During a recent appearance on That’s the Spirit, hosted by Fr. John Gatzak of the Archdiocese of Hartford’s Office of Radio and Television (ORTV), Bishop Richard F. Reidy spoke about the Church’s mission to invite people back—especially the young—and the spirit in which that invitation must be offered.
Bishop Reidy was at the ORTV studio to celebrate the Live TV Mass—broadcast daily at 10:00 a.m. on ORTV’s website and The CW20, WCCT-TV—and stayed to share how meaningful consultation shapes his ministry.
In conversation afterward, he emphasized that the call to return to the Church is most effective when accompanied by genuine charity and gentleness.
For him, invitation is not about pressure or argument, but about witness—showing the beauty of faith through kindness, patience, and authentic joy. This is especially true when reaching out to young people, who often respond more to lived example than to formal instruction.
Bishop Reidy encouraged Catholics to consider the way Christ Himself invited: with open arms, personal attention, and compassion for the struggles each person carries. Such an approach, he believes, creates the trust and openness necessary for hearts to rediscover the sacraments and parish life.
The conversation closed with a reminder that every Catholic has a role to play. Whether through personal outreach, parish events, or simply living the Gospel in daily life, each act of charity and gentleness becomes an invitation in itself.
Watch part one of Bishop Reidy’s interview on That’s the Spirit below. Part two airs next week.
August 10, 2025 That's The Spirit from Office of Radio & Television