Parents have lost their faith, ideas for reintroducing Catholicism

[Romans12-12]

My parents raised my family Catholic, and all of my siblings are active in the faith, and my parents did a marvelous job with our upbringing. However, my parents have fallen off the wagon so to speak, even more so during the current epidemic. I have been praying for them fervently everyday and searching for opportunities to peak their interest in Catholicism again, but not much has caught on.

My mother fortunately will pray the rosary every so often because she “enjoys it’s safety and structure as a prayer”, but my father has not (to my knowledge) pursued Christ in the Church at all for a while now. I have invited them to prayer, Mass, conversation, and have acted the best I can as an example of our faith, but everything is met with a resounding “no”.

It seems to me they are comfortable with their way of living and I believe are scared of the discomfort that a spiritual life can bring. How can I better invite my parents into the Catholic Church? Are there any good resources that can help them ease into practicing again? And are there any ideas for me on different approaches, prayers, and opportunities to help them encounter Christ?

 

[1ke]

They are adults. They know what they should be doing. You’ve invited. Do not put a burden on yourself that you are responsible for your parents’ choices.

They may simply CHOOSE to continue as they are. You have to make peace with that.

Continue to periodically invite them to attend Mass, share what’s going on in your life, etc. But, if they say “no” respect their choices.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

Did something trigger their falling away?

 

[_jesus_is_god]

I will pray for your family, have they had any bad experiences lately? Sometimes an accumulation of stresses or bad events can lead to doubt. The best thing to do may be to pray for them and be there for them if they need anything, even just emotional support. Yes being a good example of the faith is so important, keep it up! 1 Peter 3:15-16 : “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” Also, not sure if you are praying the Divine Mercy Novena at this time. Divine Mercy Sunday is a few days away! Jesus said to Saint Faustina “ At three o’ clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony: This is the hour of great mercy for the whole world. I will allow you to enter into My mortal sorrow. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion.” (— Diary of St. Faustina, II (229) 848) also He said:

“When you say this prayer, with a contrite heart and with faith on behalf of some sinner, I will give him the grace of conversion. This is the prayer:

O Blood and Water,
which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus
as a fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You" (Diary 187.)

God bless you!