Young adult children falling away from their faith

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Right now I am the only one in my family that attends Mass. My husband and kids go only on holidays or if there is a Mass for my Dad, sister or aunt who have recently passed away.
It makes me sad, as we went together every week, I taught CCD for 9 years. All of them went from birth right up until Confirmation. DD ( now 24) went off to college, and did not go to Mass. Our sons are 19 and 17, and balk at going. I do not force them to go; they know I would like them to go. I pray that they decide to come back to church again soon.
How do you deal with this? As a teen, young adult, I always went . It helps that I went to a Catholic high school and college, and my first 15 years of employment was at a Catholic Hospital. It was an easy thing to do. I never had a “falling away” experience.
Please share your experience. I’d love some prayers , too.
Thanks so much!!! <3
 
Praying for u. How fortunate they are to habeen raised in the faith. Like every person brought up in faith…eventually they must form their own. For some ppl it happens quickly…others much later in life…some sadly never do. From what i see i think most ppl return to their faith when they want to start a family. Eventually something happens in everyones life that will either bring them closer to God as they accept their suffering or drive them away in anger at God blaming him for it.

All u can do is pray and be a listening ear when those hard times come into their lives and try to direct them to how u handled your own suffering thru your faith. As they will be older u can share more personal things with them about your struggles.

God Bless u all♡
 
Thank you, Lovinglight. I am hoping they find their way back I feel that I gave them a strong foundation. Between my parents, my sister and my aunt we all encouraged them in their faith .Though we recently lost 4 very close family members, and they were greatly affected by those losses, I don’t think anger or pain caused this rift. If anything their faith was strengthened and we talked at great length about God’s goodness in all teh suffering and loss… Thanks for your very thoughtful response. I really appreciate it!
 
Yes of course…remember youre a wonderful mother! (I ran out of likes to ‘like’ your post)
 
I’m starting with prayers for you and your family–and mine…

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the
fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners
NOW and at the hour of our death. Amen!

Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God cast into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
 
Thanks so much for the prayers.
It really does make me sad, especially since we always made a big deal about church, made Sundays really special, carried on the teachings of CCD at home…they know the importance of the Sacraments…
But, I am thinking if I force them to go, they might dig their heels in and actually grow to resent it… i think i will continue to go, invite them ( Ds1 and his girlfriend seem willing to go sometimes, she and her family are parishioners) … Lead by example. And , like Lovinglight said, let them form their own faith and prayer life.
The good news is that they seem to be compassionate and kind young people. They are willing to be helpful without expecting anything in return, no entitled attitude.They are responsible, caring and loving. So, I guess even though I would like some regular church attendance and receiving the Eucharist, I guess i should be happy they are doing a pretty good job at “living” their faith as best as a young adult can. I am constantly praying the St. Michael prayer for them, and reminding them to call upon the Holy Spirit.
Thank you so much. I was feeling a bit down last night. You just want the best for your child, and lead them… but I guess some things have to be done BY THEM.
petra22, praying for your family also. Good to know I’m not alone.
Thanks again!!!
 
Do you ever discuss your beliefs and thoughts about the faith with them? I was brought up a lapsed Catholic, was the only one who went to Church because I was attending CCD. Parents never went. I fell completely away from God and Church, but eventually came back.

I think your strongest weapon is prayer! And I will add you to my next Rosary intention.
 
I tell them when I am praying for them, point out answered prayers, I remind them to call upon the Holy Spirit when times are difficult, share with them my faith, and my experiences . They “know” it, they witness my faith, I hope. We have had a particularly hard past 7 1/2 years, having lost 4 immediate family members and this past year both of the boys had some trying issues to contend with. I point out all the “good” that has come out of the loss and pain, and they know that I give credit to the Lord for all of that goodness. And I do agree that my strongest weapon is indeed prayers, And thanks so much for including us in your Rosary intentions. That touched my heart. Thank you!
 
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