Son returning to the faith?

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petinley

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My 26 yr old son told me that he’s thinking about returning. Any suggestions on good reading material for him? It might be good for him to get some information from a source other than a parent.
When he was growing up I made sure he and his sisters went to Religious Education, but I wasn’t practicing the faith(I can’t tell you how much i regret the bad example I gave my kids) and neither did their mother(she still doesn’t). I came back when my son was in high school and he’s the youngest of my kids. My son is the only one of my four adult children, or my two adult stepchildren(whose mother never ceased being a faithful Catholic), who has expressed an interest in returning to the faith. I pray almost every day for our children to come back to the faith and for our grandchildren to find their way to the faith(only 3 of 13 are even baptized).
Last year he agreed to let my wife and I enroll his son in Religious Education. We have been active in our grandsons classes. He just had his first reconciliation a couple weeks ago and is preparing for his first communion in the spring.
 
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A copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church would be a start. The index lists virtually every issue the Church teaches on and can take you directly to the relevant section of the book.

At the other end of the scale a copy of Pope Francis’ new book “Let Us Dream” will give him a feel for Francis Mission and the Church going forward.
 
I would suggest the Baltimore Catechism before moving on to the current Catechism.

The revival of interest in the Baltimore Catechism reflects Catholics growing realization that a clear, concise presentation of the truths of the Faith is just what people young and old need to appreciate, practice and defend Church teaching. Catechists and parents will find this Catechism an invaluable teaching tool as they prepare children and catechumens to receive the Sacraments and lead authentic Catholic lives. Students will find this an uncomplicated and friendly guide to authentic Catholicism
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And since Liturgy is the highest form of catechesis (learning the Faith), maybe a book like this…

 
I fully intend on giving him a catechism, but I think before I appeal to his head it would be helpful to find something that would appeal to his heart. I thought about giving him Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly but I think that’s more geared toward people who are already practicing the faith.
 
Did he drift towards Protestantism at any point? Rome Sweet Home lays out the journey that Scott Hahn and his wife took in finding their way to the Catholic faith.

https://www.amazon.com/Rome-Sweet-Home-Journey-Catholicism/dp/0898704782

There’s also Something Other Than God detailing Jen Fulwiler’s conversion.

https://www.amazon.com/Something-ot...r&qid=1609078073&sprefix=something+oth&sr=8-3

Those books helped show how their respective authors came to believe in the tenets of Catholicism. That may be helpful in helping with the appeal to the heart.
 
He didn’t drift toward Protestantism, and I don’t think he ever rejected belief in the Catholic faith, he just put it on a shelf and didn’t follow or practice it. I’ve heard great things about Jennifer Fulwiler but I think my son needs something from more of a male perspective, especially if that male is also a father.
If and when any of my daughters make this same decision, I will definitely remember Jennifer Fulwiler’s book.
 
Then you might check out some of Scott Hahn’s other books where he focuses more on the Catholic theology than his conversion.
 
Maybe you could treat him as an adult child on a spiritual journey? Perhaps offering gentle encouragement when he brings the topic up rather than having some ‘resource’ to force upon him? Or maybe he will ask you what might be a good resource…
 
I’m not “forcing” anything on him. He DID come to me and express an interest and I’m looking for a resource to OFFER him with the idea that it would sound better coming from somebody besides his own dad.
🤦‍♂️
 
One thing to do do would be to see what propmted his return and that may offer a clue as to what materials may speak to his heart and mind.

That being said, for a good male perspective, check out Fr. Mark Goring’s You Tube videos.
 
I’m with practically, lead by example and support and if he asks for resources, then offer them.
Your emoji was rude-ish imo.
 
I found practically’s tone, and assumptions that I’m not treating my son as an adult child on a spiritual journey and that I’m forcing something on him, rude.
 
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I can understand that, text is often difficult to decipher tone and easy to make assumptions.
Still I agree with them and thought the advice wise based on my own experiences with grown sons.
 
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