Here are some sample questions and conversations starters that may help you invite someone back to the Catholic Church.

• What do you think of those commercials about the Catholic Church that have been running on TV lately?


• What would you say is your main reason for not attending church anymore?


• I've got some problems with the Church, but I still go. (Insert some reasons why you still go). Help me understand why you feel that not going keeps you close to God?


• What do you think would have to change in your life before you would come back to Church on a consistent basis?


• A lot of people think that going to Church is not necessary to have a close relationship with God. Could you help me understand how a person's faith life is richer when they are apart from a community that worships Christ?


• What would the Church have to change in order for you to become an active Catholic again?


• (For a family member). You know I love you and I always will, but I really believe that Christ wants us to practice our Catholic faith and I worry that when we don't we might end up separated from one another in eternity. Can you help me with that worry? (And if they say that Jesus doesn't care if people go to Church, ask them:) Jesus gave us the Eucharist and wanted us to come together to worship him. Help me understand how we go to heaven without taking part in the Eucharist, without doing what Jesus asks?


• What other things in our culture, besides the Church, give us a stronger set of values, a more faithful (though imperfect) group of people who care about us, and a tradition of standing up for what is right and helping others?


• What would it take for me to convince you to come to Mass with me for a couple of weekends and see if it's something you and your family would like to get involved in again?