Could You Ever Come Back to the Catholic Church?

by Lorene Hanley Duquin

Catholics, separated (for whatever reason) from the Church, will find much to ponder in this enlightening book. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0818907894
• ISBN13: 9780818907890
• Release Date: April 1997
• Publisher: Saint Pauls/Alba House
• Length: 204 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A Faithful Witness Who Inspires Hope

Was it the foolishness, unkindness, or evil of some human being that drove you from the Catholic Church, or which keeps you from exploring membership in her? You need not let a mere mortal keep you from the Lord and the Church He founded! Lorene Hanley Duquin addresses so many of the painful issues that keep us from reclaiming our birthright as Christians. This book is a faithful witness to the Truth of Catholicism even as it admits the flaws of some Catholics. You may find your very situation in its pages. It is an invitation to forgiveness and understanding that heals the wounded heart and the troubled mind. As regards the author of this precious little book, the proof of the pudding is in the making. Lorene Hanley Duquin is half of "The Duquins" (she a revert, he a convert). They are tireless on behalf of the Church. Her book grows out of and complements Lorene's and her husband's own experiences and their work in "Come Home" programs in the Diocese of Buffalo, NY (one of which I had the good fortune to attend). Their most important work is heading and raising a faithful Catholic family, and one of their children is studying for the priesthood. Don't choose to remain outside the Catholic Church until you've read this book!

Great for Outreach Programs

We use this book for an outreach program for Catholics interested in returning to an active life in the Church. We have not found a better book. It is wonderfully compassionate. It seems to crawl right inside the hearts and minds of the people we meet. At the same time, it does not hide a truthful presentation of what the Church is about. It's a fabulously well balanced, well written book to help those interested in returning and to help those who want to understand the struggles of those contemplating a return to the Church.

Lost After Vatican II?

This book provided many answers to questions I've had as I've researched my Catholic faith. In my college years and for some time after, I lived as a distant Catholic--not because I had bad experiences, but because I didn't understand or know the Church's position on many issues. This book was a great start. I quickly found I was hanging up on erroneous, mainstream perceptions that really weren't Catholic beliefs/teachings. Through this book and many others, I've come to embrace the course set by Vatican II, and find myself much closer to the Church and her mission. My mom, steeped in a pre-Vatican II upbringing, read the book and has since bought three for her Catholic friends. I'm buying another two for her tonight. This book is recommended for those lurking Catholics like myself lost on the perimeter for whatever reason.

I am both honored and blessed to be part of this book

I cannot recommend this book highly enough to those who are struggling with returning or staying with the Catholic Church. At first I was flattered when the author asked to use a posting I made to the AOL boards. I struggled greatly at that time with my own journey from just practicing again to truly starting to live my faith. When I read the book myself I was deeply touched with the great care and sensitity shown by the author in handling this topic -- something I wish I had access to when I was first returning. I often recommended it to people I know who seem to be on the same journey.

A sensitive, compassionate book for returning Catholics.

Probably the best thing that can be said about the author is that she's been there, done that. A returnee herself, she seems to automatically understand how the reader might be feeling. She also lets other returnees have an active part in the commentary on topics, chapter by chapter. This is a wonderful book that answers questions specifically without judgment of any kind, never once attempting to manipulate the reader. It includes two pages of resources so that the reader can contact any of the ministries and programs mentioned in the book. I rate this book highly because of its content, sensitivity, approach, and superb writing style. It's a book written to be read and reread.