Child developement

[anthony_q]

Hello, I have recently reconciled with the church. I have been raised in the church but as an adult rebelled. I was married in the church, had my children baptised and started to raise them as catholics, however, when I backslid my family followed suit. My children have not recieved all their sacraments. They are 15 and 18. My oldest professes to be agnostic and my youngest is showing an interest in religion but not the catholittc faih. I don’t know what to do, I have faild to teach them and I can’t go back and change that. I pray for them, but I feel I should do more. I don’t want to drive them further away. Any suggesions would be appreciated. God bless you all.

 

[RSD]

If you figure out the answers please let me know. Three of my four adult children are not practicing their faith. My precious grandchildren are not baptized. I will pray for you children. Please join me in praying also for mine.

 

[heart4home]

Hello, I have recently reconciled with the church. I have been raised in the church but as an adult rebelled. I was married in the church, had my children baptised and started to raise them as catholics, however, when I backslid my family followed suit. My children have not recieved all their sacraments. They are 15 and 18. My oldest professes to be agnostic and my youngest is showing an interest in religion but not the catholittc faih. I don’t know what to do, I have faild to teach them and I can’t go back and change that. I pray for them, but I feel I should do more. I don’t want to drive them further away. Any suggesions would be appreciated. God bless you all.

I think the most important thing is to be the best Catholic/Christian example you can be in the way you live your life and in the way you treat them.

I personally believe that in regards to the 15 year old you are still well within your rights to insist that he/she attends Church with you. If they are totally resistant thought, perhaps it would do more harm then good. I guess that really depends on your relationship and the expectations and requirements you have for them to do what you ask of them in other areas of life.

Also, if you haven’t already, maybe have a heart to heart with them, letting them know how you feel and how you want them to feel free to ask you any questions or voice any concerns they may have.

I think keeping the communication lines open and even going as far as encouraging some dialogue as long as you can do so in a peaceful manner is a good thing.

Remember you drifted, but returned, hopefully with lots of prayer and love they will find their own way “home” as well.

 

[onmyknees]

You could invite them to mass with you instead of telling them they have to go. Could you try to teach them what is really happening at a Catholic mass? I would tell them about the history,(early Church fathers) beauty, and teachings of the Church in a casual way.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Hello, I have recently reconciled with the church. I have been raised in the church but as an adult rebelled. I was married in the church, had my children baptised and started to raise them as catholics, however, when I backslid my family followed suit. My children have not recieved all their sacraments. They are 15 and 18. My oldest professes to be agnostic and my youngest is showing an interest in religion but not the catholittc faih. I don’t know what to do, I have faild to teach them and I can’t go back and change that. I pray for them, but I feel I should do more. I don’t want to drive them further away. Any suggesions would be appreciated. God bless you all.

Well, the good news is that your children are Catholic. They were baptized and nothing can change that. The bad news is that they are Catholic - because you’ve given them the first part and now they are under a heavier obligation in life because their souls are marked. You have to go carefully from here on out. An agnostic is a trendy label these days. To me it just says the person is confused. But if you say that to your kids they will get defensive.

If it were me, I’d work on the 16 year old, since you have an opening. If there is interest, you can teach how the Church was the original Church, and how it still is. But you have to be a joyful Catholic, not a miserable one. Find activities to invite the family to. Live your faith. Pray for them constantly. Start shaping your family around the CCC. Don’t let unholy influences into your home. But do all of his in a joyful manner, not like a fundamentalist. I know sometimes the zeal of a revert seems like insanity to outsiders. Temper your zeal.

Get a support group of strong Catholic men around you. If your teens are both male, start roping them in by doing guy stuff with them. If female, do it through family activities. Guys will not be able to resist being in the company of other males. They need it like they need food and water. If it’s the right kind of influence, they will help you bring your sons back. It will take time and diligence. Pray tot he Holy Spirit. Get a green scapular for each of them and have it blessed, and put it under their mattresses (assuming they are both still at home). Pray “Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” every day.

How is your wife with all of this? Where does she stand in the faith of the family?