Animated by hope, grounded in faith. 

The St. Monica Ministry is a dedicated community and prayer network offering hope and support to the families and friends of fallen-away Catholics. In imitation of St. Monica, who persevered in petition and self-denial for the sake of her son Augustine's return to the Faith, the members of the St. Monica Ministry pray, fast, and care unconditionally for loved ones who have left the Church.

The ministry was formed in November 2022 at the behest of the Most Reverend Alfred Schlert, Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, PA. What started as a gathering of local Catholics has become a global outreach, with more than thirty parish-based chapters in the U.S. and subscribers on five continents.

All that is needed to form a chapter of the St. Monica Ministry is a willing heart and the approval of one's pastor.

Chapter guidelines are set forth in the St. Monica Ministry Manual for Parishes, a user-friendly resource that outlines a practical grassroots program for turning the hearts of our fallen-away loved ones. 

Do you feel lost and alone in prayer? Do you desire hope for your prodigal's return?

The St. Monica Ministry prays regularly for its members and for its members' intentions. The ministry sponsors monthly Holy Hours of Petition and Hope, encourages recitation of the Rosary of Supplication for Our Prodigals, and promotes the Green Scapular devotion as a means of invoking Our Lady's help. Masses are offered through Mass associations and at St. Theresa Church in Hellertown, PA, the home parish of the St. Monica Ministry. The St Monica Ministry also maintains a list of prodigals' names that have been submitted by members of the ministry. Thirty names are printed each month in the Prayers for Prodigals section of the St. Monica Ministry newsletter. Members lift up the prodigals in prayer, each by name, offering prayers and sacrifices for a different prodigal on each day of the month.

To subscribe to the St. Monica Ministry newsletter, email stmonicaministry27@gmail.com. 

Do you feel responsible for your prodigal's choices? Do you struggle to communicate with your fallen-away loved one?

As a support community, the St. Monica Ministry has a strong relational dimension. We know what you are going through because we are walking that same road. St. Monica Ministry meetings and book discussions provide a place of compassion and understanding. The ministry also promotes fellowship through its special events, including an annual Mass and dinner on the Memorial of St. Monica. 

Registration for the 2025 St. Monica dinner is now open. 

The St. Monica Ministry at St. Theresa Parish, Hellertown

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish (1408 Easton Road, Hellertown, PA 18015) is the founding parish of the St. Monica Ministry. 

St. Monica Ministry Holy Hour of Petition and Hope 

Takes place at St. Theresa's at 6:00pm on the second Tuesday of each month.

Presiders:

August 12 - Rev. Mark Searles, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Ambler 

September 9 - Rev. Keith A. Mathur, Director, Office for Divine Worship, Allentown Diocese 

October 14 - Rev. Aaron Scheidel, Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown

November 11 - Rev. Philip J. Maas, St. Thomas More Parish, Allentown

December 6 - Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, NO HOLY HOUR

Evening meetings of the St. Monica Ministry take place monthly, immediately following the Holy Hour of Petition and Hope. Morning meetings take place in the parish's Friendship Hall at 10:00 on the last Friday of each month.

Currently under discussion at meetings is The Prodigal You Love: Inviting Loved Ones Back to the Church, by former prodigal Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP. For book discussion details, please email StMonicaMinistry27@gmail.com. 

The coordinator and founder of the St. Monica Ministry is Celeste Behe. Email Celeste at StMonicaMinistry27@gmail.com or text 484-554-2022.