CHESAPEAKE, VA (Catholic Online) - I work out with weights two days a week at a local gym and train in a Martial Arts dojo on alternating days. I do so because I need to, in order to stay healthy and age well. I do so because I like to, it makes me feel better. However, I also do so because I have found friendships and community at both places. I am with people who, like me, want to live life to the full.

One of those friendships is with a man named Barry. He is a little older than I am but works out for the same reasons. Over the years I have known him we have found that we share a common faith in Jesus Christ. Initially, because Barry is a Baptist Christian and I am a Catholic Christian, he was a bit hesitant in discussing that faith. He was not quite sure whether Catholics and Baptists had a whole lot in common. I was not so hesitant and he now knows who we have in common - Jesus Christ. 

Barry and I had some good discussions during the months of the last presidential campaign. He was very impressed with the way that the former Presidential candidate Rick Santorum, a friend of mine, stayed faithful to his pro-life and Pro-family positions. He was also impressed with the US Bishops as they defended religious Liberty against an increasingly hostile regime. He even began to share of his admiration for Pope Benedict XVI as the Pope defended marriage against the onslaught of those who seek to undermine it.

However, Barry is not a morning person. He usually only grows conversant after about the third lift. And, even then, he is not very animated. That is why I was shocked last week when he was waiting for me as I arrived. He enthusiastically asked me if I had seen the commercial "my church" put on at the game. I knew there were College Bowl games on but I am an NFL guy. I had not watched all of them. Before I could even respond he continued, "The one with Lou Holtz?".

By then it did not matter whether I had seen the commercial or not. Barry told me all about it. He also told me he has always "thought Lou Holtz was a Christian". He also raved about the career and integrity of Lou Holz. Finally, he told me he was really impressed with the quality of the commercial. I asked him if it was put on by a group called Catholics Come Home? He said it probably was the group because "they invited Catholics to come back to Church". I knew it was, and I smiled. 

I have written regularly about Catholics Come Home on Catholic Online. Just recently I wrote commending the new book written by the founder of the organization, Tom Peterson. I am honored to serve as a theological advisor for this outstanding Catholic apostolate. My friend Barry's reaction to this commercial only confirmed again the importance of this work.

Catholics Come Home is using well known personalities like Lou Holtz to draw men and women to the fullness of the Gospel as found within the Catholic Church. They are also reaching out to bring Catholics who, for whatever reason, have stopped practicing their faith, back to the heart of the Church. In effect, they are doing what we should all be doing, each in our own way.

Tom Peterson, the founder of Catholics Come Home, is a former advertising executive who has taken on this New Evangelization mission with the excellence it both requires and deserves. In fact that was one of the things that really impressed my friend Barry. He said the commercial "was done so professionally".  It was said of Jesus "he did all things well" (Mk 7:37). That can also be said of one of his followers named Tom Peterson.
 
When I wrote to Tom to tell him of my experience he shared with me some of the multitude of responses he has received in E mail and snail mail. Here is a small sample: "We saw the commercial last night and it gave me goosebumps!" -Kathy " Just a few minutes ago, my son and and my 20 year old daughter came running in and said "Dad...there was just a CCH commercial on...and it had Lou Holtz in it!!" Congratulations - and keep up the good work." -Mark

"Really enjoyed Lou Holtz`s 'coming out for Christ' on ESPN before the Florida football game. It was truly inspirational and far more important than the football game." -Bob "Although I am not a catholic, I am thrilled and encouraged by the "Catholics Come Home" commercials.  Thank you for putting religion in the forefront.  For years I abandoned my faith before finding a church home that made me feel like I was home.  With everything going on in today's society, faith is more important than ever.  Thank you for your campaign.  It is appreciated by Catholics and Protestants ...