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By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
A Princeton Junction parish is taking up the cause of bringing back those who have stepped away from the faith — with a little heavenly help.
Responding to a growing need for prayers for prodigal sons and daughters, particularly younger Catholics no longer practicing their faith, St. David the King Parish will offer a special vigil Mass Aug. 26, the evening before the feast of St. Monica. The name of the Mass, “A Mother’s Prayer Never Ends: An evening of prayer for children and grandchildren away from the faith,” honors its patron saint’s resolute heart and enduring hope.
The idea for this dedicated Mass came from conversations that Father Jason Parzynski, pastor of St. David the King, had with multiple parishioners. Hearing their common laments about the pain of generational drift and loss ultimately inspired Father Parzynski to launch an ongoing initiative.
“Beginning with the vigil, the parish will join together before each weekend Mass to pray ‘Prayer of St. Monica’ for children, grandchildren, family members, and loved ones who have fallen away from the practice of the faith,” said Father Parzynski, who added that the prayer also will be mounted inside parish hymnals.
The initiative “reflects our hope that the vigil will be more than a single event,” he continued, “and instead become a lasting commitment to prayer and hope for families carrying this intention.”
Monica’s Steadfast Prayer
“So many people carry the burden of having children or grandchildren who are no longer practicing the faith,” Father Parzynski said. “It is often a source of deep concern, heartache and constant prayer. If we can help direct people toward hope and remind them that God never stops pursuing those He loves, there is no greater gift we can offer.”
Father Parzynski said St. Monica “is one of the Church’s greatest examples of perseverance in prayer.” For years she prayed and sacrificed for her son, St. Augustine, who struggled to find his way to the truth of Christ. “Her steadfast faith and trust in God ultimately bore fruit in Augustine’s conversion and eventual sainthood.”
For those watching a family member walk away from the faith, “St. Monica offers both encouragement and hope,” he said. “She reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace – and that our prayers, offered faithfully and persistently, can become instruments through which God draws hearts back to himself.”
“I know there are members of my own family who no longer actively practice, and that reality is painful,” Father Parzynski said. “Yet the hope we find in Christ, and in the example of St. Monica, is that we never stop praying.”
Stories Father Parzynski has heard from his grandparent parishioners “are deeply moving,” and many involve shifts into other Christian communities. Some children and grandchildren have joined evangelical churches “because they feel more welcomed or connected to a particular style of worship.” Others tried Protestant Bible studies in college and gradually drifted from the Catholic faith.
Working to Bring Back Catholics
“Perhaps most often, I hear from parents and grandparents whose loved ones have simply stopped practicing the faith altogether,” he said. “For many, the pain becomes especially acute with the birth of grandchildren. They long to share the gift of faith with the next generation yet find themselves facing difficult situations where the importance of Baptism and a life rooted in Christ is no longer understood or embraced.”
“Behind each of these stories,” Father Parzynski said, “is a profound love for family and a sincere concern for their spiritual well-being,” revealing “the deep desire of parents and grandparents to see their loved ones encounter Christ and return to the practice of the faith.”
In addition to fervent prayer, Father Parzynski believes the Church can build on what is working in places where young adult ministry thrives.
“There is a strong emphasis on building authentic community rooted in faith … [and] a genuine sense of welcome,” regardless of participants’ faith background. “Most importantly, successful ministries are intentional about helping people deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, study, discussion and the Sacraments.
“When you look at vibrant parishes, you consistently find hospitality, meaningful relationships, and a clear connection to the sacramental life of the Church,” he said. “That is the same approach we see in the ministry of Jesus himself.”
The Mass begins at 7 p.m. St. David the King Parish is located at 1 New Village Road, Princeton Junction. For more information visit https://stdavidtheking.com or call the parish office, 609-275-7111.