Returning Catholics FAQs: Why Join a Parish?

On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics , a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.

Why can’t I just pray to God at home?Why do I even have to join a parish or go to church? Is it just so they can send me those envelopes and other requests for money?

Here’s what S...