Envoy - What Would You do?

Please tell us what you would do in this scenario, and we may publish your response here on the site and in an upcoming issue of Envoy magazine!
Scenario #1 The Case of the Skiing Apologist Martin is laid up in a hospital with a badly broken leg, following a skiing accident. His leg may be weak, but his Catholic faith isn't. He's had nothing better to do than to read back issues of Envoy for the last two weeks. Bob, a heart-attack victim, occupies another bed in the same room. Martin is a friendly guy, and has gotten to know his roommate in recent days. He knows that Bob was baptized Catholic, but hasn't practiced in years. Daily, a young Protestant preacher comes by to share his faith and offer encouragement. The pastor is intent on saving Bob's soul, and in the process, he is encouraging Bob to be re-baptized as a Christian. Bob's heart is weak. Who knows how long he may live? What should Martin do? What would you do?

	Scenario #2 What A Difference 10 Years Makes Veronica just attended her 10-year high school class reunion. At this reunion, she renews a friendship with someone she used to call her "bosom friend." After the reunion, they begin corresponding by email. The bosom friend, encouraged by the depth she senses in her old buddy, starts telling Veronica about new insights she has discovered about the spiritual life. Veronica wants to help her friend find Christ, but isn't sure where He fits in -- her friend's comments are peppered with a lot of half truths, and she has some confused ideas that sound like they have a New Age flavor. On the other hand, this New Ager never before showed any interest at all in spiritual matters, and Veronica doesn't want to risk putting the damper on this fervor. She just isn't sure where to begin. What should she do? What would you do?

Scenario #3 Howard: King of All Online Media Howard is part of an online Christian family support group. Ninety percent of the e-mail group is Protestant, but the Catholics are welcome. The purpose of this group is to discuss child rearing and discipline in a Christian environment. During Advent, a controversy arises concerning the celebration of Christian feasts. This erupts into a discussion about the history of these celebrations, and before you know it, anti-Catholic sentiment is flaming up on every side of his computer monitor. After a few days, the flames recede. The monitor of the group re-states the purpose of the digest and asks that no more comment be made on the subject. Howard has no wish to be hotheaded, but there were several false statements made regarding the history of the Church. He wants to comply with the wishes of the group. But there are several hundred people out there who may be misled by the statements that were made. What should he do? What would you do?

	Scenario # 4 You Can Trust Her, She's a Professional Sophia is a 34 year old professional Catholic manager. She supervises nearly 20 employees in her department. The company she works for has a very open policy toward Christians. There is even a Christian bible study that meets in the building once a week. Sophia has no interest in joining, but has heard some anti-Catholic rhetoric being spouted at the water fountain this week. Having read the latest issue of Envoy, she knows just how to counteract the apostasy, but she wishes not to disturb the favorable Christian atmosphere in which she works. What should she do? What would you do?

Scenario # 5 Support for a Support Group John and Marilyn are committed homeschooling Catholics, well acquainted with the apologetics behind their faith. They've just moved to a sleepy little town in the Bible Belt. Marilyn has been an active member of a Catholic Homeschoolers' Group for years, and was looking forward to joining the local support group. The only group in town requires that members sign a "Statement of Faith" that includes an assent of "The inerrancy, sufficiency and authority of the Holy Bible as the only inspired word of God." Their new friends all know they are Catholic, and are encouraging John and Marilyn to go ahead and join anyway. They're not sure what to do. What would you do?

	Scenario # 6 Up the Chain of Command? Joe and Marian have recently noticed more and more unorthodox beliefs and practices creeping into their parish. Some people deny the Real Presence. Lay people are teaching that homosexual behavior is okay. And occasionally the deacon even muses that women should be allowed to become priests. When Joe and Marian approached their pastor about their concerns, they were rebuffed. Now they’re wondering what’s the best way to handle the situation. Do they take it up the chain of command? Or should they even stick around? What would you do?