Returning Catholics

​The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the United States, accounting for about 25 percent of the country’s population. We welcome you to seek a closer relationship with God and a more authentic spiritual identity by reconnecting with the Church through Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish.

Coming Home To The Church

The Church continues to grow and many people have chosen to convert to Catholicism. The Church is a vibrant, active community of believers which continues to have a positive influence on the lives of many people. However, there are people who for one reason or another have stopped actively participating in the Church and attending Mass. We live in a busy culture and society. There are many demands that are placed on us. Yet people are searching for a deeper sense of meaning, for a closer relationship with God, and for a more authentic spiritual identity.


Since the Church is a family, we miss those Catholics who may have left the Church or who have stopped participating in its vibrant liturgy and sacramental life. Perhaps you or someone you know are in this situation and do not know how to come back or how to become active again. The first thing you need to know is that you are always welcome back. The Church misses you and hopes that you will choose to come home as an active member.

Catholics Come Home is a non-profit, independent charity whose purpose is to invite inactive Catholics, and others searching for a faith home, to the Catholic faith. Their informative and interactive website helps to answer questions about Church teachings and gives an overview of the Catholic faith. Some of its founders and supporters recently returned to the Catholic faith and want to share their positive experiences with others.


Many never left the Church, but recently grew to understand and appreciate their Catholic faith more deeply. All feel part of a big Catholic family, who sincerely hope others will also find more peace, real answers, and true happiness through the gift of faith.


Learn More

Returning to the faith

Questions for Returning Catholics

Please feel free to explore any questions you may have about the Catholic Church or how you can return to an active participation in the Church by visiting the Catholics Come Home website. Visit this link for valuable resources and personal witness testimonies about living a committed Christian life: Catholics Come Home

If I missed Mass can I receive Communion?


Mass is the ultimate worship of God. Attendance and participation in Mass is one of the many ways that we show God how much we love Him. Missing Mass breaks the third commandment and is a serious sin. If you have missed Mass and want to return, welcome home! You may come forward during Communion with your hands crossed over your chest for a blessing until you are able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation can be scheduled by appointment and is offered every Saturday (except for Christmas/Easter) from
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. 


Check out  this video to review how to go to confession. 


How do I follow along and pray at Mass?


There are little books called missalettes in the pews. In the table of contents, look for the pages titled, "Order of the Mass." This will allow you to follow along with the prayers. There is also a section for the readings in this booklet. 

The prayers within Mass can be found in Scripture. Understanding why we do what we do at Mass will help you to better participate and appreciate the Mass.


You can learn more about the "why" behind the parts of Mass  here.


I'm not sure if I'm ready to come back, can I talk to a priest?


Absolutely! Our Pastor, Fr. Ted Mauch, Fr. Steven Caraher or one of our many Deacons would be happy to talk to you, and answer your questions or even pray with you, if you would like. You can schedule an appointment by calling the parish office at 219-769-1755.

Learn more about what we believe

Discover more specifically about the essentials of the Catholic faith, as well as the seven Sacraments.

Essentials of the Catholic Faith