Sorry, folks, no specific numbers.
Catholic Ping!
Any other new Catholics out there?
This year in my parish community, there was no one that came into the Church community. So during this off year, I say congrats to those parishes elsewhere that recieved new members.
The story of the young lady here reminds me of a couple I met on my first pilgrimage to Mother Angelica’s shrine in Alabama.
They were in their 60’s, and he was an Assemblies of God minister/preacher, with his own congregation. His wife, of course, was of the same faith. They had been AOG all of their lives. All of their friends and family were AOG.
He told us his story about just driving home on a regular, normal day, and hearing God tell him (in his heart) that He would lead him to “His Church “. The guy was upset and did not know what that meant. When he got home, he told his wife and she was also upset. They had no idea what to do or think, but the husband knew God was trying to convey something important to him. Of that much, he was convinced.
To make a long story short, it was the same passage about “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” that finally got him. He said he felt that he finally understood that passage for the first time ever.
Within about a year the whole family had converted, except for one son, I think. This man had to fight back tears (he kept stopping to gain his composure) the whole time he was telling us his story. It was a blessing from God that I was able to witness this.
They suffered much in their conversions, but they were so happy!
I sponsored my neice-in-law this past Easter Vigil, and 3 other adults joined her. Truly an amazing ceremony.
Reports that LA Archdiocese baptised approximately 2500 adults.
His Church grows even during difficult times.
According to our Deacon, our Diocease has added approximately 2000 new catholics over the Easter season.