No ... thank YOU for your prayers! This young man has a disability and is unable to work at the present time. And yet, when his disability check comes in, he 'proudly' places a certain amount of it into an envelope that he deposits in the basket that is passed each week. He also gives me some money towards the cost of gas for my car.
After two weeks of attending the Divine Liturgy at our church, he spent his disability check on 'Sunday' clothes. I didn't recognize him when I picked him up two weeks ago. He had his long hair shorn into a 'buzz' cut. He was dressed in a suit and tie.
He now refers to himself as "we" when talking about the Catholic Church. Father assured him and me that he is "welcome' into the Catholic Church, but it will take time and he must be patient. At first, I had reservations about Father's approach. Now, though, I see quite clearly that he is 'introducing' this young man, not only to the church but also to the 'church community'. Last Sunday, one of the children asked me if he was my son. I explained that he was a 'friend' who wanted to become a catholic. The young boy then assured me that this man was 'very nice', and he liked him. Out of the mouths of babes! The kids are the first ones to pick up on this.
Thank you for your prayers.
How sweet! We will certainly pray for this young man.