Today’s topic is both relevant and sensitive for many of you – the pain and worry parents face when their adult children leave the Catholic Church. When adult sons or daughters stop practicing the faith, reject Catholic teaching, or leave the Church entirely, Catholic parents take on a cross that brings much pain and suffering. They may experience deep sorrow, fear for their children’s souls, hopelessness, grief, or even a sense of failure. This is a common cross in our current culture, and if you are carrying it yourself, you are not alone.