How to Respond When Family Choices Conflict with Church Teaching (Father Simon Says)

On Father Simon Says, Kathy called Father Simon with a Christmas dilemma: her stepson and his girlfriend live together, and the couple has invited the family over for Christmas Eve. Kathy says that she feels like she should take a stand and not attend, but she also doesn't want to cause a rift in the family. Father Simon didn’t recommend pretending. “A lie is not good either,” he said, addressing Kathy's explanation that her husband planned to cover for her by saying she was sick. He also reminds her that staying home won't change the situation: “You’re not going to change the situation whether you go or don’t go.” Father emphasized that she would not be “causing them to live in sin or encouraging them to do it” by attending the party. So his advice was simple and bold: go, stay in relationship, and offer a clear sign of hope through a gift. Since Kathy’s stepson was baptized Catholic but no longer practices, Father Simon suggested giving him Father Rocky’s book Marriage Insurance for Christmas. Then, instead of scolding, he encouraged her to discuss her concerns with positivity and warmth: “I just think she’s a wonderful girl and I hope that someday you’ll be married.” In Father Simon's eyes, it’s a way to stay honest, keep the door open, and let kindness and faith do their quiet work. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.