St. Monica's Mission

A Prayerful Journey of Perseverance and Hope

Dear St. Monica,

We now ask you to pray with us
for all those sons and daughters 
that have wandered away from God,
and to add your prayers to those of all mothers
who are worried over their children.

Pray also for us that,
following your example, we may,
in the company of our children,
one day enjoy the eternal vision 
of our Father in Heaven.

Amen.

Contact

Megan Rumohr
mrumohr@rcav.org
604-683-0281

Prayers to Saint Monica

Free Book Discussion Guide

St. Monica was born into a Christian family in Algeria and married to a pagan Roman government official, Patricius. Together they had three children, the oldest was Augustine.

St. Monica prayed unceasingly for years for Augustine who lived a life far from God. She prayed, fasted, and shed many tears for her son.

God was listening and finally answered St. Monica’s prayers. Augustine abandoned his sinful life and accepted baptism. St. Monica died peacefully knowing that her son had repented.

Her Feast Day is August 27th. St. Augustine’s Feast Day is August 28th.

Free Individual Reflection Guide

St. Monica, patron of Christian parents, we entrust to your protection, the children whose names you can read in our hearts. 

Pray for them, that they may be granted strength to combat weakness, victory over temptation, guidance to resolve their doubts, and success in all their undertakings. 

May they enjoy good health and mind and body, see beauty and worth in all created things, and serve the Lord with firm faith, joyful hope, and enduring love.

Amen.

Who is Saint Monica?

Exemplary mother of the Great Augustine, you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven.

Intercede for all parents in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.

Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.

Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea for (mention your petitions here) and grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.

Amen.

Blessed Monica, mother of St. Augustine,
we give thanks to our Father in Heaven
Who looked with mercy upon your tears
over your wayward son.
His conversion and heroic sanctification
were the fruit of your prayers.

Many parents are grieving the loss of their adult child’s faith in the Catholic Church. This Year of the Family is an ideal time of grace for parents to pray, fast, and sacrifice for their conversion.

Monthly Holy Hour

Parents are encouraged to join us for our St. Monica’s Holy Hours which will be held on the Third Friday of the month. See below for the list of upcoming Holy Hours and where they will be located:


Monthly Online Rosaries

All parents are welcome to join us on the First Friday of the month to pray the rosary together online. Please join our e-mail list to be notified of the link.

Resource

Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church 
by Brandon Vogt

Learn more about the book

“We need a different strategy. We need to understand the real reasons why our young people drift away, and we need a game plan to bring them home. We need Return.”

Join the E-mail List

  • Be notified about our monthly Holy Hours and online Rosaries
  • Receive our e-mail updates to stay accountable and be encouraged to continue in your commitments to fasting, sacrifice and prayer for your children 
  • Participate in the St. Monica’s Novenas throughout this year
Sign up here to receive updates

Fasting and Sacrifice

Here are a few basic principles to consider while fasting for your children:

  1. Fast for the right purpose – The purpose of Christian fasting isn’t to look or feel better, it is to orient our minds and souls more completely towards God.
  2. Fast humbly – Fasting should be discrete and not draw attention to self. 
  3. Fast from non-food items – What things or activities am I most attached to? Do not restrict your fasting to food. 
  4. Fast from things you enjoy – Fasting is typically helpful only if you enjoy what you are giving up. 
  5. Fast in small doses – A great attitude for fasting is to “Do small things with great love.” 
  6. Fast specifically for your child – Specifically attach your sacrifice to your child’s needs – this can involve saying a simple prayer during times of longing. 

(Paraphrased from Return)

“Fasting will loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke.” (Isaiah 58:6)

Accountability Groups

Consider different ways to remain accountable to your commitments to prayer, fasting and sacrifice for your child’s return to the faith:

  • Reach out to a friend to establish an accountability partnership during the St. Monica’s Mission.
  • Form a fellowship within your parish, friends or family who are also making similar commitments for their children.
  • Share with others your plan for prayer, fasting and sacrifice during the St. Monica’s Mission.
  • Begin a small-group study using the resources from Return.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

Rosary Bracelets for Sale

Parents are invited to purchase rosary bracelets to wear as a physical reminder to pray intentionally for your children during this year.

Local designer, Glory Be Studios is generously offering a limited number of greatly discounted bracelet and pocket rosaries through St. Monica’s Mission. Because of the limited number, we ask that you purchase no more than two for your household. 

Rosaries can be pre-purchased below. Purchases received before the end of day on the 3rd Thursdays of the month will be available for pickup in person the following day at the Holy Hour. 

  • 1-decade adjustable cord bracelet ($10) 
  • 1-decade non-adjustable bracelet – women ($10) 
  • 2-decade non-adjustable bracelet – men ($10) 
  • 1-decade pocket rosary ($10) 
  • 5-decade wrap non-adjustable bracelet ($20)
Click here to purchase Rosary bracelets