Evangelizing The Catholic Men In The Lives Of Catholic Women

The most frequent prayer request of Catholic women is that the men in their lives—their husbands, sons, and grandsons—would return to Jesus and His Holy Catholic Church. These wives and mothers have experienced the joy of the Catholic faith and the sorrow that comes when their marriages and families are not united in Christ. What they want most of all is for their men not only to return to the faith but to take an active role in leading the family’s faith life.

Yet millions of Catholic men have drifted away. Most have never had a true conversion in Jesus. They may know Catholic teaching, but have never come to realize that Jesus is the Savior and they personally need to be saved. Still others feel Catholicism has little to do with the demands of modern life and hasn’t helped them find real happiness.

In the midst of sorrow, remember that God promises to comfort those who mourn (Mt 5:5) and that all things are possible in Jesus (Mt 19:26). St. Paul teaches that “the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife” (1 Cor 7:14), and St. Peter confirms that “some husbands may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives” (1 Pet 3:1). Rather than giving into despair or giving up, heroic Catholic women can realize that God is calling them to the astounding mission of joyfully helping lead their men back to Him.

Here are a few ideas to help draw the men in your life back to Jesus and His Holy Catholic Church:

• Pray boldly and persistently – Ask God to not only draw your men back but also to make them great saints who will help build His Church. Pray a daily Memorare, entrusting your men to Our Lady, and pray for St. Joseph’s powerful intercession. Ask also for St. Monica’s prayers, she who persevered until her son Augustine was converted and became a saint.
• Beautify and sanctify your home – Place crucifixes, Catholic art (Jesus as Savior and King, St. Joseph, heroic saints), Bibles, and prayer books in visible places, along with a Catholic calendar on the refrigerator. Invite your priest to bless your home.
• Ask your husband to lead family prayer – Profess your love to your husband and humbly ask him to lead the family in prayer at dinner and before bedtime.
• Celebrate the Sabbath – Set the example of dressing in your most beautiful clothing and helping your children dress respectfully for Mass. Refrain from shopping on Sunday and make a beautiful family dinner served around a well-set table.
• Give your man practical tools – Provide resources that speak directly to men. Becoming a Happier Catholic Man – 2026 is one such book designed to help every Catholic man encounter Jesus more deeply, prepare well for Mass, and discover the true and lasting happiness that comes in living a heroic Catholic life.

Thanks be to God for your faith, and may God use you to help draw your men back to Him.

Matthew James Christoff is a Catholic convert, husband, father, and grandfather. He is the founder of Every Catholic Man and the author of Becoming a Happier Catholic Man – 2026.