The Griese Family: Returning to the Arms of Jesus

Our 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 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.”

The Griese family celebrates as their four oldest children receive First Communion.

Upon returning to the Church, the Griese family prepared their hearts in a very meaningful way. This past year, their four oldest children received their First Communion.

“We went through family faith formation classes all together so that we could all get caught up,” Nanette says. “We loved the classes! Each member of our family was in a different place when it came to receiving the sacraments, so we didn’t fit a certain curriculum. However, the Faith Formation Team got together and builta curriculum that worked for our family. We are so thankful for all of the time they put into it.”

From a father’s point of view, Dan treasured the opportunity to share this remarkable journey with his children.

“While my kids were asking questions, I got to ask questions alongside them,” Dan says. “Together, we learned about the history of the church and different philosophies that make the Catholic Church unique. I really enjoyed learning.”

Furthermore, they have also come back with a deep appreciation for our parish family, and the kindness that they show to their children — Logan, 15; Triston, 13; Wesley, 11; Lillyanna, 9; and Caleb, 7.

“All of our children are involved in Faith Formation, and they enjoy it,” Nanette says. “Their teachers are full of love for the faith. The parish community is so understanding of our family. Every time we bring our kids to church, someone makes a point to stop and talk to them. They often say they are well behaved, and they thank us for bringing them to Mass. It makes my children feel so special, important, welcomed, and loved.”

Impressively, the Griese family has also brought their newfound love for Christ deep into the walls of their “domestic church” by taking up somewonderful family traditions.

“Last year, we did the whole Advent season as a family together for the first time,” Dan says. “We took it seriously. We have also been praying the Rosary as a family almost every night.”

When asked what they would recommend to someone who may be considering coming back to the Church, Nanette offers some helpful advice.

“I would tell them to just go to Mass, and God will speak to your heart if you are ready to listen,” she says. “Everyone in our parish is so welcoming and loving. I would encourage them to just give it a try, and make an effort to meet some new people after Mass.”