Conversion Help

[Thomas_B]

I don’t know if this is the appropriate forum for this post, but it seems like the best fit.

I have an issue that has weighed on my heart and mind for a long time now. Out of my immediate family, I am the only one who associates with and practices a faith. My other family members just don’t seem to see the need for religion in their lives. They are all good people and lead solid moral lives, but they have never had significant exposure to religion in their lives. I’m an anamoly because my parents decided to send me to Catholic schools for the quality of the education which was a true blessing in my life and it taught me the importance of God and the Catholic Church.

I really want my family to realize the true joy and fulfillment that the Catholic Church can bring to their lives. I have tried to engage them in conversations Catholicism particularly and they seem politely interested, but not to the point of actually learning more about the faith on their own. I’ve also tried to invite them to mass, but they are not interested in attending. I pray for their conversion, but I don’t know what else I can do. So I’m wondering if anyone has any advice they could offer.

God Bless
-Thomas

 

[Eileen_T]

Have a Mass offered for them on a regular basis and just witness to them in how you live rather than words.

 

[jmcrae]

Thomas;

With close family members, prayer is really our only weapon.

Even Jesus had trouble witnessing to His nearest and dearest, and lamented that “a prophet hath no honour in his own country” - why that is, is a mystery to me, but it remains a fact that the most difficult people to evangelize are the people we live with.

Meanwhile, keep the invitation open, but don’t push it. When they are ready, they will ask you about it.

 

[14er]

Here’s some things I do:

Leave Catholic magazines, books, and CDs laying around the house.

When you turn off the TV, first change the channel to EWTN. That way, when it is turned back on, that is what is seen. Do the same with the radio if you have a Catholic station in your area.

Get an .mp3 player and listen to Catholic podcasts. When someone askes you what you are listening to, tell them.

Hang a crucifix and/or a picture of the Pope in the house.

Ask St. Monica for her intersession.

Pray, then pray some more.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Team up with Saint Monica as a prayer partner (yesterday was her feast day). She prayed for years for the conversion of her son, and he became a great saint.

 

[pray4peace]

I would continue to pray for them, be an example to them , and if an opportunity presents itself for you to speak up about the faith, then by almeans do so.

Hang in there, God will give you what you need.

Blessings

 

[Thomas_B]

Thanks for all of the help and advice so far. I definitely need to get in touch with Saint Monica.

I always feel guilty because I always feel like there is something more I should be doing. I am particularly concerned about my 72 year old mother. She was baptized in the Anglican Church, but has not been religious her entire life. However, she is an extremely virtuous person, extremely generous,completely selfless, a perpetual peacemaker, very conscientious and involved in the lives of her children. I cannot see how she can’t be destined for heaven. But I think that the Catholic Church would just be such a great source of support and consolation to her as she progresses into her advanced years. I think I’ll continue to bring up conversations about the Catholic Church- I’m involved in my own parish so that always presents an opportunity. Hopefully something might eventually inspire her.