Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



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We Pray to the Lord
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Subject Topic: Discernment and Apologetics Post ReplyPost New Topic
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guitarnan
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 11:56am | IP Logged Quote guitarnan
Hi everyone,

I am struggling right now, trying to find the right thing to say to some friends who are losing their faith. They have stopped going to Mass and are going to a non-denominational church in their town. Their daughter is one of my many godchildren, and I feel very sad that this dear child and two of her sisters might never make their First Communions or really know the joy of Jesus in the Eucharist.

I really don't know what to say to these friends. The circumstances of this decision are complicated, and I know two things for sure - they haven't told me the whole story, and they won't easily be swayed from this path.

I've talked with their former pastor and he just told me the Holy Spirit will tell me what to say when the time comes. I think I need a plan AND the Spirit's help.

Meanwhile I am also trying to discern whether I should be spending time online and in real life trying to help people and organizations, or whether it's time to back away a bit and get my own spiritual life in better order.

Please pray for me, and feel free to suggest resources or thoughts I can share with my friends. I love them and their children dearly and I can hardly even bear to discuss this topic with them, because I am sad. Yet, I know God is calling me to talk with them about this once again. He's made that clear.

Thanks for your prayers.

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hylabrook1
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 12:34pm | IP Logged Quote hylabrook1
Praying for you and for your goddaughter's family, Nancy. God's hand is on you all, always, even when (especially when?) you feel so helpless.

Peace,
Nancy
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Ruth
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 12:35pm | IP Logged Quote Ruth
Praying for you, Nancy.

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Michaela
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 12:55pm | IP Logged Quote Michaela
Nancy, you have my prayers as you try to find the words to speak with your friends and through conversation(s) they feel led to share their reasons.
Also, praying as you discern where you should be...helping others on line/real life or need to pull back.   Big hugs!

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Angie Mc
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 3:18pm | IP Logged Quote Angie Mc
Praying for you all, Nancy. Search and Rescue by Patrick Madrid might help with a plan.

Love,

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DominaCaeli
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 3:45pm | IP Logged Quote DominaCaeli
Praying here, Nancy--this sounds like such a difficult and sad situation.

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Rachel May
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 4:06pm | IP Logged Quote Rachel May
praying, Nancy.

Thanks for the book suggestion, Angie.

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Carole N.
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 4:22pm | IP Logged Quote Carole N.
Praying for you and for your friends!

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aussieannie
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 4:26pm | IP Logged Quote aussieannie
Praying for you and your friends Nancy!

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MaryM
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 4:28pm | IP Logged Quote MaryM
Praying, Nancy. What a hard place to be in as a godparent.

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guitarnan
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 4:32pm | IP Logged Quote guitarnan
Thank you, Angie, for the book suggestion. I will try to get it right away! I read some reviews and it seems as though Patrick Madrid really encourages apologists to pray, pray, pray - that's advice I really need. Now I just have to get healthy enough to bring this important intention to Holy Hour Wednesday.

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Mackfam
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Posted: June 16 2008 at 10:51pm | IP Logged Quote Mackfam
Praying for your intentions, Nancy. And especially for this family.

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Wendy
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Posted: June 17 2008 at 10:28am | IP Logged Quote Wendy
Praying for you, Nancy!

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cathhomeschool
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Posted: June 17 2008 at 9:17pm | IP Logged Quote cathhomeschool
Praying for your intentions, Nancy. I am sure that the Holy Spirit is guiding you. And He had a reason for inspiring your friends to pick you as a godmother. He knows and orders all things and will lead you now.

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