Questioning My Beliefs
So much is competing for our attention today that it can be difficult to see God’s hand. Personal suffering can lead to doubts as well. If this is you, you are not unlike the apostles! In fact, the Gospel of Matthew says,“When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.” Whether you question a specific teaching of the church or you are questioning the very existence of God, our parish Parish may be just the place for you. You will find this to be a kind and supportive environment to explore your doubts and your faith at the same time. Some programs and resources to consider include:
Hurt by the Church
St. Augustine proclaimed that the church is not a hotel for saints, but a hospital for sinners. As such, its members make mistakes – in some cases, very grave mistakes – and these have caused unimaginable pain. It takes courage to be honest and transparent in confronting sin and weakness in the church. It also takes courage to give God another chance and to once again embrace His church despite its failing members. Jesus, through the love of the Father and the grace of the Holy Spirit, can move us toward healing and wholeness.
Please note: there is a major difference between bad leadership and criminal behavior. We want to offer whatever help we can to the healing of the deep wound inflicted by sexual abuse, especially when it is perpetrated by the clergy or other Church workers. To report any suspicion of abuse by any church personnel please contact local law enforcement. Please click here to view our accountability page.
Divorced
While marriage is meant to last a lifetime, too many hearts and homes end up experiencing the pain of divorce, bringing with it unexpected and unimaginable heartache, questions, and challenges. If this is you, take comfort in these words from Isaiah, “For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.” While people often fail us, the good news is that God’s love never fails. (Psalm 136:1) our parish Parish can provide support and healing following your divorce. Some programs to consider include:
Single Parent
Nothing – not unplanned pregnancies, divorce, or death can place limits upon God’s gracious and merciful love. Psalm 68:5 says, “Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” Where a family exists and love moves through its members, grace is present. As you face the responsibilities of caring for your children, creating a good home, and holding down a job, our parish wants to be a supportive extension of your family. By worshiping in our faith-filled community, you will not face these responsibilities alone.
Some programs and resources to consider include:
Need Help for my Marriage
You made a vow to your spouse before God that your marriage would be forever, but honoring that promise has been much harder than you ever imagined. Do not give up your dream of growing old together! In Isaiah 43:19, God says, “I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Please know that our parish Parish has many programs designed to help strengthen marriages and families and our clergy is ready to support and assist you in having the marriage God dreams for you. Consider the following resources and programs:
Experiencing Same-Sex Attraction
If you are experiencing same-sex attraction, please know that you are welcome at our parish Parish. You are a child of God, bestowed with dignity and grace by your creator. Pope Francis spoke about this topic in his book, The Name of God is Mercy. He said, “Before all else comes the individual person, in his wholeness and dignity. And people should not be defined only by their sexual tendencies: let us not forget that God loves all his creatures, and we are destined to receive his infinite love.” Our priests and deacons can provide support to you as you live out your faith at our parish Parish, while experiencing same-sex attraction.
For more information regarding Catholic teaching on same-sex attraction, see the Courage National website.
Struggling with Addiction
Addictions are so powerful that they destroy everything in their path and crowd out the voice of God, a voice that has the power to heal and give new life. If you are suffering from an addiction that has taken control of your life, there is help. By the grace of God, it is going to take time and it is going to require support, but the our parish Parish family is here to support you. “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) Consider the following resources:
Struggling with Pornography
When we choose in our hearts to treat another person as merely an object for our own gratification – we seriously violate that person’s dignity and our own. Each of us is meant to be loved for our sake. In his book Theology of the Body for Beginners, Christopher West says that for John Paul II, the opposite of love is not hatred; rather the opposite of love is to use someone as a means to our own selfish ends. A realignment of our sexuality with that which God intended offers a true understanding of love as well as true fulfillment. Our priests and deacons can provide support to you on this journey back to sexual wholeness and purity. In addition, there are many resources out there that can help you, including:
Seeking Healing from a Past Abortion
Without a doubt, abortion is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can have. The pain of loss is often buried initially, but may be manifested in dysfunctional relationships, depression, emotional problems, addictions and fear of punishment from God. If you are experiencing the pain of a past abortion, please know that there is hope and that our parish family can help you find healing and peace. “As the Father loves, so do his children. Just as He is merciful, so we are called to be merciful to each other.” – Pope Francis. The following resources can help:
Struggling with Mental Illness
Everyone battles with stress in life and there are times when we need to talk to someone about it. Our clergy is an excellent resource for listening and providing spiritual direction to help you navigate life’s challenges, but it is important to seek clinical help as well when necessary. Please know that your parish family is here to support you, and you can take comfort in this scripture from Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Consider the following resources:
I Have Been Away from the Church for Awhile
Have you been away from the Church for quite some time and now you’re feeling a tug at your heart to return? Listen to that tug. It is your Heavenly Father reaching his arms out to you, the Holy Spirit whispering in your ear, hoping to draw you home. “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” (Joel 2:12-13) Now is the time to rediscover the truth, wonder, and mystery of the Catholic faith – the practice of the sacraments and fullness of relationship with Jesus Christ. We’ve missed you and the Church is not the same without you. Consider these resources:
Not Sure Where I Fit In
The Catholic Church is truly universal – the same Mass is celebrated daily worldwide. Our faith was founded by Christ himself and built upon St. Peter, the first pope. It is composed of hundreds of countries, millions of people, and dozens upon dozens of languages. There is a place for you in the worldwide church, just as there is a place for you at our parish, a vibrant, intercultural community of communities in West St. Louis County. “As the body is one, though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ.” (Hebrews 13:8) Welcome to our parish.