Author Topic: Help with fallen away cousin... (Read 955 times)

Centroamerica · « **on:** March 15, 2016, 08:10:08 PM »

I have a cousin that reached out to me tonight on Facebook. She was raised in a strict household where the whole family went to Mass every Sunday in a neighboring state an hour away. I guess she moved out and went to college and fell away from the Faith. Now she has sent me a message, and I would like some advice about responding. It seems a bit difficult to start. I know that her familly didn't watch TV, read lots of Traditional books, but it seems like she has a real poor catechesis. Any help on responding is greatly appreciated.

Quote from: cousin

Hey. I am trying to get some more information on the SSPX and how and where it all started. I thought I had read somewhere that you had said something about Grandpa starting a branch in a house basement in Tennesse. I just figure you would be a good resource. I have tried talking to my dad but there is really no way to talk to him about as I have not been a practicing Catholic for some time now. I will be doing my own research as well but wanted to get some information from you if you are willing.

and later....

Let me know when you get home and have some time. I am super confused as what I have read. It seems to me that it is a religion all on it's on and i'm not sure what i was confirmed into...

I already sent her the video "What we have lost and the Road to recovery" as well as the video "Brand New: the position of the SSPX".

poche · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2016, 10:34:41 PM »

AMDG

Nadir · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2016, 11:01:22 PM »

How is her prayer life? Prays the Rosary?

Will her Mother talk to her? She must know where she was confirmed, or at least her mother would know.

Centroamerica · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2016, 11:02:56 PM »

Quote from: Nadir

How is her prayer life? Prays the Rosary?

Will her Mother talk to her? She must know where she was confirmed, or at least her mother would know.

I know where she was confirmed and she says that she hasn't been practicing the Faith.

PG · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2016, 11:07:07 PM »

Poche is pointing in the right direction. Pray for her. Other than that, be objective with her. For example, point out the immorality of newchurch in comparison to tradition which is moral. Point to the tangibles. Women generally don't understand theology. They understand the practical. And, they can sense the good when functioning on that level. Being that she reached out to you, she sounds genuine.

AMDGJMJ · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2016, 07:49:51 AM »

Quote from: Centroamerica

I have a cousin that reached out to me tonight on Facebook. She was raised in a strict household where the whole family went to Mass every Sunday in a neighboring state an hour away. I guess she moved out and went to college and fell away from the Faith. Now she has sent me a message, and I would like some advice about responding. It seems a bit difficult to start. I know that her familly didn't watch TV, read lots of Traditional books, but it seems like she has a real poor catechesis. Any help on responding is greatly appreciated.

Quote from: cousin

Hey. I am trying to get some more information on the SSPX and how and where it all started. I thought I had read somewhere that you had said something about Grandpa starting a branch in a house basement in Tennesse. I just figure you would be a good resource. I have tried talking to my dad but there is really no way to talk to him about as I have not been a practicing Catholic for some time now. I will be doing my own research as well but wanted to get some information from you if you are willing.

and later....

Let me know when you get home and have some time. I am super confused as what I have read. It seems to me that it is a religion all on it's on and i'm not sure what i was confirmed into...

I already sent her the video "What we have lost and the Road to recovery" as well as the video "Brand New: the position of the SSPX".

It really takes a lot for a woman to admit that she is wrong and has been leading a bad life. So, the fact that your cousin has gotten up the courage to ask for your help really is a big thing and a great grace from God.

Just tell her the truth in simple terms. That is what women need.

Tell her that that the Vatican II Church tried to supplant and destroy the true Church, and that the SSPX was a remnant that fought against that.

You might also want to warn her about how some of the SSPX chapels have begun to reconnect with the Vatican now, so that she knows to watch out for that...

Perhaps, if you know where she lives, you could find the closest good chapel to her and recommend it to her.

Also, maybe you could recommend her talking to a good traditional Catholic priest. He will be able to answer any questions she might have without there being any pressure from your family. And, he will do everything in his power to help her just in general...

Hope this helps! :-)

I shall be praying for her!

Centroamerica · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2016, 08:47:34 AM »

Thanks everyone. I think this is a great grace, as you have mentioned. I will pray for her. The nearest chapel is the one where my cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandmother attend. I think it would do her some good to go back. In context, the two female cousins that I have went to a very liberal college (UW). Her sister deleted me from facebook for speaking against the laws passed for homo 'marriage'. We are talking about baptized, first communion, and confirmation in a SSPX chapel. The modern world is a dangerous place, especially colleges.

So, I have tried to explain some basic things, sent some videos, and gave her a simple breakdown on the Faith and where we are headed in these dark times. I asked her to gather her thoughts and ask questions based on what she was confused about, so that the conversation could be more coherent. She replied that she will make a list of questions to begin and watch the video I sent "What we have lost and the road to recovery". I suspect that she is being told all kinds of false info by Novus Ordos, maybe a boyfriend or family member that went full Novus Ordo after our grandfather died. I'm not sure. But I will try to respond to her as best as I can and keep her in my prayers.

songbird · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2016, 11:32:06 AM »

My niece did the same thing with me, her aunt. She was so impressed by a book that we gave to her, "My Catholic Faith" by Fr. Morrow. Can be found on Amazon.com.

Oh, how beautiful that you are coming together. She is thirsting for info! Wow! Keep in touch and pray, pray. She wants it!

AMDGJMJ · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2016, 08:11:18 PM »

It sounds as if you are absolutely on the right track!

My father went to UW back in the 70's, and it was not half as bad. Yet, because of what he saw, he had us all be home-schooled.

Modern colleges really are dangerous... A number of my close friends also fell away after starting to attend college. My eldest sister Also left all faith and morality behind after going to what is considered a nominally "catholic" college.

I shall continue to keep your cousin in my prayers...

Keep fighting and may God bless you!