Family Evangelization

[Johenz]

I am the widower of a woman who had six children. Of the six, four of them are still very close to me. The oldest of the four youngest, 18 and just graduated from a Catholic high school approached me in late April and told me that he was considering converting from Quakerism (his mother’s and biological father’s faith) to Catholicism. He even went so far as to have me inquire as to the possibility of a dispensation for RCIA in light of his Catholic education, which I gladly did. Now, he gives me the dodge, avoiding the subject whenever I bring it up.

He doesn’t live with me, he has numerous activities planned throughout the summer, and leaves for school at a secular university in the fall. I feel that time is of the essence in this case since I fear that once there, all thoughts of religion, let alone Catholicism, will be left in the dust. I know that Chesterton noted that there comes a point in the conversion process where the potential convert runs from what he has found to be the truth, and at that point no force outside the Church can keep him from seeing the truth, but one word from someone within it can.

What am I looking for here? Well…

1. Prayers.
2. Some words of assurance and encouragement.
3. Advice.

Thanks so much amd God bless.

 

[Trishie]

Dear father, you are a fine man, to be so gracious regarding your son’s (seemingly suspended) wish to convert from your faith to Catholicism.

It does seem that your son has allowed himself to be distracted. I am regretful for the pain this would cause you, because it is God whom you wish your children to love and obey and serve.

I know from personal experience the pain you feel.

Dear father, quoting from 'the Jerusalem Bible"

“Stop your crying and wipe away your tears. All that you have done for your children will not go unrewarded; they will return from the enemy’s land. There is hope for your future; your children will come back home. I, the Lord, have spoken.” [Jeremiah 31:16-17]

I will keep you, your son, and all your family in my prayers.

God bless you,

Trishie

 

[Joannm]

I am the widower of a woman who had six children. Of the six, four of them are still very close to me. The oldest of the four youngest, 18 and just graduated from a Catholic high school approached me in late April and told me that he was considering converting from Quakerism (his mother’s and biological father’s faith) to Catholicism. He even went so far as to have me inquire as to the possibility of a dispensation for RCIA in light of his Catholic education, which I gladly did. Now, he gives me the dodge, avoiding the subject whenever I bring it up.

He doesn’t live with me, he has numerous activities planned throughout the summer, and leaves for school at a secular university in the fall. I feel that time is of the essence in this case since I fear that once there, all thoughts of religion, let alone Catholicism, will be left in the dust. I know that Chesterton noted that there comes a point in the conversion process where the potential convert runs from what he has found to be the truth, and at that point no force outside the Church can keep him from seeing the truth, but one word from someone within it can.

What am I looking for here? Well…

1. Prayers.
2. Some words of assurance and encouragement.
3. Advice.

Thanks so much amd God bless.

We had a young man inquire about RCIA in April. When I told him the process would take a year, maybe more, he seemed a bit dissapointed because he will be graduating in June and going off to a secular college. So I asked him to begin RCIA here in the parish and then I called the Newman club at his school, spoke to a very nice deacon, and then gave the number to the young man. He called the deacon and will be welcomed when he arrives on campus. He still comes to RCIA (we have a year round catechumenate) but will be leaving us this summer. He says he wants to be baptized here in the parish so I will keep in touch with the deacon to see how he is progressing Perhaps you can do something along the same lines with your young man.

 

[Johenz]

Trishie…what a beautiful verse. I don’t remember ever having heard it before. I wrote it in the front cover of my Breviary.

Joannm…thanks for the words of advice. I’ve already looked up the Newman Center at the university he’ll be attending and have all the information, including the website, written down for him. According to my pastor, the Newman Center at his school is supposed to be very good.

Thanks for the prayers and advice, both of you. God bless.