Considering Going Back To The Catholic Church

Hi everyone. I am considering going back to the Catholic Church as a practicing Catholic. However, one obstacle is my boyfriend. I love him so much and I don't want to do anything that would hurt our relationship. And while I honestly don't think he'd care if I became a practicing Catholic again, its just the idea that him and I only want one child and the Catholic Church requires you to be open to life. So what can we do? Can we practice natural family planning and be okay with that or can you only use natural family planning for serious reasons? Some input from Catholics would be appreciated.

Also, I would love it if my boyfriend would start going to church with me. He has never been a practicing Catholic. His mom forced him to get confirmed and so he has only been to confession once and he's just never been a practicing Catholic. Please pray for both of us. Thank you.

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May I ask why you posted in a seeking a church forum, it doesn't sound like you are seeking a church, but have rather made a decision. Maybe I misread your post and you would clarify.

Marv

As I see it, you are considering returning to the Catholic Church "as a practicing Catholic." In other words, you already consider yourself a Catholic but haven't been practicing the faith diligently and now would like to do so if possible.

The Popes have been consistent and emphatic that Catholics are not to use artificial means of contraception, and the Church's view is that this is a rule instead of a personal opinion or suggestion, meaning that Catholics are expected to abide by that.

As a practicing Catholic, the alternative is natural childbirth which many Catholics say does work if consistently and carefully followed, but everyone knows that it is much less certain than any artificial method. You didn't say so, so you probably are not under the false impression that having as many children as possible is expected of Catholics, just that artificial methods not be used to prevent conception.

On the other hand, this is an area where standards have changed over the years with changes in science and knowledge. It's not like the Trinity. So, there are millions of Catholics who defy the Church on this matter, saying that although the Pope's and the priests' determination is authoritative because they are placed in authority to lead, there never has been a decree made on the matter that is deemed to be infallible as, for instance, the Pope did with Mary's Assumption. So because there are so many Catholics in good standing otherwise who are in this situation, it might be a good idea just to come clean with a priest and ask him what he thinks of your dilemma. It won't be the first time he's encountered it, that's for sure.

For this really, I'd say ask the good folks of OBOB.

Since this is a "Looking for a Church" forum, chances are high someone will bring up some argument or another on why you should not start practicing again and instead go this direction or that. Or they'd bring up false practices.

Either way, neither are really helpful.

But still, ask the good folks of OBOB for the better answers.

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From EC:

Since this is a "Looking for a Church" forum, chances are high someone will bring up some argument or another on why you should not start practicing again and instead go this direction or that. Or they'd bring up false practices.

Either way, neither are really helpful.End Quote

While it is true that the advice you get in this part of the forum can point you in several directions at once, I disagree that this is not helpful.

I believe that truth will stand up to scrutiny. Are we not seeking the truth here?

A question for you DS is this: Do you want to base where you spend eternity on YOUR personal preferences, or on GOD's will? That is the issue here.

I recommend some serious personal Bible study with and without your sweetheart. If you plan to have a family with this man, let God be part of it from the beginning. You can't go wrong if you stick to what the Bible says.

Annie

I'm not Catholic but I can't think of a good reason why you coudln't use NFP with a clear conscience.

NFP is not a good form of birth control if it is desired as birth control and either of you has a problem with self-control or delayed gratification. A word of warning from BTDT, got #2 that way

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Will keep you both in my prayers. I am sure if you stay open to God's plan everything will work out. I just heard on the Tv this morning a number to call if you were using a certain patch to get your claim for side effects from use?

Peace be with you.

closing at request of OP