A new catholic in need of advice

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catholics19

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I am a 19 year old, recently converted Catholic, (baptised this Easter Vigil). I live with my Mum and sister who are both Pentecostals and I am having a lot of trouble. Since coming out that I wanted to be Catholic, my relationship with my family has deteriorated.
My mum found it the hardest to accept this decision of mine and still doesn’t like that fact I’ve chosen this path. I’ve noticed my mum has started to want less to do with me, and my sister in particular is constantly trying to make my day miserable.
I am getting a lot of emotional abuse every day and feel like I only get a break when I stay with my boyfriends family (who are Catholics) once a week. I have talked to them both and have tried to resolve everything, find out why they’re choosing to act this way but I never get an answer or change. I am out of options and desperately need some advice.

God Bless.
 
Stuff you probably know but I’ll mention just in case:

Are there any triggers that can be avoided? In other words do you/they bring up religion a lot? If so and it is you stop. If it is them try to guide the conversation towards what you have in common.

Also as hard as it may be to see they are likely coming from a place of love. They are likely worried for your soul. Try to imagine how you would feel if you had a child that left Catholicism. Understanding that may help have a conversation.

If all else fails I’d advise you to move out if you can. It may not help the relationships but will help your mental health. Also it may bring them to their senses. Or you may all find it easier to have a relationship when you’re not all living together.
 
Let them see that you are so filled with joy and love that they tell their friends “@Catholics19 is such a joy, this conversion is the best thing that has happened to our family”!

Pray for them.

Talk about common ground, in fact, Amazon Prime has this video (or you can order the DVD) to maybe watch yourself then watch with your family.


It has been shown on TBN (the big famous non-Catholic TV network)
 
They are probably very hurt by your conversion & hurting people have a tendency to hurt others .
Your worth is not in them and if you have made many attempts to make peace to no avail, then you can’t waist your time with this anymore. Offer Christ to carry your pain so you can walk on the path He has laid out for you. It’s ok sometimes to break from family that aren’t supportive and understanding. One day they will seek you. Be confident in you choices and grow your faith as it will lead you to great things .
 
It’s sad that your family are choosing to make their disapproval hurtful to you and your family relationships. That isn’t an enormously mature procedure on their part. They may also be afraid for you soul, in believing untruths aboutthe Catholic Church.
They may also be ashamed beforee their own denominations. They may lack understanding of Catholic truth.

To withhold love, to be passive aggressive, instead of showing love, mostly indicates that your family needs prayer to become truly Christian in follows the laws of love that Jesus taught, and need to be included in your Masses and Communions.

Remember that Jesus and His diciples from the first, were rejected by many.
Be secure in your knowledge that you are following God’s path that He has chosen for you.
 
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Being from a small Midwestern town where 90% of the population belonged to the Catholic or Lutheran congregation (each of which had a tolerant and downright friendly relationship with the other), I was shocked to find the number of misconceptions that abound about Catholicism in general society. Live the truth. Show by example. You might be surprised by what happens when you submit to God’s will and stand for the Truth that is the Church. Good luck and God bless!!!
 
The Devil knows that his time is short and he will pull out all the stops to bring you to ruin, even members of your won family. I have seen this before and if you remain faithful to the end the Heaven is yours.
 
Try to be loving toward them and avoid talking about religion. Just say, “Let’s not talk about that right now,” and change the subject.
As others have said, if they see your love for them, they may revise their opinion.

If not, or if it takes a long time, you are in good company. Jesus had a similar problem; his neighbors rejected him.
 
OP,

Have you ever gone to Catholic Charismatic renewal meetings? I have personal issues with them, but they are accepted by the church. Maybe if you found one near your home your folks could go with you. I’m not talking about them ‘converting’ , but this group’s meetings and masses are quite similar to Pentecostal services. It would emphasize the fact that you’re still a Christian, and not that far from them, in practice…or, at least some Catholics aren’t. Maybe you should go alone the first time, because it turns some people off. But, I take it you’ve been to Pentecostal services. It’s not too different…tongues, slain in the spirit, spiritual baptism…when I first went, back in the 70’s it was strange to me. But,
I’d been reading some books by Pentecostals and charismatics, and wasn’t too shocked!

I know you want to please your folks, but not offend God. Speak to your campus priest, and look into this. I haven’t read all the replies here, so, if anyone else brought this movement up, I apologize. As I said, I myself have issues with the group, so this isn’t meant to advertise . Just to give you an option. Best wishes, and God bless!
 
Oh…I just read more answers. So, you may not be able to discuss this with them for a long time. So, just keep up the good work, and follow your plan. However, you might keep this in mind, for the time if/when they are willing to speak calmly with you.
 
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