Becoming a Catholic at 19

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Thank you!! It turns out one of my friends from college is a practicing Catholic and is tight with the Catholic Center on campus. He offered his support to me and told me who to speak to to begin my conversion. His girlfriend is converting as well from Baptism and he said there are many people I can meet and a club I can join. I think this is definitely a good decision. I already have gained so much support.

My wife converted at her College. I converted at mine. Honestly I think the University parishes are perfect for a 19 year old convert. Even if you do not attend that school. There are FOCUS groups on campus too. Look that organization up, it will benefit you!

 

[Muzhik]

I think that unfortunately our true colors are going to come out and that things might seriously change in our relationship. Is this God’s plan for me? Would He let me crash and burn a relationship that was meant to be?

I see your question in two lights. The first light: yes, He would let you crash and burn a relationship. He is not going to take away your free will. You’re going to be choosing actions with the people around you and having to accept the consequences thereof. That’s why it’s so important to pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in regards of our friendships and close relationships, with the goal of uniting our will and desires with G_D’s.

In the second light, yes, He would let you crash and burn a relationship. The only relationships that are “meant to be” are the ones that G_D alone knows will bring us closer to Him. It may be that a relationship needs to burn in order to destroy what is defective or destructive about the relationship. Then a new relationship can grow healthy and strong on the roots of the old relationship.

And don’t worry about when to tell friends or whomever that you’re considering becoming Catholic. G_D will let you know when it’s the right time to tell them, or they may hear about it from someone else. (IOW, don’t change your Facebook status just yet.)

 

[sunnyyy]

I see your question in two lights. The first light: yes, He would let you crash and burn a relationship. He is not going to take away your free will. You’re going to be choosing actions with the people around you and having to accept the consequences thereof. That’s why it’s so important to pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in regards of our friendships and close relationships, with the goal of uniting our will and desires with G_D’s.

In the second light, yes, He would let you crash and burn a relationship. The only relationships that are “meant to be” are the ones that G_D alone knows will bring us closer to Him. It may be that a relationship needs to burn in order to destroy what is defective or destructive about the relationship. Then a new relationship can grow healthy and strong on the roots of the old relationship.

And don’t worry about when to tell friends or whomever that you’re considering becoming Catholic. G_D will let you know when it’s the right time to tell them, or they may hear about it from someone else. (IOW, don’t change your Facebook status just yet.)

You make a very valid point. It feels better knowing that if my relationship were to end, God would still be by my side even if it is what He intended.

Also ironically, IMMEDIATELY after my boyfriend made that comment, that same friend asked about my religious standing since I have wavered for many years, and I told her about my converting, and she was totally cool with it.

 

[corsair]

I converted at age 30. I married a Catholic girl and we had two children. I went to Mass with her every Sunday. Then one day I felt a strong pull toward the church. My wife had never ever pushed me to become Catholic. All that took place 45 years ago. We eventually raise 7 children and gravitated toward the Traditional Mass, which we now attend.

We weren’t saints either but God gave us the grace to find our way back home.

May God Bless you on your journey.