RETURN
Nearly every Catholic family has been affected by the large numbers of young adults leaving the faith.
Our RETURN ministry provides support, training, and resources to the parents of young adults so that you can guide your children back to a relationship with Jesus and his Church, rather than unintentionally pushing them further away.
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You are not alone in this. Share the journey with fellow parents who truly understand, while learning practical strategies for success. Please join in the activities below!
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(Read this wonderful article about RETURN in Today's Catholic)
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RETURN is co-sponsored by Ablaze Mission and Diocesan Marriage & Family Ministry
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Contact
Sean Allen
858-354-9006
RETURN Rosary & Presentation
Rosary & Presentation on:
"Having Meaningful (Sometimes Difficult) Conversations with your Adult Children"​
Tuesday, October 29, 7-8:30pm
St. Therese Little Flower – Parish Center
54191 Ironwood Rd, South Bend
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Do you wish that you could have productive discussions about the faith with your adult children? Every parent dreams of having wonderful relationships with their adult children, but when our children make choices that we believe are not in their best interest, how do we talk to them about these concerns?
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This presentation provides practical advice based on the book Having Meaningful (Sometimes Difficult) Conversations with your Adult Sons and Daughters by Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak, who are family counselors, bestselling authors, national speakers, and parents themselves. Whether you want to nurture already-loving relationships or repair damaged relationships, you can draw closer and guide your children.
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Presented by Lisa Everett, Diocesan Director of Marriage & Family Ministry.
Session includes praying the Rosary, a presentation, and table discussion. The evening is free of charge. Registration is requested by not required.​​​​​​
Home for the Holidays
Steps to Awaken Faith in our Adult Children
Tuesday, December 3, 7:00-8:30pm
St. Therese Little Flower – Parish Center
54191 Ironwood Rd, South Bend
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Thursday, December 5, 7:00-8:30pm
St. Vincent de Paul Parish
1502 E. Wallen Rd, Fort Wayne
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If you are concerned about your adult child who has strayed from the practice of the faith, you are not alone. Learn steps to awaken faith in your adult children while they are home for the holidays.
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Sean Allen, Founder of Ablaze Mission, and Lisa Everett, Diocesan Director of Marriage & Family Ministry, will present practical steps to rekindle faith in young adults based on the book, Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church by Brandon Vogt.
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Please join us for this Advent evening of hope and help!
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Refreshments will be provided. The evening is free of charge, but please register so that we know how many people to expect.​
RETURN Mass & Stations
For the Return of Adult Children to the Faith
Thursday, April 3, 7:00pm
St. Therese Little Flower Church
54191 Ironwood Rd, South Bend
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Please join us for a special Mass to pray for the return of our adult children to the faith (or other loved ones). After Mass, at around 7:40pm, we will pray the Stations of the Cross with reflections written particularly for this same intention. All are welcome for Mass and/or Stations.
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No registration necessary, but let us know that you are coming!​​​
RETURN for Parishes
Bring RETURN to your Parish!​​
So many parents feel helpless when their children leave the practice of the faith. Bring understanding, support, and hope to your fellow parishioners by hosting a presentation and book study.
Step 1:
Talk with your parish staff about having us present our introductory "Bring Them Back" talk at your parish.
Step 2:
Utilize the intro talk (step 1) to gather interest for hosting a follow-up book study. We will support a designated leader to facilitate this at your parish.
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Introductory Presentation:
"Bring Them Back"​
Length: 1.5 Hours
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If you are concerned about your adult child who has strayed from the practice of the faith, you are not alone. Learn initial steps to guide your adult child to a relationship with the Lord and back to his Church.
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Practical steps are presented by Sean Allen, Founder of Ablaze Mission, and Lisa Everett, Diocesan Director of Marriage & Family Ministry.
The evening is free of charge.​​​​​
Book Study
​Length: 7 Sessions
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Are you looking for a successful strategy to help your adult child return to practicing the faith? Gather with fellow parents like you for 7 sessions to discuss the book, Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church by Brandon Vogt.​​​​​​​​
Book Study Participants​​​​
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​As you read the book, here are two resources to help you apply the content to your particular situation:
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Parish Events
St. John the Evangelist Church
109 W. Monroe St, Goshen
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Book Study:
Fridays, 6:00-7:30pm
Nov 15 & 22, Dec 6 & 13, Jan 3, 10 & 17
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Are you looking for a successful strategy to help your adult child return to practicing the faith? Gather with fellow parents like you over 7 weekly sessions to discuss the book, Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church by Brandon Vogt.​​​​
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Contact Amanda Woodiel to register.
St. Bavo Church
511 W. 7th St, Mishawaka
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Intro Talk: "Bring Them Back"
​February/March 2025
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If you are concerned about your adult child who has strayed from the practice of the faith, you are not alone. Learn initial steps to guide your adult child to a relationship with the Lord and back to his Church.
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Practical steps are presented by Sean Allen, Founder of Ablaze Mission, and Lisa Everett, Diocesan Director of Marriage & Family Ministry.
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Book Study:
March-April 2025
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Are you looking for a successful strategy to help your adult child return to practicing the faith? Gather with fellow parents like you over 7 weekly sessions to discuss the book, Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church by Brandon Vogt.
More details coming soon!​​​​​