Calling formerly controversial converts!

[StephenBales]

I suppose this is the right area…

Anyway, I’m wondering how I will tell my parents and family (all Baptists, and Dad’s the pastor!) that I’m Catholic. You can look at my first few topics I created for more information. I’ve decided that I don’t want to wait until the end of the school year to tell them—that is when they were saying I would no longer be required to go to our current church, though they were thinking I’d still be in the same denomination—but I want to tell them before Lent, so I can fully participate even if I’m not officially Catholic yet. And maybe, go to Mass regularly, but that could be a stretch.

So, any converts who experienced some controversy when you first told friends and family? How’d you approach the subject? What did you say? How’d they react?

 

[DarkLight]

Pretty sure my plan involved being halfway across the country. But my family is special.

 

[StephenBales]

Funny, but not particularly helpful; I can’t even move out yet

 

[DarkLight]

Be careful then. I can’t speak to that as much.

Are you over 18?

 

[StephenBales]

Turned 18 at the end of September, but nowhere close to financial independence. Still a senior in HS

 

[Leodin]

My family didn’t like it at first, especially my grandparents, who are devout baptists. However, after seeing a legitimate change in my behavior and demeanor (I was into drugs and all sorts of other stuff), they came to accept and embrace it. You might be in for more of a challenge. I would stress the common ground you have with them as believers in Christ, and try not to go into much detail about it. You’ll be in my prayers.

 

[StephenBales]

Thank you so much!

 

[Elf01]

@(name removed by moderator) may have some good advice.

 

[humbleseeker]

I’ve decided that I don’t want to wait until the end of the school year to tell them—that is when they were saying I would no longer be required to go to our current church

If you are still living under their roof, I would respect their wishes.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Have you talked to your parents? They are okay with conversion while you live at home?

If not, prudence and respect for your parents would advise to wait until you are out from under their roof. No need to re-enact the battles of the Reformation over Sunday dinner.

 

[EnglishTeacher]

I get wanting to participate in Lent and everything else, but if you are still in high school and living in your parents’ home, I don’t think it’s a good idea. If your parents are as opposed to Catholicism as many Baptists are, it is also going to make home life miserable.

Wait until you are out on your own.

 

[DarkLight]

No need to re-enact the battles of the Reformation over Sunday dinner.

Yes, save it for holiday dinners like the rest of us.

OP, if you think your parents would be seriously opposed, you may want to wait. It’s hard to tell without knowing your family, or the variety of baptists.