“So you’re thinking of RCIA? That’s complicated...”

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@MSSheBear, oh no, I wouldn’t ever expect him to lol. I should make it clear, for his sake, he isn’t some great tyrant as I may have accidentally made him out to be. He’s pretty lax on us making our own decisions, most of the time. My sister even attends Mass with her friend whenever she spends the night, though not out of any curiosity for the CC. And yes, I started reading the church fathers today!! 😀

@steve-b, well, yes and no. I said the Austin area because almost no one knows where my town is lol. It’s called Kyle, probably about halfway between Austin and San Marcos, which is about halfway between Austin and San Antonio. The nearest parish I’ve found is in Buda about 20min away. And pardon, but, my story?

@kill051, absolutely, agreed (unfortunately). Thank you for your prayers; I’m really gonna need them when it comes to finances!
 
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@EvangelistVictor, funnily enough, it started with a podcaster. The Daily Wire is a conservative news outlet I really like, and it has 4 podcasters: Ben Shapiro, Orthodox Jew; Andrew Klavan, believer, but not sure of his denomination; Michael Knowles, and Matt Walsh, both Catholic. When I first learned they were Catholic was before I had any inkling like I have now, so the Baptist in me reeled in horror lol. I actually stopped listening to their show. But I realized, or perhaps the Holy Spirit told me and I didn’t see it, that move was pretty reprehensible. So they both talk about the CC and her beliefs and doctrines fairly often, and hearing them in a light that was anything but negative prompted me to take a second look!

@Ratty, agreed. My dad is just as willing to have a good row as I am, so I really need to read up! 1 Peter 3:15, eh?

@BoomBoomMancini mostly just work. Many economists I follow (Bryan Caplan has given the best case) have recently come out against the typical public university, especially the government-subsidized ones. As they have a nigh limitless funding, they no longer respond to market forces as they once had to, so their value has dropped precipitously over the past few decades even as their price continues to rise. Trade school, however, I look upon favorably
 
Yeah, I don’t disagree. So the plan is you’ll live at home while going through some kind of technical training/apprenticeship? Is that why you anticipate being dependent on your folks for a few more years?
 
StephenBales said:
So they both talk about the CC and her beliefs and doctrines fairly often, and hearing them in a light that was anything but negative prompted me to take a second look!
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That’s very interesting. That’s why I like so much the Catholic Church, because it has moral conservative views (anti-abortion, pro-family) , and social justice (helping poor) views. Both sides are needed to be a complete follower of Christ.

One of these days you’ll have to, come out of the closet and let your parents know. In pray God gives you the strength to stand bold in your newly found faith! 🙂
 
I think the biggest fear for your father would be finding another line of work. He can’t believe in the RC Church and still have such a plum job. I would start by asking him, “Dad, if you weren’t a minister, what kind of work would you do?” That will help you understand his deep investment in the Baptist Church.

Also, I think you should ask him specific questions about doctrinal differences. Don’t argue with him. Just draw out his responses by saying,“Tell me more.” Ultimately, you have a good chance of getting him to switch to the Catholic Church because he would want to discuss religion more than most people. Your discussions will help you prove your own beliefs to yourself and aid you in apologetics.
 
Steven,

Awesome journey. Often things don’t go as fast as we would like. It is normal for fathers and sons to have conflicts at your age. Work on choosing your fights. Ask a lot of question of your dad and hold off on disagreeing until you have reflected and prayed about the issue. Many have converted to the Catholic Church and been rejected by their families. Build a strong relationship with you dad so that you will always be friends. I am sure that is what God wants. Maybe even some other family members will follow you. You have my prayers.
 
Thanks all for your advice, and thank you even more for your prayers. This is all really new, still, and I pray I’ll do it right, but it’s wonderful to hear from others who have made or are making the journey, or are already home! Please pray for this Protestant, and his family 🙏
 
Stephen – As hard as it was to hear, I think you know that you have to wait a while to go through RCIA. But that’s OK, because you can read all sorts of things while you wait! Once you graduate high school, work toward independence and getting a car.

As for family issues, well, I hear you. My dad is a three-times-a-week Protestant churchgoer, as was I when I was young. Although he’s not a preacher, he had a very hard time with my decision as a young adult to enter the Catholic Church. What’s worse is my stepmom is an ex-Catholic, was very badly catechized as a kid and didn’t ever really learn what the Church actually teaches, and believes Catholics are heathens and unsaved. They didn’t attend my kids’ baptisms or my oldest child’s confirmation. They have come to a Mass that preceded a school ceremony, though. All I can say is, that’s their loss. Aside from religion, we actually have a pretty good relationship. We just sort of had to set boundaries that we wouldn’t discuss theology or politics. If you and your father often butt heads on these kind of issues, you might have to cool it for a while. Prioritize the relationship, rather than winning arguments. And when you do one day have to break the news to your father that you plan to become Catholic, I would definitely begin the conversation as a prior poster recommended with appreciation for what he has taught you, for the example of Christian life he has given you, and the encouragement he has given you to seek Christ’s truth… As a result of seeking that truth, you have discovered the Catholic Church.

God bless you!
 
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StephenBales said:
well, yes and no. I said the Austin area because almost no one knows where my town is lol. It’s called Kyle, probably about halfway between Austin and San Marcos, which is about halfway between Austin and San Antonio. The nearest parish I’ve found is in Buda about 20min away. And pardon, but, my story?
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I know where Kyle is. Is this parish near you? Google Maps


But if you’re farther out in the country than in Kyle proper, the parish in Buda might be closer. Anyway, without a car you’re unlikely to be able to get to either, unfortunately. As you work toward independence in financial matters, I think you’ll find you have increasing independence to pursue religious matters as God calls you. Good luck and God bless!! 🙂
 
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StephenBales said:
@steve-b, well, yes and no. I said the Austin area because almost no one knows where my town is lol. It’s called Kyle, probably about halfway between Austin and San Marcos, which is about halfway between Austin and San Antonio. The nearest parish I’ve found is in Buda about 20min away. And pardon, but, my story?
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Check out
  1. St Anthony’s Catholic Church open the link
    Kyle Tx, (512) 268-5311
  2. St Michael’s
    Kyle TX (512) 398-7475
 
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Wow. I had no idea that there were parishes that close to me, I thought Santa Cruz was the only one! Thank you for showing me, @steve-b and @emilysue!!
 
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StephenBales said:
Wow. I had no idea that there were parishes that close to me, I thought Santa Cruz was the only one! Thank you for showing me, @steve-b and @emilysue!!
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Just curious. In terms of time, (minutes) how close are those parishes to you
 
St. Anthony’s is about 7min away, where Santa Cruz is 15
 
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