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Hi, Rosetta —
Thanks for the question.
You are in a tough situation.
If she is more open to a "psychic
healer" for help instead of
the Church, there may not be much
you can do.
One of the toughest things a person
in your situation has to do is accept
a [family member's or friend's] free
will to do dumb things that over
time hurt themselves. It's their
free will, not yours.
Nevertheless, you should, in a charitable
manner, make her aware of what the
Church teaches in this area: (ONCE)
[From the Catechism]
CCC 2116 All forms of divination
are to be rejected: recourse to
Satan or demons, conjuring up
the dead or other practices falsely
supposed to "unveil" the
future. Consulting horoscopes,
astrology, palm reading, interpretation
of omens and lots, the phenomena
of clairvoyance, and recourse
to mediums all conceal a desire
for power over time, history,
and, in the last analysis, other
human beings, as well as a wish
to conciliate hidden powers. They
contradict the honor, respect,
and loving fear that we owe to
God alone.
In these situations, it can be hard
to communicate a true concern for
her well-being, by telling her what
the Church teaches, while maintaining
cohesion with her as well as other
family members.
This is especially true if she has
an animosity against the Church.
Nevertheless, it's important to remember:
If you can't communicate with
her, you can't help her, so strive
not to
"burn any bridges of
communication".
Prayer is always helpful.
I suggest:
- pray
- be a good Catholic witness to
her
- make sure she knows that you
are there for her if she needs
YOU.
- If possible, I would encourage
her to pray the Rosary; send her
one by getting a FREE
one.
Final side note: My answer can also
be applied
to similar situations where family
members are striving to get their
other family members back to:
- Sunday Mass
- the sacraments
- etc.
It's tough, I know, because I've
been put in this situation. As long
as your family members know they
should be going to Sunday Mass due
to the third commandment you can
have a clear conscience. You aren't
responsible for DUMB decisions they
make; even if it effects your god
child. The
parents are the primary educators
of their children; not the god parents.
The god parents are their to pray
and assist the parents in the education
the god child.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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