of the best Catholics in our parishes and religious houses are converts. They are principals, teachers, catechists and even priests and nuns. Why not add your name to the list of faith-filled, active parishioners?

Sharing Your Story

You might not realize it, but you have an interesting and motivating story to tell. In last week’s issue of Arkansas Catholic, we published several conversion stories. They told of their conviction and determination to become Catholic despite several roadblocks.

Each of you needs to share your story with your parish and inspire many of us “cradle Catholics” who might take for granted the rich and beautiful faith we were given at birth.

Hiding Your Faith

Now that you have made this important conversion, don’t be afraid to share your faith. We are not asking you to stand on a street corner to proclaim the Gospel or interrogate your coworkers about their faith, but you can publicly live your faith through your words and actions each day.

About 4 percent of the state is Catholic. Your witness can help dispel myths about Catholicism and reinforce the positive contributions of parishes and the Diocese of Little Rock.

We like the story of the Italian journalist who was Muslim and was baptized on Easter by the pope. His story is being spread across the media this week. “I publicly converted to say to these people: ‘Come out of the catacombs, live your faith openly. Do not be afraid,’“ Magdi Allam wrote.

We hope to see you Sunday!