Family is Inconsistent with prayer life

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I am a Catholic. I go to Mass every Sunday and also in special occasions like feast (when I get the chance). I go to confession every month. And I’m happy. My depression was gone right when I focused on my faith with God and in the Catholic Church. And I just want to share this with my family. And this is my problem. We are all Catholics. But they don’t believe or just skeptical about The Holy Mass. They don’t go to church (and I cannot force them to) their reason is that “Why go to Church when you can pray to God at home?” And I cant deal with that. They only go when it’s in Christmas or someone’s birthday in the family. They are skeptical about the Bible and they have their own interpretations and thoughts about it. I explain to them still they have their own beliefs. They believe in God and also have faith in Jesus but they don’t believe the Church. They criticised the priests and all. They don’t believe in the Confession. I tried to explain to them and they have their own thoughts about it “Why would I confess my sins to a man? And not confess it to God directly?”. I need your advice. I have been praying for my family. I’m just really sad right now. It’s Palm Sunday. We had a deal that we should be praying the Rosary everyday to ask Mother Mary’s intercession for the protection and healing of the infected of the NCOVID. But my Mom said we should skip Rosary tonight because of some reasons. It just makes me sad. I was the only one who celebrated the Mass this morning (online streaming). I was just hoping that they won’t skip a Rosary prayer since they don’t celebrate the Mass. 😦
 
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Keep praying for them.

But beating them over the head and nagging will do no good. Let them see how mass attendance and prayer has changed your own life by being an example to them.

Do not let their unfaithfulness to the Church cause you anxiety. What you are doing brings you peace and happiness, so just keep doing what you are doing.
 
First off, don’t be sad. The devil wants us sad and terrified.

Second, perhaps ask mom or someone else, “what can it hurt to try?” It’s just a thought. I mean, it can’t hurt you to ask them that, can it? 😁

Third, what Irishmom said.
 
Your example may be more important than anything. Family dynamics sometimes makes it hard to lead with reasoning or addressing things directly. So, patience is key - meaning years, not weeks.
 
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Let your light so shine before then that they see your good works and glorify our Father in heaven
 
Thank you very much @Irishmom2 for your answer and advice. Gave me relief. 💕 Yes, they don’t like being told sometimes. I will follow your advice. I will not let my anxieties pull me down. I will carry my cross and trust Jesus. Peace with you. God bless you. 💕👏🕊️
 
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Hi @VonDerTann, thank you for your advice. :hugs: I will ask them that the next time we get to talk about Church. It really is a challenge. I will entrust all these to God. Truly, patience is a virtue. Peace be with you and God bless you.
 
Yes, it is difficult sometimes. I will do my best. I will be patient. There’s no impossible with God. Thank you so much for you advice, @Buks. Peace be with you. God bless you. 💕🕊️
 
Thank you very much, @TheLittleLady. Brings joy into our hearts serving the Lord. May God bless us with patient endurance. May we always persevere. God bless you. 💕
 
Well maybe one prayer someone could say might be that those in doubt have their minds opened to the truth
 
Don’t nag or pressure your family. Pray for them and show them love.

When you go to pray the family rosary, do so at a regularly scheduled time and just say something like, “I’m going to pray our family rosary now. Would anyone like to join me, or would you like me to join you? Also, does anyone have any special intentions to add?” Then leave it at that. You could also light a blessed candle or offer to have someone light it at that time.

On a side note, approach the prayer time reverently and quietly, preferably in a special somewhat secluded location within a common area your family gathers in.

Sometimes, people aren’t motivated to pray yet. However, they most always appreciate humble, reverent prayer and knowing the one who is praying for them and for their intentions is sincere of heart.

I would think that if our family members feel judged about the way they pray or practice their faith, they will eventually become hard-hearted. Best to be warm and welcoming and to meet our loved ones where they are on their faith journey. That way, if they ever fully return to their faith, they have a safe, loving place to return home to.
 
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It sounds like the problem isn’t that family life is inconsistent with prayer, but your family are simply very protestant in their theology. They don’t really believe in “the Church” as a divine organisation.

Unfortunately there’s not much you can do about that. Pray for them and focus on your own faith and prayer life.
 
I like this saying of St. Padre Pio:

Pray, hope, and don’t worry! Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.
 
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