Can my child convert to the Catholic Church without me?

[Kathy_L]

I was born Methodist and converted to Lutheran when I was 37 years old. It was where I felt a calling. My son is 13 years old (a very mature 13). He has told me that he feels a calling to convert to Catholic. He has even gone as far as to inform our pastor that he does not feel he should continue with confirmation classes in the Lutheran church as it is not where he feels he is supposed to be. He feels a very strong bond to the Mother Mary and it has made him feel that it is where God wants him to be. While I would not begin to stand in his way, as I understand what it is like to have a calling, I have no idea whether he would be even allowed to do this considering both of his parents are Lutheran. Is it possible for a 13-year-old child to convert to Catholic even though his parents will not be converting? Given that we support him in his calling, what steps would he need to take in order to be able to do this?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Yes, certainly, your son can enter the Catholic Church at 13 if he demonstrates desire to do so and his parents are willing to allow it and make it possible for him to meet the Catholic obligations he would be undertaking. He needs to understand that this is a very serious step he is considering, and that he will need to take on responsibilities that will be neither comfortable or easy. I don’t say this to discourage him, but to encourage you to make clear to him that he will need not only to be ready to be the sole Catholic in his family but to be sensitive to the needs of his non-Catholic family.

For example, he is 13. Even setting aside the process of formation classes to become Catholic, once your son is Catholic, will he be able to get to church on Sundays and holy days on his own or will he be depending on you and his father for rides? If he will be dependent on you for transportation and other assistance in meeting his Catholic obligations, then he needs to do what he can to make that as easy on you as possible. Whenever he can walk, ride a bike, take a bus, or carpool with Catholic friends, he should do so. He should also be open to reciprocal favors to you and your husband when you need his help.

In other words, if you insist that your son take on as much responsibility of which he is capable for becoming and remaining Catholic, he will value his Catholicism more and his decision to step away from your own faith tradition may be less painful and disruptive for you and the rest of your family. And it is more likely to impress upon the local Catholic pastor (whom you, your husband, and your son should consult with immediately) that your son is mature enough at 13 for this step.

Recommended reading:

How to Become a Catholic