The Prodigal You Love: Inviting Loved Ones Back to the Church

by Theresa Aletheia Noble

Using the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, a former fallen-away Catholic, shares her own story of return to the Church as well as practical tips to invite your loved ones back. She encourages you to meet your loved ones where they are while giving tips to encourage them to return to the Church. She emphasizes the importance of humility, faith, personal sanctity and hope in the journey we take with those we love. With her gentle encouragement, Sr. Theresa Aletheia will help you to continue to hope for the conversion of your friends and family, so that you might share the joy of the Father when The Prodigal You Love returns home.

Genres: Catholic, Faith, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Memoir

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP is a former atheist who, thanks to the grace of God, has returned to the faith she was raised in and now tries to help others bring their loved ones back to the faith. A few years after returning to the Church, she heard God calling her, so she left her job in Silicon Valley to join the Daughters of St. Paul. She now lives in Miami, where she prays, evangelizes, bakes bread, and blogs.

Reviews

[Melanie Rigney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a longtime admirer of Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble's Pursued by Truth blog and her grace-filled, graceful writing style. The Prodigal You Love exhibits the same beautiful writing... and a thoughtful, perhaps provocative message that to reach out to those away from the Church, evangelization through love, not condemnation and threats, is the answer. In fact, I said to someone that her entire book could be summed up by adding a comma to the title: "The Prodigal, You Love." Her analogy of our lives being like walking through a forest looking for water, with the Lord being the Living Water, continually seeking to guide us back to the path, was especially moving. That is not to say Sister shies away from encouraging followers to talk about God and their faith journey to those they love; quite the contrary. She writes: "Our evangelization can take many forms. We do not have to write articles or stand on street corners (unless God calls us to do that). But we do need to love, and to be love in the Church. When we love God, we will naturally extend this love to others and this love will attract souls to the freedom of Christ in the Church." As a revert myself, I can attest that that is the best way to win souls back to the Kingdom.

[Cathy Q de V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I will say though, that for those weary of Vatican 2 and Pope Francis, the book is filled with quotes which may make you pause. The quotes themselves are fully orthodox from what I can tell and do add value to the book but since I tend to be in more traditional circles it did surprise me (no disrespect intended!). This book really touched my heart for a variety of reasons. Particularly Chapter 3 on listening to the Holy Spirit was very fruitful to me. Learning to discern and listen to the voice of the Spirit in my life is a skill that is so important for Christians. The prayers at the end are very beautiful. Overall, I do believe the Holy Spirit led me to this book to give me some guidance and hope for the "prodigals" in my life I am praying for, as well as even just helping my children stay in the faith.

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical for someone who is hoping a loved one will return to the church. The best parts of the book were when she made connections between her own experiences and the philosophical ideas she wanted to convey. I wish she had gone more in-depth with her own journey. From atheist to nun is quite a transition!

[Rachel Vryhof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends and family no longer coming to church? No longer believing in God or just organized religion in general? Sister Theresa comes at the issue from so many angles! Food for thought primarily about our own behavior, because that's what we have the ability to change. While it still left me longing for a magic bullet, it left me feeling hopeful that we really don't need one.

[Bill Breen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a personal story of drifting away and coming back to the church by St. Theresa. Provides background and encouragement for coping with family and friends who leave the church and how to gently,patiently and lovingly be there for their possible (not inevitable) return.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the publicist for this author. If you are discouraged and losing hope on how to bring your loved ones back to the church, Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble gives you concrete examples and steps to take, but you may be surprised at her answers.
How does someone go from cradle Catholic, to atheist, to practicing Catholic and eventually to consecrated religious? Having taken the road traveled by many who have left the faith and found her way back to the Loving Father of us all, Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble will gently guide your journey.
Whether your family members have left the faith, or you just wish for the opportunity to strengthen your own faith, this book is well worth the read. If your hope is faltering that your loved ones will ever listen, perhaps you should start with the chapter on hope and then open to the first page and begin your journey.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I would highly recommend to any Christian who may have a loved one who no longer practices their faith. Sr. Theresa was raised a Catholic and later left her faith, considering herself to be an atheist for many years. Her road back to the church is a story of hope and reconciliation, providing her with a unique insight for those who mourn the loss of faith of their loved ones.

I was pleasantly surprised by Sr. Theresa's approach to the subject. She asks the reader to begin by looking within. Am I starting from a place of humility? This provides a foundation for relating to the "Prodigal" in a way that will substantially increase the likelihood of being heard.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book contains many good and practical ideas. There is nothing new or innovative in it, but it is a good refresher. Catholics I know who have struggled with bringing a loved one back into the Church have usually learned all these lessons already (usually through experience). I guess this book would save someone from making a couple of these newbie evangelizing mistakes...

Appropriate read for the Year of Mercy, but I cannot think of whom I would recommend it to.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical real life examples for how to be a good Christian. It was very easy to identify with the author and see what she means within my own day to day life.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I pretty much highlighted this entire book! I will continue to refer back to it over and over!!