Family Members Falling From Faith

[Lariena]

Hello, all! I have been lurking around this site for quite a while and finally decided to register and post. I was wondering what my obligation is to my family members (all cradle catholics) who are not choosing to practice their catholic faith. Some issues they have include infidelity, abortion, ABC and getting married in a non-catholic church.

I am not sure how to encourage them to return to their faith (that was not very strong to begin with) without coming across as judgemental and “holier than thou”. I only recently returned to the Church after being a Cafeteria Catholic for most of my life. Is it even my place to try? If so, suggestions on how to begin would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[joeybaggz]

Hello, all! I have been lurking around this site for quite a while and finally decided to register and post. I was wondering what my obligation is to my family members (all cradle catholics) who are not choosing to practice their catholic faith. Some issues they have include infidelity, abortion, ABC and getting married in a non-catholic church.

I am not sure how to encourage them to return to their faith (that was not very strong to begin with) without coming across as judgemental and “holier than thou”. I only recently returned to the Church after being a Cafeteria Catholic for most of my life. Is it even my place to try? If so, suggestions on how to begin would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

There is an old saying that “you may be the only Bible someone ever reads.”

Learn all you can about the Roman Catholic faith, and then live it fully, quietly, happily, and patiently. Someone who lives a life of joy, peace, and happiness because they are secure within the ethical framework and the moral values they have chosen, say more by their simple presence, than a thousand preachers with their words.

My two cents.

 

[Trishie]

There is an old saying that “you may be the only Bible someone ever reads.”

Learn all you can about the Roman Catholic faith, and then live it fully, quietly, happily, and patiently. Someone who lives a life of joy, peace, and happiness because they are secure within the ethical framework and the moral values they have chosen, say more by their simple presence, than a thousand preachers with their words.

My two cents.

Wow!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

You might consider inviting your family members to attend Mass with you. Or, if they don’t live nearby perhaps you could invite them to come along to Mass when you visit them.

Long before you can get into doctrine or rules or anything else it would help to have a relationship with God and the community. I’ve heard lots of stories of Catholics who would have returned to church but no one ever asked them.

 

[idrum677]

There is an old saying that “you may be the only Bible someone ever reads.”

Learn all you can about the Roman Catholic faith, and then live it fully, quietly, happily, and patiently. Someone who lives a life of joy, peace, and happiness because they are secure within the ethical framework and the moral values they have chosen, say more by their simple presence, than a thousand preachers with their words.

My two cents.

That is so true! We evangelize by our example. Many people are resistant to being “preachy” and often push away form people who are. Live life joyfully as a Catholic and do not be ashamed of your identity.

You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven
Mt. 5, 14-16

God Bless!

 

[kage_ar]

Patrick Madrid’s book “Search and Rescue” might be of some assistance.

I’m reading a book now called “Converting the Baptized”, will see if it is a keeper.

 

[Margarite]

St. Francis said “Preach always and when necessary use words.”

My mom’s family is in the SSPX, her extended family is protestant, and my dad’s entire family has fallen away. We cannot talk religion with any of them, all we can do is live the most Catholic life possible, and learn so that when they do ask the occasional question, we have the answer, both the simple and deeper answer. The SSPX and protestant relatives can’t believe that Catholics can be the way we are, and the fallen away relatives, keep looking for us to break our rules, and now that my parents have not broken their rules, and they have been married for twenty years, two of my fallen away aunts are seeming to become more interested in the faith.

Pray for them constantly and lead by example, have the answers when they ask the questions, but don’t push them. Offer for them to come to mass, but be understanding if they don’t want to go. Don’t be afraid to say you are anti-abortion, or whatever else that is anti-Catholic, but don’t shove it in their face. If you have kids, just teach them about it, kids aren’t dumb, and they can understand. I have been faced with this all my life, and often times, children’s prayers are more effective than those of older people.

Good luck!

 

[tobinatorstark]

I had 3 members of my family fall from the catholic faith. My grandfather, grandmother and my uncle, all on my dad’s side of the family.Instead my uncle now denounces all religions other than being a King James Bible Believer.