ContactCommunity At Large
Apr
12
Conversation with Amy, Young Adult
By Fr. James Doogan, S.J. on 12-04-2008 | Spirituality 4 U | 2 Comments
Subject: Hi Fr. Jim!
Message: Hi Fr. Jim, My name is Amy L– I am one of the choir members at the 5:30 PM Mass. How are you? I just want to say I really enjoy your homilies! They are awesome and funny. I have a question — what would you say to Catholics who don’t go to Church because they feel that people there are hypocrites?
Thanks Fr. Jim! See you on Sundays!
Amy
Dear Amy,
None of us are perfect. If we waited until we were perfect we would never pass through the doors. What makes us Christian is the realization that we are not perfect and that we need help from ourSavior; we need grace, and we need forgiveness for our errors — Anger, gossip, partying too much. . . All we have to have is the desire to follow Jesus’ message more nearly, dearly, clearly 
. Church is our spiritual home. Would they avoid their parents for being imperfect children. Going to church is not about perfection – it is about a journey. And we have the support of others and give support. We have the desire to be good — but the flesh is weak. Unless you are telling them that you are better than others you are no hypocrite. It is odd that so many people who criticize church goers for being hypocrites, often see themselves as open minded. Meanwhile, they are judging the intentions of others. The very things that are in the hearts of others. Can you not go to church and be a hypocrite — I think so. Simply put — we all enter the doors to find God — including me. Where ever 2 or more are gathered in Jesus’ name he assures us he will be there.
Amy, I hope this is of help. Remember you are countercultural, a radical, a rebel. You stand up to the peer culture of your time and go to church. — Also, often the ones who criticise the most – most desire faith themselves. You are a great symbol for them. God Bless you and your ministry to people to whom I have little access.
Padre Jim
Hola Padre Jim! Thank you for your response! May I have your permission to post this on my blog? I have a lot of questions to ask… I hope you don’t mind. 
Does Blessed Sacrament have young adult catechism classes?
Thanks,
Amy
P.S. I shall introduce myself next time for sure! I don’t know if you remember, I was the choir member who was formerly in the wheelchair. Now I’m walking, thanks to God!
Amy,
You have my permission. I may run it too if you think it might be helpful. And yes a group of us are talking about starting one. I just finished with RCIA, most want to continue to meet, all were young adults. I was thinking we would start with studying the Gospel of John. Very interactive with check-ins BBQs and retreats, working the carnival in October. I would love your input.
Hi Father Jim,
That’s so awesome! I’m really excited about the idea of having a young adult bible study. I can go any weeknight after work. My best friend and I have been looking for a young adult bible study group for awhile so this would be an answer to our prayers! You should have an “Ask Father Jim” section on your blog!
I have another question– What do you think about interfaith relationships? Can they work? My last relationship was with a non-Catholic (he was Muslim) but it did not last. My sister is in a long term relationship with a Mormon. I just want to know what advice you have for them if they decided to get married? Thank you!
Amy
Great question, but we will wait until next week. God-Bless
Padre Jim
Comments
2 Responses to “Conversation with Amy, Young Adult”
I’m also quite interested to see what Fr. Jim has to say about interfaith relationships! :0)
Thanx!
Mariohhh
Alright Mario I post it.
How did working the new position go yesterday. Tell me tonight a bible study.