Grassroots effort can build on enthusiasm for Catholic faith generated by Papal visit

Contact: John Ruane, 815-717-8968

CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- In just a few short years, Pope Francis has become the most popular and respected leader across the world, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ through both his words and actions. When he arrives in Philadelphia on September 22, the multitudes of people and media professionals eager to see him and hear him address Catholicism in America will create an energy, excitement and renewed interest in the faith.

A group in Chicago is calling on Catholics nationwide to follow the Pope's momentum by extending a polite invitation to Sunday mass to friends, relatives and neighbors.

"There is no question that the enthusiasm Pope Francis is rebuilding for the Catholic faith will reinvigorate and inspire millions of lapsed Catholics to return to the pews," said John Ruane, who formed the grassroots Catholic organization, Return to the Pews, in December of 2014. "There are many great priests and parishes throughout the United States. We always recommend searching for a Catholic parish with priests whose message and style is most inspirational for each individual. Catholics want to leave the pews each Sunday filled with the Holy Spirit, prepared to take on the week in front of them. Sunday mass can provide them with the moral armor to do their best fending off evil thoughts and desires, while practicing random acts of kindness and service to others. That's what being a Catholic, being a Christian, is all about – selflessness and service!"

Return to the Pews is calling on Catholics to initiate a grassroots effort using all forms of communications, including writing personal letters, phone contact, sending emails, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to extend a very polite invitation to attend mass. And for those who have the courage, a knock on the front door with a personal invitation to join them for a cup of coffee may be the best invitation.

"Personal contact is always the most effective," said Ruane, a longtime journalist, author and public relations counselor. "But it has to be a very friendly and polite invitation. Some will accept it, some won't. Some will think about it and accept it later. If they reject you, accept it with a smile and make it an open invitation, so they can knock on your door anytime to take you up on it. All we can do is extend the invitation and be as helpful as possible."

To begin this grassroots effort, Ruane used the experience from his own parish, St. Jude in New Lenox, Illinois, to create a YouTube video, Invitation to Sunday Mass. (link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVb_n5QsykY)

"I knew words couldn't properly share the incredible experience of attending mass at St. Jude," said Ruane, a lifelong Catholic, husband of 33 years and father of four children. "This is a special parish with dedicated Augustinian priests who do a wonderful job educating parishioners to lift some of the mystery of our faith, while inspiring service to others. Masses are made quite special by a very talented musical director, Tom Labanauskas, who is accompanied by a choir and musicians who are heaven-sent."

For guidance in developing a grassroots effort in your community, go to facebook.com/ReturntoPews.