A Gentle Pathway Home for Baptised Catholics
Many people are baptised Catholic but find that, over time, they have drifted away from the Church.
Life happens.
Habits weaken.
Confidence fades.
If this describes you, please know this first of all:
You are welcome back.
Is This for Me?
This pathway is for baptised Catholics who:
- have been away from Mass for some time
- feel unsure, embarrassed, or hesitant about returning
- want to reconnect with the Church and the sacraments
- are not seeking Baptism, but renewal and reassurance
If you have never been baptised, or are seeking to become Catholic for the first time, RCIA is the appropriate pathway.
If you are baptised Catholic and returning, this is for you.
What This Pathway Is — and Is Not
This is not RCIA.
It is not a long course.
It is not an interrogation or a test of knowledge.
It is a gentle, pastoral pathway designed to help people return peacefully to the life of the Church.
There is:
- no pressure
- no expectation to “catch up”
- no requirement to speak publicly
The focus is on welcome, reassurance, and the sacraments.
What We Explore Together
Over a small number of sessions, we gently explore:
- reassurance that returning is normal
- what often causes people to drift away
- Confession without fear or embarrassment
- returning to Mass with confidence
- what ordinary Catholic life looks like today
These sessions are about restoring confidence, not delivering lectures.
You can find the sessions at the bottom of this page.
How It Works in Our Parish
The Returning to the Faith pathway is offered:
- in a small group setting, or
- through individual conversation, where appropriate
- online through the sessions below
It is shaped around the needs of those returning, not a fixed timetable.
You are free to:
- attend quietly
- ask questions
- take things at your own pace
What Happens Afterwards?
There is no “graduation”.
Returning to the faith simply means:
- returning to Sunday Mass
- returning to the sacraments
- allowing faith to grow again over time
Support and conversation remain available whenever needed.
Interested in Returning?
If you are thinking about coming back — even quietly or uncertainly — you are very welcome to make contact.
There is no obligation, no pressure, and no expectation that everything is already clear.
The journey home begins with a conversation.
Contact:
Fr John Owens
frowens@pm.me
A final word
If you are reading this after a long absence, please remember:
The Church exists for those who return.
You are not late.
You are welcome.
Session 1 – You Are Welcome Back
Session 2 – What Went Wrong – Without Blame
Session 3 – Confession Without Fear
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 