Converting to Catholicism :)

[Tinkerbell222222]

Hola!

First of all, thank you all so much for answering all my questions in the previous threads I've started in here. You all have been increadibly helpful and I greatly apreciate all the information you've given me.

Now then, on to the point of this thread. As some of you know, I have been doing a lot of reading and studying on Catholicism over the past two and a half months. I learned a lot and was very much challenged in some of my beliefs as a Reformed Protestant. I found I had a lot of misconceptions and that I grew up being told a lot of lies about the Catholic Church. Anyway, as a result of my studies, I have come to understand how very beautiful the Catholic faith is and also how much truth it contains. I see how very much the Protestant churches have lost in our rejection of Tradition...I could go on for hours on how much I have begun to love Catholicism, however I don't have time, so I shall not. Long story short, though, I would very much like to convert.

Here's the thing though--all of my friends and family (outside of my immeadiate family) are rather anti-Catholic. And even my imeadiate family, although accepting of such a decision on my part, is not very pleased. I don't want to displease my family and potentially loose some friends due to misinformation and closed-mindedness. My friends have already given me an increadibly hard time about spending so much time reading about Catholicism and I'm afraid of what they might say when I tell them I want to convert. I really, truely think that God is calling me to Catholicism, but I'm more than a little anxious about it.

Another problem is that I will have a hard time getting to mass, unless I find a Catholic friend who lives nearby and would be willing to pick me up. Rather unfortunately, I go to a tiny private school and there are 5 other Christians in all four grades of high school and all are Protestant. I am sure God will provide, but this obstacle seems so large and intimidating sometimes.

In conclusion, does anyone have any advise to offer on how to deal with friends and family quite opposed to my decision? Has anyone had to deal with a similar situation? How did you handle it? And, could you please keep me in your prayers as I continue forward in this journey I have begun?

 

[TexasCatholic]

Wow, that's an awesome thing to hear and a very brave decision on your part! You need to make the decision that is right between you and God. If your friends reject you because you're doing what God has called you to do -- what does that say about their friendship?

As for your family, that can be a tricky issue. Obviously, you must obey God by honoring your father and mother. However, if they don't explicitly forbid you from conversion, you could certainly deal with the other consequences, couldn't you? After all, perhaps your conversion will be the catalyst to bring your entire family into the Church

As for getting to mass (and RCIA class, BTW), perhaps you should call the local parish and speak to whoever is in charge of RCIA. Explain your situation. I'm willing to bet that they can find a way to get you there every Sunday.

Myself, I drive about 40 miles, past many other parishes, in order to get to the one that my girlfriend is a member of. I'm attending RCIA at that parish, so the weekly 7am drives are getting old, but soon I will be fully in the Church, and it will be so worth it

God bless you in your journey! You will be in my prayers.

-Michael

 

[Dream]

Welcome Home!

Hands and Feet of Jesus, you are not the only one in this situation. I can think of at least 3 other members on OBOB that are experiencing the same thing: the Holy Spirit is guiding them towards the Catholic Church but their parents are holding them back. It will take strength, but you are definitely going in the right direction.

To officially be in communion with the Catholic Church, you're going to have to attend the RCIA program first. I am a cradle Catholic so I am not very familiar with it, but from what I have heard, it is an incredible experience. There are many here on OBOB that can give you specifics. Give your local Catholic Church a call and find out about their RCIA program. Because your parents are holding you back, you may have to wait until you are on your own away from the control of your parents.

Get to Mass whenever you can, but just remember that you will have to hold off on recieving the Holy Eucharist until you go through the RCIA process. Nothing against you personally. It's not that you are unworthy, it's just that one has to be in full Communion with the Church before taking part in the most sacred ritual.

For advice on how to deal with your family, talk with CeeBee or traviscatholic. Both are in very similar situations.

Rejoice Hands and Feet of Jesus, you are about to enter the Church that God Himself designed so perfectly. Welcome Home.

 

[Michelina]

Welcome Home!

The Lord is with you and will strengthen and guide you on your journey!

Speak plainly about your Faith and let your friends know what you think and feel. Ask them how they would feel if the situation were reversed, if they were moving into Protestantism from a world full of Catholicism.

Don't worry! You will not have to face anything that You & God can't handle, together.

 

[Dream]

I almost forgot, ATShavuot is in the same situation. He is another great guy you should talk to.

 

[Filia Mariae]

Welcome Home!

If your parents will not take you to Mass, but will allow you to go, call your local parish. They have people who bring the sick and elderly to Mass. Someone will be able to bring you too!

 

[Gwendolyn]

Welcome Home! I am so proud of you for having the strength to explore a faith that differs from that of those who are most close to you! It is definitely a very difficult thing to do, especially when you receive so much opposition from those who have not taken the time to dispel the myths that so often plague this most holy and beautiful Church. Too often our Protestant brothers and sisters take an unwarranted beating from our own, and too often our own receive an unwarranted beating from our Protestant brothers and sisters...

It's a difficult situation to be sure, but I will pray for you as you embark upon this faith journey. Amor, fides, et spes, my friend!

 

[InnerPhyre]

Wonderful news! Be strong and know that there are many here who understand your predicament. Remember, like the hymn says "Though none go with me, still I will follow. No turning back"

 

[Carrye]

What fantastic news! Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church are, well, everything to me. Hearing that someone else is embracing Christ's Bride does my soul good.

I'm thankful that your family isn't opposing you (even if they're not explictly supportive either), and even that is something to thank God for. As for your friends, I really doubt that they'll forget about you just because you're converting. And if they do, what does that say about their own selves?

You will be fine, and God will provide. God always provides.

Welcome Home!

 

[Truth and Reconciliation]

God bless you on your new decision and welcome to the Church! I am Protestant but is heavily influenced by Catholicism. I think you'll find Tradition to be very rich in the Spirit. I haven't made the decision myself, but you never know - - - the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways!

Peace in Christ, my sister.

- Vincent

 

[Skripper]

 

[PioMagnus]

Keep in mind that if you CANNOT make it to mass you are not sinning. That said, do your absolute best to get there every Sunday.

God Bless you,
Pio Magnus

 

[Tinkerbell222222]

Thank you all for the encouragement and prayers. I am so very excited and cannot wait to continue in faith. All of your kind words have been such blessings to me and I apreciate them all.

I shall also be sure and contact the local parish about getting a ride to Mass.

 

[Knee V]

Hands and feet, I know exactly how you feel. Prior to starting the process of joining the church right now, I was going to join several years ago, but changed my mind for various reasons. But while I was still in the mindset that I was going to join, I was in highschool and lived with a rather anti-catholic family. I could never find a way to tell them what I was doing. When I joined the navy right after highschool, I lost interest in the catholic church, thus I didn't have to tell them anything. This time around I am not with my parents, so I attend mass most sundays (the navy keeps me from many sunday mornings). But even after 6 months of going down the Catholic road, I have only just told my father yesterday. I still haven't told the rest of my family. Telling an anti-catholic family that you are becoming catholic is a very hard thing. I know very much how that is. I am still trying to find a way to "break the news" to the rest of my family. And like your family, mine is also reformed protestant (PCA). They are a very tough crowd. So I'm right there with you in your struggle.

 

[ukok]

Congratulations!

Perhaps if you outlined your desire to convert and lack of transport to Mass, the priest could arrange for some kindly soul to give you a lift (with your parent's permission of course).

God Bless.

 

[Maggie893]

I will be praying for you as well.

It is a very exciting thing you are doing and I look forward to hearing your journey. I truly understand your fears with your protestant friends. I reverted back to the Catholic Church after a 15 year absence while I was working at an Evangelical Protestant radio station. Suffice it to say there was heavy concern for me from others. But I peacefully went through the process, I answered their questions and handled the debates. Eventually things just quieted down. Now we have 3 Catholics working at the station and one on our Board of Directors. The respect I had gained as a Protestant there, helped them to overcome their fears and I believe the Holy Spirit really worked on their hearts as I journeyed back home. Trust that the same can happen for you.

Practically speaking I would also recommend that when you call the parish you also ask about the youth ministry. The youth minister would probably love to talk to you and hooking up with the youth there may lead to new friends and perhaps some help getting to Mass.

 

[CrystalBrooke]

im so happy to hear this!!!! im in a very similar situation, only my mom and dad wont hear anything of me converting. i finally told my dad poinblank that i did want to convert and i will someday. he was very upset to say the least. they wont even let me go to mass til im 18, and im starting to doubt that they'll ever let me go as long as i live with them. but ive put all of my faith in God, and i know he will make a way for me someday. i recently recieved a rosary and ive been praying it, and believe me it helps very much! i'll be praying for you, just stay strong and cling to God and what you know is the truth and you'll make it just fine. anytime you need to talk to someone im here we can keep each other strong, God will help us, i know!


Crystal

 

[Carrye]

You keep strong too, Crystal.

 

[marciadietrich]

With that screenname seems inevitable you would convert. God bless and hope there isn't too much strife for you in the process.