Back at the Sebastian Library
Paulette stopped at our table outside the library in the afternoon, and was interested in a crucifix and chain. She received some Catholic education when young, but thought we had too many rules. When asked what rules she was referring to, she said, “You know, abortion.” Unfortunately, a quick enough response was not given and she left. // Yvonne was also interested in a crucifix and chain, but being a life long Baptist, didn’t like Jesus on the cross. She asked about graven images. We explained in several different ways how it wasn’t a graven image, which satisfied her concern. // Al was raised Catholic, hadn’t been to Church since then and was now retirement age. After inviting him to return he took the Mass times, a New Testament and The Bible is a Catholic Book // A young woman walked by with hands held high, and said, “I love Jesus and the Catholic Church.” // Nancy had some Catholic education, but hadn’t been to any church in a very long time. She was very interested in everything we had to say, and invited her to attend our parish. She planned to attend, and thought her 14 year old son would also like to attend too. She accepted a Mass times card and booklet that explains the Mass. // One couple said they were Catholics, but only attend occasionally. We gave them a Mass times card and invited them to stations of the cross that night. // John looked briefly at our table without stopping, smiled and said his wife was Catholic, and neither of them have been to church in years. As he was moving away, we asked if he would consider just one question, “What would it be like if no one went to church?” His smile disappeared, thought for a moment, said “That’s a good question,” and moved on. // Bill arrived as our two hours ended, and we were packing up. Since he was very interested, I offered to stay with him while my teammate left. He was a tall man, with a walker who had been through four back surgeries. Because he had almost committed suicide five years earlier with the handgun he always has on him, I gave him all the time he needed for inner healing, and we spent the next two hours sharing. He took a lot of our literature, a couple books, a Mass times card, and I prayed for him. He was greatly encouraged, and grateful for everything.