Conversion in a Protestant Family

[Semaira]

Em hotep! Hello

Let me first start off by saying that I’m new here, and I hope this is the right forum to post this in. I’m thinking (a lot) about converting to Catholicism, but there are a few problems. Most importantly, I live in a Protestant-formerly-Catholic family, and they don’t like that idea at all (in theory, I wouldn’t dare mention it!).
I want to start the process, though, or at least be able to attend a mass. But they’re also my ride (I’m in college and car-less), so going in itself is nearly impossible - there are no Catholic churches in walking distance! I would have to find a way of getting there first, you see. And until I can get to a church, taking catechism (?) classes won’t be very possible. So, see, I’m in a bind, and I would love advice! I’m not sure where to go from here.

On a side note, they do not consider Catholicism to be ‘Christian’, so I can’t use that fact to reason with them (and trust me, that can be difficult.)

What now?

Senebty,
Sema’ira

P.S. I was raised Protestant, if that means anything.

 

[bben15]

Hello. I welcome your journey into Catholicism! Welcome home!

Perhaps there is someone from a nearby parish that can drive you there? Or perhaps you have a friend that can drive you? A parish wouldn’t deny you RCIA because you couldn’t drive there. If you can’t make it on your own, I’m sure there are plenty of parishioners who would drive you.

I wish you all the best on your journey!

P.S, when did you become Kemetic? You said you were raised Protestant.

 

[Semaira]

Hotep, and thanks for the reply!

I’m going to sound crazy-new, but can explain the parish thing to me? I don’t know who I’d contact in that case! I know of at least a few Catholic churches in town, but what would I do? Ask for a ride, or something?

Do you think someone would really do that for me? :angel1:

Senebty,
Sema’ira

Also, I was raised Protestant, been Kemetic for a few years.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Check into whether your college has a Catholic Campus Ministry or Newman Center. They’re geared toward the needs of students and tend to be very open to inquirers.

 

[bben15]

Hotep, and thanks for the reply!

I’m going to sound crazy-new, but can explain the parish thing to me? I don’t know who I’d contact in that case! I know of at least a few Catholic churches in town, but what would I do? Ask for a ride, or something?

Do you think someone would really do that for me? :angel1:

Senebty,
Sema’ira

Also, I was raised Protestant, been Kemetic for a few years.

Don’t be afraid. We are very nice and generous! Just look up the number of a nearby Catholic church, and tell them you want to enroll in RCIA. Just explain your situation and surely someone will give you a ride!

P.S., you probably want to make it quick. RCIA begins in August!

 

[Semaira]

Turns out we do have a Newman Center, which I shall be joining this coming school year.

What exactly is RCIA, anyway? How long does that take…and at what times? If I’m gone a lot, it might be obvious

 

[bben15]

Turns out we do have a Newman Center, which I shall be joining this coming school year.

What exactly is RCIA, anyway? How long does that take…and at what times? If I’m gone a lot, it might be obvious

It stands for “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.” It lasts from August until Easter, where you’ll be initiated into the Catholic Church. It’s usually once every two weeks. Classes range from 45 minutes to 2 hours. You can’t miss too many RCIA classes. If you miss too many, they’ll make you take it again.

Have you been baptized before?

 

[Semaira]

yes, I have been baptized.

 

[bben15]

yes, I have been baptized.

Then the priest will confirm you at the Easter Vigil. You’ll also make a profession of faith and receive the Body of Christ.

If you weren’t baptized, I was going to suggest that you had a choice of either being an Eastern Catholic or a Latin Catholic.

 

[Semaira]

So I don’t have a choice anymore?

 

[bben15]

So I don’t have a choice anymore?

Do you want to be a Latin Catholic or an Eastern Catholic?

 

[Semaira]

Latin sounds familiar, but what’s the difference?

 

[CB_Catholic]

Do you want to be a Latin Catholic or an Eastern Catholic?

I was under the impression that Protestants were to be enrolled into the Latin Church. Also, the OP’s family was Catholic–most likely Latin (he would have to verify that), so he comes from a Latin Catholic family. He would enroll into the Latin Church, I believe. There is also the question on whether he was baptized into the Catholic Church before his family left.

 

[bben15]

I was under the impression that Protestants were to be enrolled into the Latin Church. Also, the OP’s family was Catholic–most likely Latin (he would have to verify that), so he comes from a Latin Catholic family. He would enroll into the Latin Church, I believe. There is also the question on whether he was baptized into the Catholic Church before his family left.

You could get dispensation if you wanted to be an Eastern Catholic. Also, whether she was baptized in the Catholic Church or not is not an issue. She is still canonically a Latin Catholic by virtue or her baptism in the Protestant church.

 

[bben15]

Latin sounds familiar, but what’s the difference?

Eastern Catholics are basically “Orthodox Christians in communion with Rome.” They have stricter fasting rules than Latins do. If you wanted to become an Eastern Catholic, you would have to get a dispensation.

 

[Semaira]

Pretty sure my family was Latin Catholic, and I was not born into or baptized in the Catholic Church.
Latin sounds right to me.

(Also, I’m a she )

 

[bben15]

Pretty sure my family was Latin Catholic, and I was not born into or baptized in the Catholic Church.
Latin sounds right to me.

(Also, I’m a she )

I pray for your journey!

 

[Aggies08]

Call a parish close to the university, and ask if they know of any masses offered on campus, or of a campus ministry, as you are a student there- some schools have these, some do not.

 

[RoseMary131]

Turns out we do have a Newman Center, which I shall be joining this coming school year.

What exactly is RCIA, anyway? How long does that take…and at what times? If I’m gone a lot, it might be obvious

You can probably attend Mass through your Newman Center once school begins. The priest will be happy to help you in your journey.

Most parishes bring their new Catholics into the Church on Easter Vigil Mass (Saturday evening Mass before Easter Sunday).

On University/College Campuses, the new Catholics may enter on a different day, as most students have returned home for the Easter Weekend.

An RCIA program is normally offered with classes (instructions of the Catholic faith) from Aug. through Easter time. Parishes can make adjustments for a person’s schedule if they are truly interested in the Church, but have a schedule that can not be adjusted to the RCIA time.

Maybe this summer you can find a friend to give you a ride to a local church for Mass.

Congratulations on your journey.

 

[MJCamp]

I am very happy you have decided to pursue the Catholic Church. I know it can be tough coming from a protestant background but it won’t take long to see through the smoke screen protestantism presents. Seek the truth my friend, and your life will change for the better. Good luck to you and soak up all you can