I. Introduction (Week 1)
- Activity: “Sharing Our Stories”
- Have parents break into small groups and share their initial reactions when they learned their child left the Church. What were their feelings? What were their immediate responses?
- This allows parents to connect with others experiencing similar emotions and begin to process their own grief and confusion in a safe space.
II. Understanding Why Adult Children Leave the Church (Week 2)
- Activity: “Generational Perspectives”
- Divide parents into groups based on the approximate age of their adult children (e.g., early 20s, late 20s, 30s and older).
- Have each group brainstorm the unique cultural influences and pressures that may have impacted their children’s faith journeys.
- This helps parents gain a deeper understanding of the broader context and how it may differ from their own experiences.
III. Self-Reflection for Parents (Week 3)
- Activity: “Examining Our Influence”
- Provide each parent with a worksheet or journaling prompts that guide them through self-reflection.
- Examples:
- “What are some ways my own faith journey has evolved over time?”
- “Were there any inconsistencies between my words and actions that my child might have observed?”
- “How might my approach to faith have influenced my child’s perspective?”
- Have parents share insights from their reflection with a partner or in small groups (optional).
IV. Strategies for Engaging in Respectful Dialogue (Week 4)
- Activity: “Role-Playing Challenging Conversations”
- Prepare scenarios based on common reasons adult children give for leaving the Church.
- Have parents pair up and take turns role-playing as the parent and the adult child.
- This provides a safe space to practice communication skills and explore different approaches to difficult conversations.
V. Maintaining a Loving Relationship (Week 5)
- Activity: “Identifying Shared Values”
- Have parents brainstorm a list of values they share with their adult children, regardless of their religious beliefs (e.g., compassion, honesty, service to others).
- Discuss ways to connect with their children based on these shared values.
- This helps parents shift the focus away from religious differences and towards building stronger relationships.
VI. Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit (Week 6)
- Activity: “Sharing Stories of Faith”
- Invite parents to share stories of how they have experienced the Holy Spirit working in their own lives or in the lives of others.
- Discuss how these stories can provide hope and encouragement, even when facing challenges.
- This reinforces the message that faith is ultimately a gift from God and that parents can trust in His plan.
VII. Finding Peace and Support (Week 7)
- Activity: “Building a Support Network”
- Facilitate a discussion about the importance of seeking support from others.
- Encourage parents to connect with one another and exchange contact information.
- Provide information about local support groups, online communities, or other resources.
VIII. Conclusion (Week 8)
- Activity: “Letters of Love and Hope”
- Have parents write a letter to their adult child expressing their unconditional love, support, and hope for the future.
- This provides a tangible way for parents to express their feelings and reaffirm their commitment to the relationship.
Important Notes:
- Create a Safe and Supportive Environment: Emphasize confidentiality, respect, and non-judgment within the group.
- Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust the activities based on the needs and dynamics of the group.
- Facilitation: Ensure that the facilitator is skilled in leading group discussions and creating a comfortable atmosphere for sharing.
Spiritual Component: Consider incorporating prayer, scripture reflection, or other spiritual practices into each session.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post