My daughter went to Catholic school from 1st to 12th grade. She appreciates her great education but she walked away from the faith at ASU and then graduated and got married to a non Catholic so I feel sad but she won’t even talk about it with me. I took my son out of Catholic school when he was 8 and sent him to public school biggest mistake I ever made because he needed the guidance more than she did. now he has turned into a trans person and I feel like he’s lost. I pray for him and her every day. I pray a lot for him because he is so defiant I try not to blame myself, but sometimes that’s all Ican do. I was confirmed later on in life I named myself Monica after Saint Monica …my tears could fill an ocean.
Oh the irony of being named Monica. My own son walked away from our Heavenly Father when He didn't answer his prayer, begging God to save the life of his best friend's father. He was 15. I've prayed now for 11 years for his return, to a minimum of him just believing again. Last year a friend went to Stubenville and met a woman who helped start Millions of Monicas and in January, I started this ministry at my own parish. Embarrassed and ashamed to speak in front of each Mass, I was shocked that we had 25 women show up at our first meeting. Any changes... for the first time in 11 years, rather than sneaking out the back during communion at a Mass for his grandpa, he walked up and received a blessing. He hears and He answers in His own time. I'll count that blessing as a win and will, as patiently as possible, continue to pray for the day he is completely back.
I’m called Monica as well and the irony isn’t lost on me either, except that I have a daughter who I’m trying patiently lead back to God. I have faith that God will touch her heart and turn it all around. I join my prayers with your for your son as well. 🙏🏽
A spiritual director told me that I have to remember that God is always working, even if I can't see it. God wants my loved ones to be reunited in the Body of Christ even more than I do. Everyone is on a different spiritual journey, some just take a bit longer to find the right path.
@@Roman-Labrador humans have limited reason (we don't know everything, so to look for evidence based on what we "know" is putting God in a human-sized box). God is total love, and trust in him requires faith. So I pray for more faith, so I can trust that he is always working, even when I can't see it.
@@Goretti8201 yes, that is the usual excuse for tolerating Elohim killing every man woman and child at Sodom (Genesis 19:24), ording the ripping the unborn from their mother's womb (Hosea 13:16) slowly killing Beshebas's baby (2 Samuel 12 17) killing the Firstborn (Exodus 12:29) putting to death women, children and infants (1 Samuel 15:3), has 2 She bear kill boys (2 Kings 2:24), killing Jobs children (Job 1: 19) and all the other tales of God killing children . The Bible doesn't reveal Satan to harm anything let alone kill innocent children.
This was very encouraging and exactly what I needed to hear today. My 29 year old has left the church and is now transgender. Sometimes it feels like praying isn't enough, but I continue to pray. Thank you for this message, Father.
It is really helping me to see other parents coping with these kinds of issues, it's a lonely business watching your adult children depart from God, even when you're praying constantly for them
My child was 38 when revealing that he was transgender 😢. At least I’m doing the things Fr. Mike talked about and feel less guilty that it was my fault.
I am going n the same situation with my 29 year old son. I feel your pain and you are not alone . My husband and I decided at the beginning of this journey to keep the lines of communication open and stay involved in his life and show him the love of Christ. It’s been very difficult but we cling to Jesus.
My son is 30 this year , he says his disabilities has got nothing to do with him wanting to change him self into a female. He says he’s transgender . It’s so hard , because I gave birth to son , now it’s all about to change . All I can do is prayer everyday, . Leave it the lords hands .
Three years ago I was angry, far from God, and destroying my body while living out the transgender lie. The pain was deep and real. But, the grace of God is good. Today I am in OCIA, de transitioning, and finding joy in God. There is hope friends.
@@maryr7256 OCIA Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly called "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)," is the process through which one becomes a full member of the Roman Catholic Church.
I spent 29 years away from the Church as a dyed-in-the-wool atheist and came back recently. I married another cradle Catholic who I led away during our courtship. Our kids are unbaptised. And now I'm trying to lead her back (first her, then the kids, my priest says). I'm optimistic that she'll come back to mass with me any week now. The "trick," in my experience, is to show quiet spiritual discipline: let her see that you're reading scripture daily, go to mass every week and tell her what you liked and didn't like... Don't be too overbearing. Have humility. Listen. Slow and steady wins the race. This seems to be working in my situation. Maybe it will work for you too.
That is very helpful and inspiring thank you for sharing. Although I too led people astray including my children,before going back to practise properly, the only thing to do is slowly show the example like you're doing, well done.
The way the early Christians converted people was to show them how Christ changed them. I know from experience, that as your wife sees how you're becoming a better person and are more loving, kind, and filled with the joy of Christ, she'll come around.
I've been praying for My children conversion and salvation I go to daily mass and pray two hours a day for the conversion and salvation of my family i know through my prayers we are all going to be saved
It is not our job to insert ourselves into the spiritual lives of others. We never know their whole story. We never know their pain and suffering. We don't walk in their shoes. Most importantly, we don't know Gid's plan for them (or fir ourselves.) Our job is to pray unceasingly for God's will for them and for ourselves. Making overt gestures to try to "save" them is overstepping. Let God be God.
I walked away from the church when I was just 16. It took me 20 years but I did find God again. If you’re praying for someone, don’t stop praying and don’t stop loving them. If they are open to it, talk to them. I think if I had someone to talk to about faith and doubt I may have come back sooner, maybe never would have left. But everything happens in God’s time, not ours.
Thank you so much Fr Mike for these encouraging words. My daughter is a member of the fast growing false church called WMSCOG. It’s been almost 4 years now, but we’ve been following these steps and will never lose hope. Like you said the story’s not over. God’s specialty is miracles! Jesus I trust in You!!
Thank you Father for this. I do beat myself up over my children not having the Faith I would love them to have. God is so good....I will keep praying with complete trust and faith..
Several of my 6 children have walked away from the Church . The hypocrisy and lack of Christ’s example they’ve experienced is heartbreaking! Still praying for us !❤️🙏❤️
There’s hope! I walked away for 40+ years. God called me back during Covid. Oh the prayers my mother must have prayed … sadly she has dementia now so I can’t share with her that God answered her prayers 😞 I wish I could see the joy on her face!! Keep the faith. Praying for your family 🙏
If we don't need a church ideology: we believe in western nuclear deterrence, same sex marriage, universal health insurance, and the Eucharist is symbolic Why would you want someone like me in your church - be honest that you don't. Mind my local priest is quite ok with me - he can talk scripture with me and I know what he means. Most parishioners are not interested in such.
1 John 5 KJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ✝️🩸
I'm always thinking about St Monica, because I pray for my son and his family to come to the Catholic faith. Thanks for reminding us to pray always, and not give up. God be with you and your family. Claire.
I spent 40 years away from the church. I never stopped loving Our Lord and always prayed but I did not attend church. I walked back in church 9 years ago and have attended ever since. I feel his presence and he has helped me more than I can say. Love you Fr. Mike!
Catholics do not obey the commandments. There are more than ten commandments. Exodus 20. Matthew 6:7 New International Version 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
It’s true. I blasphemed the name of the Lord and hated Christians for a long time because of a few people who made bad decisions. I was away from God for 15 years but now I’m back! My mother never stopped praying for me. I didn’t know until I told her I wanted to become Catholic (she’s Presbyterian but supports me). Never give up!
Wow. Number 3 was really helpful. Even God, who is perfect, has children who have walked away. Thank you for that word of comfort. "I don't have to be perfect. I just have to be there." Thank you!
Thank you Fr Mike, my husband married for 3 years.. he was the best person I could say loved God but he just walked away from God and the church. He keeps feeding his mind with every Atheist information. I feel drained but I am holding on to God🙏🏽
I have been doing the same novena for my daughter for the past 3 years. I'm not giving up! I will keep praying it because I know she could change after I am gone.
My son walked away. He has come to God and now teaching his own son about our Lord our God. Now my grandson, who was raised in the Catholic Church and school, has walked away, and I will pray and love him no matter what. Amen, I say to you.
Ftr Mike I am just starting to watch this. I need my Wife to come back to the faith. She was a convert and stoped going to Mass years ago. I am working on myself and her. Im ill and have a hard time. Please Pray for my success! I joind Holo around the first of the year. My Sister who I started mintoring to years back turned me to it. Holo has been my routeen everyday in Prayers. Hours 😊 Love You and Staff and Pray for them. If you are not on it Fellow Catholics. Check it Out!! Peace and Love MMLZZZ
I needed this. My children… my relatives and friends. I came into the church this year. I lost friends. I love Jesus so much. I want everyone to love Jesus. I want to hate sin and I want everyone to hate sin. Thank you Fr. Mike.
A. W. Tozer’s book on “The pursuit of God” drew me closer to God and helped my spirituality. 2021 was a year I literally lived it. I cashed in my life savings and gave it all away. My total giving amounted to 40,000 dollars. Everyone thought | was delusional. Today I receive 85,000 dollars every two months. I have a property in Calabasas CA and travel alot. God has promoted me more than once and opened doors for me to live beyond my dreams. God kept to his promises to and for me.
My kids walked away from the Church. They sometimes make little appearances, but for the most part, they are searching for relevant relationships with God on their own. I started Grandma Dawn's tiky-toky-wiky-walkies, because I am actively trying to keep the communication open and trying, as well as praying. My next big Catholic purchase is going to be a Catechism of the Catholic Church. I plan to use it for the platform that I have. Thanks for offering this talk for people, Father Mike. I appreciate this encouragement. St. Monica, pray for us.
If I may..if they are looking for a relationship with God? Start in the gospels and ask them to read all the way thru revelations. It's helped me. If YOU really want to understand Jesus. Read the New Testament. Second time for me. And I'm going to start a third. I always learn something new when I read. I wish you the best!
@markbardusk9516 If I ever have a conversation with them about God, I will mention it. But, my kids' relationship with God is THEIRS, not mine. Plus, they are adults. They have freedom to pray the best way they can, based on who they are. In the meantime, I read the Bible at least a little bit, every day; I go to Mass as often as I am able, based on my work life and my disability. I listen, pray, and view Mass on the Ascension Presents RU-vid channel, because that's what it's there for. Those who can't make it to Mass everyday, or every week due to work or disability or transportation issues, or all of those reasons put together. Thanks for the information.
One of my sons told me to stop talking to him about faith. He has admitted he’s agnostic… better than the atheist he said he was on stage in a poetry contest! I was shaking when HE set the boundaries! I cried. I felt St. Monica and St. Augustine. I love what St. Ambrose told St. Monica! Wow! I will keep praying!
I am praying for my parents. They are boomers and it seems their generation has a lot of disrespect for the church. I pray I can get then to just believe again before they die.
As someone who is married to a cradle Catholic, I began my conversion and realized my husband is apathetic to the church (I completely understand why, pour example set by family) and it’s been extremely difficult to know how to help him and how to pray for him.
This is me, I am the lost one. Although I recognize it is good to be Catholic. And I know the only path to salvation is through Jesus in the Eucharist. But I have been wallowing in my sins and childhood trauma, and more so in the last few years. I have stopped going to Church because the main cause of my trauma wants me to go with her to attend Mass every week, watch her partake of the Eucharist, but then when we go home the abuse starts all over again. I have told her multiple times I cannot go to church, watch her commune with Jesus and then have to struggle against the 4th commandment every week, just so I can reassure her in her narcissism. I hope and pray to be able to get out of my situation, without having to leave her alone in her disability. But as of now, I cannot stomach Mass with her because she makes snide remarks while we are supposed to be worshipping Him. I just can't. I try to go on my own, even though I get verbal jabs the moment I arrive home. It's a difficult situation. And I am not strong enough to keep my mouth shut and be patient and not be depressed enough to go to confession and try not to sin against her the week after. I want to stop hating her so much.
I tried to go back to the Faith (Catholic) that I was raised in. I attended a Mass and even introduced myself to the priest that gave the mass. Not one person came up to me to say Hello or Welcome. Even the priest did not, he just told me to email another Friar. I left nearly in tears and am so disappointed and sad about my experience. That is why folks don't want to come back. Where is the welcoming family of Christians. Christian hierarchy created the unwelcome atmosphere and need to change their ways. Also, the sermon takes a back seat to all pomp and circumstance.
Im so sorry for your experiance. Unfortunately we are sinners and do not always model Christ's love as we should. While the words of man did not welcome you with warmth the smile of Christ and His loving arms are there for you in His Church. He waits for all His children there in the tabernacle. I myself have not always felt that love or care from Church members either but I know that Jesus and His love is present there in His presence in the Holy Sacrament. I also know many many loving parishes, priests, lay people but like you said we do much damage to hearts and souls by not extending love and mercy. Please forgive those who were cold to you , I will pray for them. I hope you are able to find welcoming kind hearted people in the Catholic Church but above all I pray you know how beloved you are by your heavenly Father and all the graces He has for you there in His Church no matter how man may let people down. I will pray for you ❤
I am a Baptist Deacon I do my devotions each morning every day I have been using these videos from Father Mike as a part of my devotion, to help me with my daily walk with our Lord and Savior. This video was amazing. Thank you now I got to do the work.
Very important, especially today with the epidemic of estrangements going on. Try to keep open lines of communication , but evem if that isn't there you can always pray. And if you try to do the right things, don't take the blame on yourself. The other person makes their own decisions and has their own responsibility. As a parent who has a child who's fallen away, your words about how God is perfect and people still walk away from him is so important for parents to understand..
I didn't walk away from God neither I don't think my friends did. But I have committed to be with him, and now I don't have any friends to talk too. I am a little lost. edit: this is a short summarization of what's going on in my head.
*Hallelujah!!!! The daily jesus devotional has been a huge part of my transformation, God is good 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻was owning a loan of $47,000 to the bank for my son's brain surgery (David), Now I'm no longer in debt after I invested $12,000 and got my payout of m $270,500 every months,God bless Christy Fiore🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸..*
After I raised up to 325k trading with her I bought a new House and a car here in the states 🇺🇸🇺🇸 also paid for my son's surgery (Oscar). Glory to God.shalom.
Wow that's nice She makes you that much!! please is there a way to reach her services, I work 3 jobs and trying to pay off my debts for a while now!! Please help me.
I pray for my brother who doesn't want to know anything about our Heavenly Father. Thanks father Mike, this message is exactly what I needed to hear today. Straight to my heart.
Thank you Father, I have been in such despair over my children’s loss of their Holy Catholic faith. Your words spoke to me. I will focus on those 4 steps, meanwhile please help me pray them back to Jesus.
It’s been very difficult to watch our children leave. Many tears have been shed but this is good advice to follow- keep the lines of communication open. Thank you Father Mike!
But how do we keep lines of communication open if the other side does not want it and just respnds with abuse when attempts are made apart from prayer?
Thank you Father Mike! I was really struggling with hope for my son to turn back to our Lord and to us. This really hit home! I will not give up because our story is not over. 🙏❤️🙏
Thank you Father Mike. My grandson decided the Catholic Religion is a cult and has walked away. He does not participate in anything. Please God of Hope help him to realize that without God in our lives, we are nothing.
Try reading The Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, or learn about her life. She was a devout catholic whose husband was an atheist, she offered up her prayers and sufferings for him. Later in life, after she passed away, he became a priest. This priest, is the one who was the spiritual director of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen!
What if someone has died? Is there no hope because their story is finished? I would like to believe in what the message of divine mercy states. We get 3 chances at the moment of death to choose God. I will trust in His mercy and pray for all.
@mariekayser9467 - God is timeless, meaning He knows every prayer that has been or ever will be said for a person. (Just my thought) At the moment of death, God will bring all the pleas/prayers for mercy that ever have been or will be said for the individual to the judgement seat. No prayer is ever wasted.
Watched this entire video, had tears running down my face, tried to clear my throat, and as soon as I started coughing, I hear, “What’s up with the coughing!?” 😳😳🤷🏻♀️😂
Father Mike, thank you. It's a struggle when your adult children turn away from God and the Church. As you mentioned we did all the right things-Mass every week and Catholic school. I love that you said their story isn't over yet and there is hope. I pray to St. Monica everyday. My mother passed away July 15, 2023. Since her passing my younger sister has pulled away from her siblings and isn't communicating nor reaching out to any of us. I continue to reach out to her, sometimes she'll respond to my text, but with short answers and when I ask if she would like to talk her response is she is busy and doesn't have any time to do so. I continue to pray for her. 🙏🙏
In your truth was this message. Love is patient Love is kind Love does not envy Love does not boast Love is not proud Love is not rude Love always trusts Love always hopes Love never fails Thank you, my brother.
Exemplary Mother of the great Augustine, you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Scary Story that ACTUALLY happened to me: I'm a Christian, my ex-girlfriend is a hardcore Aheist and now a full on Satanic Worshipper. But while she was an atheist, I DID pray for her. But each time I did, the very NEXT DAY she would "Like" a page on Satanic stuff. It got to a point where I was wondering if she could hear me. But I think what rreally happened is she's surrounded by demons. So every time I prayed for her, it's like they pushed her further. But she also really opened herself up to them. She became a drug addict and a prostitute too. I don't understand. I did try to save her and my relationship, but I don't think God wanted me to be with her. Free Will takes priority over prayer. It's unfortunate but true. She allowed herself to fall despite all the chances to turn things around.
Same thing happened to me I was with a drug addict and God took him from me but I keep pushing forward going to daily mass and pray two hours a day keep going forward
Some say to keep praying, some say God hears you, knows your heart, you don't need too. I get both. Do you want a life of just despair and sorrow or do you trust and pray but not obsessively? It's hard.
Thank you Father Mike! I really appreciate your advice! It's really good advice! And I have been praying for my family. I fast and everything. I even pray for my husband he's South Indian and he doesn't know God or really much about him. But I pray that he will get to know God. And also my children and my grandchildren. And my siblings. And I pray for the whole World for those who don't believe in God
You can't forcefully change someone. But you can influence them. Through prayerful living, through living in love, and letting christ shine through you. They have to want to change themselves, and you can be the example and catalyst to allow them to ponder that change. Be a light on a hill to guide them home.
Father Schmidt says this too . I found a pamphlet in a church that helped me immensely. It was called : “ when your children leave the church.” . In it a priest also brings up the point how we as parents beat ourselves up blaming ourselves for our children leaving the church . Yet God our Father the perfect father see it happen to millions of his children . So know that any of us can see our children go astray . 😢
Thank you, Fr Mike! This was perfect timing. My daughter just informed me she's in a same sex relationship. I am devastated! Praying she has a heart of conversion!!❤
Dont’ give up, and pray, pray, pray. My daughter declared herself bisexual many years ago. After much prayer and never closing the door to loving communication, she met and married a wonderful man and they have a beautiful son. She still has a way to go to a reversion (she was raised Catholic, and even engaged in apologetics work during her teens). We have a good relationship, with boundaries, but I never stop prayer for her, her husband and child. I know God loves her and wants her to know Him.
My Uncle believed in Jesus baptized as a Baptist then was in Vietnam war. He came as an Atheist. We all tried to help him back to the Lord. I told him all will see God. We prayed and prayed. He died and we kept praying. Purgatory will help him is what I believe make him right with God. As a Catholic I'd tell him I prayed the rosary for you and he'd say.. Why?. War was very very sad
Wife and I can't even talk with 44 yr old son anymore who has kept our 3 grandsons away from us since aug 2021. All because we refuse covid shot and refused to buy into the national corrupt panic mongering 2020. He uses profanity excessively and we refuse to tolerate his GD and JC in normal talk. Its been 3 yrs and we DO pray for him!!
I am a testament to being someone who walked away from the faith, but it was my praying mother who interceded for me continually. As a result, I not only came back to the faith, but I married a devout Catholic, (who I met on the feast of Saint Anthony on a Friday the 13th). Our family has been consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Don’t give up when others walk away from the faith. Talking to them about it will probably do nothing but prayer can move mountains. God bless.
For me, this is one of the most encouraging talks I have heard. Please Lord God, spiritually heal my kids and grands and all those here who are praying for the same thing.
Greetings Father Mike, Special Mention :- -> " My Father being Atheist by Principles for many years have now become Devout, Practising Catholic by all means in all aspects.Glory be to Lord Jesus Christ !! Amen. " -> " Hope, Patience and Faith really Matters." -> Good, Eloquent Message on Relationship Issues, Father Mike. Thanks. With regards , Ranjith Joseph (R.J)
Keep persevering in prayer for your family. St Monica St Rita did not give up and we shouldn’t either. Yes , it’s frustrating and difficult but Trust God and pray pray pray. Pray the Rosary and after each decade say, “with these beads I bind my children (or whoever it is) say their name(s) to Your Immaculate Heart” Mama Mary will tend to their souls ❣️
My child turned away from God and the Catholic Church ten years ago. I definitely went through the phase of blaming myself but can now look back and know that, as you say, I can't be perfect,, she was given free will, and she walked away. Sadly, she has severed her relationship not only from my husband and myself but from all of her siblings as well. She is living a very sinful lifestyle as well. It is tempting for me to give up hope, but of course we all continue to pray for her. I was especially touched by your words about how God cannot ignore the endless tears shed by a mother for her child. This loss has been like a sword to my very heart. My tears have been countless. My prayer is that she comes to her senses and saves her eternal soul. I have even come to the point that I accept that it may be after I am gone from this earth. The pain of a broken relationship like this is indescribable, but I have learned to live with it and not miss enjoying the rest of my beautiful family. Thanks for your words of wisdom.
Father Mike this hits…both of my adult children have walked away from the faith. My daughter is delving deep into New Age spiritualism. I was desperate and despondent, praying night and day and agonizing over the path she has chosen. And then I read “What Would Monica Do?”…what comfort I found in these pages! I suddenly felt I was not alone and the book gently helped me to surrender my daughter to Jesus and the Blessed Mother. It gave me back my peace. Now I am focusing on surrendering, praying and TRUSTING. As Fr. Mike says…her story is not over yet 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 I encourage everyone who is praying for a loved one to return to the faith to read this book!
