Fr. Chad Ripperger discusses why children may become “wayward” and leave the Catholic faith. He argues that strong religious formation within the family is crucial, with both parents playing complementary roles. He also argues that a lack of self-denial and discipline in modern family life has contributed to children becoming less prepared to persevere when life becomes difficult.

Outlining ways parents can both prevent and respond to a child abandoning the faith, he recommends consistent prayer, strong catechesis, teaching the virtues and developing habits of self-discipline from an early age. For children who have already become wayward, he encourages parents to pray for insight into the underlying cause, seek healing for emotional wounds, offer Masses and rosaries, and maintain persistent prayer for conversion.

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September 11, 2026