Stories from the Street

Detroit, MI
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This report comes from team leader Mark with the Eastern Market SPSE team in Detroit, MI:
Three evangelists: Bob, Eric, and Mark, evangelized at Eastern Market last Saturday. Two prospective evangelists, Silvia and Steve, stood nearby and followed our conversations.
We spoke to a middle-aged Catholic man who hadn’t been to Mass in a while. He pointed out the nearby parish that he attended and said that it didn’t feel the same after the longtime pastor died 1.5 years ago. I consoled him and said that I also knew the departed priest.
One at a time, each one of the three evangelists gave “one good reason” why he goes to church every Sunday. Bob talked about the importance of receiving Holy Communion and the graces of the sacraments, Mark talked about keeping the Sabbath holy and fulfilling God’s commandments. Finally, Eric talked about the importance of community and referenced Matthew 18, “where two or three are gathered..” The man seemed receptive and he accepted pamphlets on Reasons to Return, Confession, and the Eucharist.
During the same conversation, a fifty-something man approached our table along with two children. He asked if the children, both under 10, could take Rosaries and he said that they go to a Catholic school. I approved and offered one to him as well. He smiled and revealed that he is currently taking weekly OCIA classes and hopes to enter the Church next Easter. I asked him why he decided to convert, which he declined to answer. After that, I said that I would pray for his formation and they departed.
Praised be Jesus Christ!
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