Advice on dealing with non-Catholic parents

[Deus_Solus]

I just recently told my parents that I feel like I am on the road to Rome. I grew up in a Plymouth Bretheren (verrrry fundamentalist) home, where the sentiment was quite anti-Catholic, and suffice to say my parents weren’t too happy when I told them that I was seriously exploring Catholicism. I want to honor them, but I still want to be firm about what I believe.

Last night I had the privilege of going to one of Scott Hahn’s talks on the Eucharist, and the double privilege of meeting him and talking with him for quite a while after the lecture. He suggested letting my parents know that I appreciate their love and care in bringing me up in a Scripture-loving, Christian home, and to be gentle in talking about my growing faith in the Church.

How can I be gentle if they aren’t? Do you all have any other suggestions for me to assuage the pain (both theirs and mine)? Any helpful comments would be appreciated.

God Bless.

 

[Blanka]

What a blessing to meet Scott Hahn and hear one of his talks! I would suggest that you follow Scott Hahn’s advice in reassuring your parents of how much you appreciate being raised in a Christian home. When the religion topic comes up, tell them how much you love God and want to follow Christ in your life. Keep your comments simple and do not try to enter into a debate with them. Let them see by your example that you haven’t become some sort of crazed Catholic but are the same loving person you have always been. In fact, let them see you even more loving and they will then see that the Catholic faith is not harming you but helping you become a more devout Christian.
Of course, all of this is easier said than done especially if they try to attack Catholicism. This may be an opportunity to carry the cross of Christ as you refrain from arguing with your parents yet remain steadfast on your path to the Catholic Church.
You didn’t mention if you lived with your parents. If you do not, then pray as much as possible before a visit with them so that you will have the spiritual strength to deal with them in the kindest way possible.
I am convert too and while my mom didn’t have a problem with my conversion (my father was already deceased), my in-laws thought I was nuts for wanting to be Catholic. I remained kind to them and eventually they accepted it. Especially after my husband converted too!
Good luck and welcome home! I will be praying for you.