Welcome to the Group

Our goal in sponsoring this program is to offer friendship and support to those who have left active membership in the Catholic Church. Our attitude is one of respect for each  person's spiritual journey. We want to listen to each person's experience both within the Church and outside of it. We want to express sorrow for whatever hurts or injuries have been suffered as a result of the Catholic Church and its members. We want to assist the emotional and spiritual healing process that God carries on in each of us. We want to offer a welcoming hand.

As a means of getting to know you and what your needs might be, we have put together this sheet. Fill out only those answers that you feel comfortable sharing with us. Please return this
sheet to the rectory.

NAME_________________________________

ADDRESS______________________________

PHONE_______________________ZIP______

Circle the appropriate responses:

1. I was baptized/accepted into the Catholic Church as

a) an infant

b) a child/teen

c) an adult

2. I received instruction about the Catholic faith

a) in school (____ years)

b) in CCD/catechism class (____years)

c) privately or in a small group lead by a priest or teacher.

d) I never was formally instructed.

3. I would describe my family or origin as

a) very devout and active in church

b) rather spiritual/religious but not church-going

c) somewhat religious and somewhat involved in church

d) involved with religion or church occasionally

e) uninterested in religion and not involved in church

f) other________________________________

4. The last Catholic parish in which I was registered is

a) in this diocese (name)_____________________

b) in another diocese (name)__________________

c) I've never been registered in a parish.

5. The following are topics about religion/faith/Church that I would like to discuss/learn more about:

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

6. If I were to specify some reasons why I became inactive as a Catholic, they would be the following:

a) I was never given adequate instruction about the faith.

b) I found sermons, Mass, parish life boring.

c) I was upset with changes in the Church after Vatican II.

d) I felt ignored or unsupported by the Church.

e) I was offended or injured by the way I was treated by a priest, other Church official, or fellow Catholics.

f) I disagree with Church teachings and/or rules.

g) I made changes in my own lifestyle/habits that led me away from participation in the Church.

h) My emotional energy has been tied up in dealing with personal, marriage, or family problems/needs.

i) I married a person who did/does not support my being active in the Church.

j) My marriage ended in divorce and I married again without an annulment from the Church.

k) I married a divorced person.

l) I was attracted to another church or religious group which I joined.

m) I feel that the Catholic Church condemns me for something I have done that goes against its rules.

n)Other:___________________________

7. I would like to get information about the annulment process of the Catholic Church.

a) YES

b) NO

8. I would like to receive help in applying for an annulment through the Catholic Diocese of San Diego.

a) YES

b) NO

9. It would be a help to me at this time to speak one-on-one

a) with a compassionate priest.

b) with a lay person trained in ministry.

c) with a professional counselor.

d) I don't have such a need at this time.