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#1
Today, 10:45 am
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The Fallen Away Family
How does one talk to family members who no longer practice the faith
(about coming back)? How can you steer them back toward the Church?
I am the oldest child of a family that never attended church or received any sacraments. I have since come into the Church and honestly think my siblings will follow in time, given the questions they have asked in the past. I am very concerned about my parents though. My mom is civilly married (not to my dad), and they are not seeking to have their marriage validated in the Church (though they probably could). She grew up Catholic, and attends Mass sometimes, but does not receive the Eucharist (mainly for reasons listed above). I think this points to a desire to come back, and we have discussed this some, but she is busy with life and has been heavily influenced by society. I am not judging her, and I do not know what she feels in her heart, but I would be lying if I said I did not want to see her come back into the Church. My dad is a different story. He attended Catholic church growing up, but was only baptized; I don't think he received any other sacraments. In my life, I have only ever seen him in church for weddings and funerals. Honestly, until I came into the Church, I did not even know he believed in God. This step of mine opened up some dialogue with him initially, but he said that he does not think you need to go to church to worship God. He does not read much, so outside resources (even the Bible) probably aren't going to help. My dad is a wonderful man, who works hard, and has always tried to do what is right. He cares about others and taught my siblings and I many good lessons. I have a great relationship with him, and this is what concerns me. I am afraid that if I bring up church or anything related, he will get upset and this could hurt our relationship. My youngest sibling is going to college soon, so my dad will be alone in the house. I am concerned that he will be depressed and lonely, and I think going to church or learning about faith would really help him. But I have no idea how to bring any of this up without making him feel like I am judging him, or upsetting him. I hope this post was coherent and any help would be greatly appreciated. 
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#2
Today, 11:17 am
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Re: The Fallen Away Family
"Hey, I'm going to church, want to come?"
"There's a fish fry this Friday, want to come, and then stay for Stations?" "I was reading the Confession of St. Augustine and there's this really interesting passage..." "I want you to have this saint medal / rosary /statue..." "I just finished reading this awesome book called 'Summa Theologica', you should read it too!" (jk)
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#3
Today, 12:30 pm
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Re: The Fallen Away Family
I agree with Stephen. I think just being a loving, patient family member
who is slow to anger and loving and caring to all is going to be your
strongest influence. I also don't think you will hurt anyone's feelings
if you invite them along or giving small meaningful gifts (such as a
Holy Card or a rosary) when it feels right. Don't judge or show anxiety
about their situation, give it to God in prayer but be open to
promptings from the Holy Spirit.
Show them gratitude and kindness. It was the witness of many very loving Catholics that drew me closer enough to the church to have an encounter with God that converted me from an atheist to Catholic.
__________________
"We believe in persons and when we talk to God we speak with persons" who are concrete and tangible,
not some misty, diffused god-like "'god-spray,' that's a little bit everywhere but who knows what it is." Pope Francis April 18th 2013  |
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