Returning to th O
ur Lord has a beautiful way of calling souls home to the embrace of His Heart, deep into the bosom of Holy Mother the Church. “We left the Catholic Church for about seven years, and went to non-denominational churches instead,” says Nanette Griese. “During this time, however, I still kept playing piano for various Catholic churches in the area. Slowly, we noticed we were really lacking something at the non-denominational churches, although we weren’t really sure what it was.” And gently, He reveals the truth to His children, showering them with blessings and irresistible, divine love. “We realized we were really missing the sacraments, the rituals, rich traditions, and ceremonies of the Catholic faith,” Dan Griese says. Above all, Nanette agrees, they were missing the powerful effect of the sacramental graces that only the Catholic Church has to offer. “We were really missing being able to receive Communion and go to Confession,” Nanette says. “Now that we have come back, we have a whole new appreciation for the sacraments. We realized that we had taken these gifts for granted. When you go to Confession, you are able to get rid of it all, and it is all forgiven. You let go of all those things you would be left worrying about. It is such a huge
The Griese family celebrates as their four oldest children receive First Communion.
gift!” In fact, the Griese family has not only returned to the Church, but they have returned with profound gratitude in their hearts for the beauty of Catholicism, as well as for their parish family. “We were welcomed back with open arms, and with so much love and grace,” Nanette says. “I love the
reverence that the Catholic Church has. It is so quiet and beautiful, and you can feel God’s presence in a Catholic church. Since we returned, I have been going to daily Mass a few times a week. I have a real love for daily Mass. There is something very special that comes from it.” Upon returning to the Church, the Griese family prepared their hearts in continued on page 5
4
