Q: One of my granddaughters is in first grade at the local Catholic school. She asks her parents to take her to Mass every week, but they don’t, for no good reason. What can I say to them that might help them understand that they are committing a sin? They are both baptized and confirmed Catholics. We have a good relationship. I live two and a half hours away but babysit my granddaughter once a week. — Christine

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:

Your concern for your granddaughter is admirable.

Her parents have a very serious obligation to raise her in the faith and to take her to Mass. They will answer to God someday for how they fulfilled this duty.

Since you know the parents well, you’ll need to decide how best to approach them.

A few suggestions are worth considering.

First, intensify your prayers for the family. If necessary, start to offer sacrifices for them, such as moderate fasting or praying an extra rosary daily or attending weekend Masses.

Second, read up on the topic of parents’ duties and then decide whether you should share any of the postings. Three suggestions: this one by Father John Hardon, SJ; this one by the U.S. bishops’ conference; and this one by Bishop Andrew Cozzens.

Third, do your best to instill the faith in your granddaughter. During your babysitting visits be sure to weave religious themes into your conversations and pray with her and use lots of visuals (such as crucifixes and images of the Blessed Virgin Mary).

I hope some of this helps. Count on my prayers.