LONGWOOD | If you are a practicing Catholic, you most likely have or know children who have strayed from the faith.
“Nones,” or the religiously unaffiliated, are said to be the largest population in the United States — 28%. But one parish is finding strength in prayer through Millions of Monicas.
With St. Monica as a model of persistent prayer, leading to the conversion of her son, St. Augustine, and husband, millions of women across the globe are meeting on a regular basis for one hour to pray for children who have left the church. Nativity Parish began their own Millions of Monicas ministry in April 2024.
Joanne Wharry has four grown children between the ages of 25 and 33. Like so many other Catholic families who raised their children in the faith, her children no longer practice. She worried about their spiritual life and prayed for them often. Now, she still prays daily, knowing others are praying for her children too. It has helped her surrender much of her worry.
“In the back of my mind, I wanted to start a prayer group where people could pray for their kids,” Wharry said. “But I’m not the type of woman to go and organize things.”
When she learned of Millions of Monicas on social media, she couldn’t believe it. Further investigation led her to learn the program comes with everything needed. Groups meet one hour a week or monthly, as in the case of Nativity Parish, ideally before the Blessed Sacrament. Format and prayer sheets are already set up.
Wharry reached out to her pastor, Father David Scotchie, seeking permission to start a group. He loved the idea and blessed it, provided she found two other co-facilitators — a ministry requirement.
“So many parishioners are praying for their children to come back to church,” Father Scotchie said, adding what he likes most about the ministry is that it is simple and led by laity. “This is a way to get together and find strength and wisdom in their faith and lift them up to heaven. And I know God will hear their prayers.”
Knowing few people at the parish, God put it on Wharry’s heart to ask Ellen Kairis, a friendly acquaintance whose joyous demeanor was apparent. She asked Kairis if she had children and if they practiced the faith.
“I thought about St. Monica and St. Augustine. Then I thought about my own children,” Kairis recalled. “They don’t want to go to church anymore, and they don’t believe. I thought, this is perfect. I feel God will give us help and honor our prayers. We can do this. We can pray for our children. It’s not our time. It’s God’s time. We just need to continue to be faithful.”
Kairis asked her friend, Leslie Canal, to prayerfully consider becoming the third facilitator. Experiencing many of the same concerns, Canal said yes.
The three began by briefly teaching the group about St. Monica and St. Augustine and followed the prescribed format. Through Scripture meditation, prayer, song, and acknowledging the moments in between their meetings where they have seen Christ at work in the lives of their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and others — the group has grown up to 30 strong some Saturdays, often welcoming people from other parishes.
Canal took comfort in knowing this was something she was doing behind the scenes for her daughter. Then one day, her husband mentioned the prayer group to one of their daughters. Terrified at first, she realized, “It was a Holy Spirit moment.”
She explained how her friends also prayed because their children do not go to church. “There are a lot of women who struggle with this in big ways,” she told her daughter. “It’s time for us to come together and pray for you all. Life is hard out there. But God is there and should be a part of your life.”
Carline Lindor is a Nativity parishioner who attends the monthly prayer hour. “It’s very important. Our children need our prayers,” she said. “Knowing what St. Monica went through with St. Augustine, we know prayer works because St. Augustine became somebody really good. So, we’re bringing it to God and letting Him take care of it.”
Lindor said praying together gives those gathered more power “knowing you’re not in it alone.” “You thought your issue was unique and you realize it’s not… There’s strength in knowing God is with you,” she said.
And she is seeing the effects of their prayers already. She said her children are more open, more loving, more respectful, and they call and check on her now. She said getting God “involved” and praying as a group makes the difference.
“Everyone’s goal is to have better children, better Christians for tomorrow, for our future so when they start having their own kids, they know this God is real. If you pray to Him, He can do things. He will deliver us. He will take care of us,” she said.
Jessie Cardin also attends regularly. “We know where two or more are gathered in His name, He’s there. It’s stronger when you pray together. It fortifies you,” she said.
To learn more about Millions of Monicas visit: http://www.MillionsofMonicas.com.
By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic Staff, November 27, 2024