How to reach a student's atheist dad

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graceandglory

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Hi! I teach in a very Catholic school.
One of my students prays every day for his atheist dad to come to know Christ.
While I am teaching faith and morals in my religion class and throughout the day, I know that dad is working hard at home to not lose his son to “faith.” Son is wavering between faith in Christ, and loyalty to dad.

Not sure what I can do.
 
graceandglory said:
Hi! I teach in a very Catholic school.
One of my students prays every day for his atheist dad to come to know Christ.
While I am teaching faith and morals in my religion class and throughout the day, I know that dad is working hard at home to not lose his son to “faith.” Son is wavering between faith in Christ, and loyalty to dad.

Not sure what I can do.
Click to expand...
And what does the mother have to say about the situation?
 
graceandglory said:
Hi! I teach in a very Catholic school.
One of my students prays every day for his atheist dad to come to know Christ.
While I am teaching faith and morals in my religion class and throughout the day, I know that dad is working hard at home to not lose his son to “faith.” Son is wavering between faith in Christ, and loyalty to dad.

Not sure what I can do.
Click to expand...
Two immediate thoughts come to mind.
  1. This might seem a little obvious so forgive me if it is, but have you asked for the Holy Spirit to guide you? I mention this because sometimes I forget this simple step.
  2. Have you prayed with your student about the matter? Having your presence in prayer will be helpful to the student.
God bless
 
graceandglory said:
Hi! I teach in a very Catholic school.
One of my students prays every day for his atheist dad to come to know Christ.
While I am teaching faith and morals in my religion class and throughout the day, I know that dad is working hard at home to not lose his son to “faith.” Son is wavering between faith in Christ, and loyalty to dad.

Not sure what I can do.
Click to expand...
St. Francis once returned everything to his demanding father for the love of God alone…

Everything!!
 
Steel_Pinwheel said:
Why is the son of an Atheist in a Catholic School?
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Perhaps the wife is Catholic, or the father isn’t as anti-religious as the OP implied.

To the OP: Have you met the father? What else does the child say about him? He very well may not be trying to keep his child away from the faith at all. Maybe he is letting him choose his own way. I am an atheist and that is what I plan on doing.

I wouldn’t take a hands-on approach to converting the father until you learn a bit more about him. He probably knows that his son prays for/wants him to convert, however he may not - it would be something that I would consider appropriate to bring up next time you speak with him. Instead of being concerned about the father’s faith, you should focus on the relationship between the father and son. Let the father know of his son’s concern and maybe suggest that they sit down and talk about their religious differences if they haven’t already.
 
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