How do I get my son to stop using the Lord's name in vain?

[Maria_Elena]

Since my son has started college, I notice he’s been using the Lord’s name in vain – and in front of his parents. How do we call him on this effectively? I have told him to not use the Lord’s name in a swearing context but he seems to do it on purpose in front of us. How do we get through to him? He has fallen away from his Catholic faith as well. My prayers seem to go unanswered for him.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Using language your son knows offends you in front of you and your husband is a sign of disrespect to his parents. Perhaps your son is doing this because he believes that, since he is now a legal adult, he is no longer under your authority.

Now is likely the time to explain to him that while adulthood frees a child from the obedience proper to childhood, it does not free him from the respect owed to elders (and especially to parents). This is particularly so if your son is still in some way dependent on your beneficence (e.g., financing his college education). If he is dependent upon you in some fashion, explain to him that your continued beneficence is dependent upon his treating you with respect. If he wishes to be free from having to check his language and general behavior in your presence, then he should be prepared to be fully self-supporting.

As for the larger problem of his having fallen away from his Catholic faith, this too may be tied to his desire to establish his adult independence. So long as he treats you and your faith respectfully, there is not much you can do to “fix” this situation except to pray and sacrifice for his conversion. Saints whose intercession you may wish to seek on your son’s behalf include St. Monica, St. Augustine, and Bd. Bartholomew Longo.

Recommended reading:

How to Stay Catholic in College by Christopher Kaczor