Encouraging family

[Mikester]

Okay so my mom’s side of the family is catholic (as am I) and my dad’s side is technically Greek Orthodox but not very active/practicing. One of my cousins on my dad’s side has been coming to church with me and some other catholic friends we have (we’re all in our early twenties) on most Sundays.

He has never really come to church before this, and I’m not sure why he started coming. A friend brought it up once but he said he had a realization and wasn’t ready to share his reasons for coming to church yet. Though I’m curious as to his sudden interest I’m just happy that he is opening his life up to religion and God. He has been coming frequently for about 6 months now and I really want to encourage him to keep coming. I’m not sure how to best do this as I do not want to seem aggressive, also we are both in University so we sometimes have hectic schedules.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[srlucado]

If it were me, I’d start by saying that I enjoy his company at Mass, and hope that he can continue to accompany me.

If he gives you a neutral or slightly negative response, ask if it’s okay to call him the day/evening before Mass to see if he can come along. If he balks, ask him how he’d like to leave things–shoud you check in periodically, wait for him to call, just see each other at Mass whenever?

I’d be encouraging without pressuring. He’s on the right track, so don’t try to fix what isn’t broken. Don’t be surprised, though, if he stops attending Mass as suddenly as he started–if that happens, offer friendship and encouragement but do not interrogate him as to why. Obviously, he’s got something going on in his heart, mind, and soul, and it’ll take him a while to work it out.

He’s lucky to have such a supportive cousin! I wish I had someone like that.