We set up a table at the Cathedral Craft Fair from 10 until 3 and we basically had an unending stream of people during the entire time with whom we spoke, prayed and encouraged to think about or return to Jesus and His holy church. Three encounters we’d like to highlight:

Our evangelist Chris spoke to a man who lives across the street from the Cathedral, and grew up attending Mass with his family. Due to circumstances, he found himself away from the church. He was a business owner that just yesterday found out that his bid for a job with a Catholic Church was accepted, one that he didn’t think he would receive. It started to get him thinking. And then, after to speaking with Chris, he said “I don’t believe in accidents, here I am at this fair and now I’m speaking with you about God.”  And we told him “God is always calling us back to Him in all kinds of ways, we just have to listen and open ourselves up to His call.” He thanked us very much and said he’s now thinking about returning.

I spoke to one woman who came with a large family. She was very sweet and took a rosary. When I asked her if she attends Mass regulary, she said she didn’t. When I asked her why not, she started tearing up and said “I’ve done a lot of bad things.” I hugged her and said “His mercy is bigger than any of the things that you’ve done. He loves you unconditionally and wants a relationship with you and wants you back.” She then said repeatedly “You’re really making me cry.” And I said “I’ve done a lot of bad things too, we are all sinners, every one of us. Please reach out to Him.” As the woman was overcome with emotion, a family member with her said thank you and reached over and took two brochures on her own, “Reasons to Return to the Catholic Church” and “Confession”.

A young couple stopped and the man took an offered rosary. He is currently in OCIA at his parish and was looking forward to becoming a Catholic. The woman was quiet and not really interested in participating in the conversation. Albert asked them if they needed prayers, and the man was excited and said yes. So, Albert started the prayer.  The woman did not start with the sign of the cross and her body language seemed as if she was disengaged, almost hostile. But after the prayer, her face lit up, she made the sign of the cross and hugged her partner. It turned out to be a turning point in the interaction and then they both opened up about their lives to Albert and thanked us for being there.

We were so blessed to spend time at the Craft Fair and have this opportunity to share His love! In the picture, there are so many people around our table that our rosaries, signs and pamphlets are blocked up all of the people.