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Dave the Catholic wrote:

Mike,

I love your web site and the idea of an apologetics web site. I'm a 59.5-year-old revert and became re-interested in the truth of the Church after my wife and I became disenchanted with the Episcopal church, which we had joined.

I went through RCIA with my wife, rediscovering all the truths I had learned as a child. I've been involved in our parish's adult Confirmation ministry as a teacher for about five years now, but my friend who leads it, is leaving that ministry and it will be taken over by our parish's adult education office. So far, no one has been asked to re-up for this ministry.

I'm seeking another way to share my experience and my faith and wondered if you had any ideas.

I'm also looking for a way to minister to those who are struggling with same-sex attraction. I am a former homosexual (hence the pseudonymous e-mail address). The lies being inculcated today about homosexuality pain me. I'm hoping I may have something unique to offer in this respect.

I have a fair amount of experience in writing, having been a technical writer for three years and training designer for six. I'm also married to a college-level English teacher — we fight about commas. : )

I noticed you also have an article on starting one's own Catholic support group. I'll look at that, too.

Dave the Catholic

  { Do you have any ideas of how I can share my faith and help those with same-sex attraction? }

Mike replied:

Hi Dave,

Because of your faith journey, you may want to touch base with Fr. Harvey. He runs a web site called Courage. It helps and assist people with learned same-sex behaviors. You may be able to start a local chapter of Courage in your area. We also have similar links here:

You said:
I'm seeking another way to share my experience and my faith and wondered if you had any ideas.

That's the Holy Spirit calling you.

I'd spend a few hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament and see what Our Blessed Lord puts on your heart. The fact that you are seeking tells me He's guiding you to a new apostolate or ministry. Only through prayer will you determine what it is. We get a fair share of people who are confused with what is going on in their life and wonder what the purpose of life is.

As practicing Catholics, we always have to remember that we were made for a specific purpose in life. That purpose can be discerned through prayer. (My favorite: The Rosary)

Maybe you can start an Apologetics Support group at the parish with the permission of the pastor. The concept of practicing Catholics meeting and supporting other practicing Catholics is long over due. Pray and see what happens.

If you can meet computer savvy Catholics and at least one that knows how to build and maintain a web site, you can start your own AskACatholic.com support group on the web.

Hope this helps,

Take care,

Mike

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