Joliet, IL

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This story comes to us from Station Leader Angela with our team in Joliet, IL:

Ahead of Easter, our team set up a table to evangelize at a local parish’s annual Easter event for young families. It was our first time going out to this event, and the pastor and parish staff were happy to see us there as we encouraged not only the practicing Catholics that were there, but also those families who have not been receiving the life-giving sacraments regularly.

“We set up at an Easter egg hunt at a nearby parish. We were told to expect that most of the people we encountered would be families with kids in CCD/Religious Education, but who didn’t necessarily attend Mass regularly. The group that was most attentive to us were the middle school volunteer helpers. Many wanted rosaries or medals, and we even gave away four YouCats. We gave several books to parents who were interested in learning more about their faith, but the one that stands out most was a father of two. He said he wasn’t Catholic, but was there at the personal invitation of a parish employee. I asked if he would be interested in a book about the Catholic faith and he asked me for a recommendation. As usual, I handed him Trent Horn’s “Why We’re Catholic”, which he took along with a copy of the Reasons to be Catholic pamphlet. He allowed his children to take rosaries. Please say a prayer that this man and his family may come home to the Catholic church!”

We also gave away a couple more “Why We’re Catholic” books to others, including to a young mother who already was strong in her faith, but wanted to go deeper. As Team Captain, I had a few positive interactions as well.

Praised be Jesus Christ!