Help Converting

  • Thread starter Thread starter KnightErrant
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
KnightErrant said:
Wow. Good advice and straight to the point PJM.

One big thing I wanted to get out of this thread was a good way to breach the subject to my family about me converting. As I’ve already stated, I’ve mentioned it to my sister and my mother but I’m hesitant to say anything to my dad or the rest of the family. They are all very important to me and my family is very close knit. Despite being of all different denominations, they are all very anti-Catholic. It doesn’t feel right to do all of this in secret but at the same time I don’t want to create unnecessary strife in my family.

I can’t put into words how helpful everyone on this site has been so far and I am very thankful for that. At the same time, if anyone knows of a good way to address the above situation I would greatly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Actually in the long run it’s easier to share your journey with them as it’s happening. If you think it’s difficult to share that you are thinking of maybe some day joining the RCIA to study the Catholic faith, consider how hard it will be to tell them that your Initiation is tomorrow, after two years of secretly being in the RCIA.
 
I have a similar story. (Coming from a Lutheran family through and through!) I’m finding it very difficult myself to tell my family about my calling. If now isn’t the right time for you I would highly suggest learning the Rosary if you don’t pray it already (I’ve found Our Lady’s graces flow abundantly to new devotees of the Rosary!). If you don’t have the beads, you can always use an online resource or count on your fingers (I did this for about three months before I finally got beads!). I also read a truly wonderful book “If Protestantism Is True” that tackles a lot of the “issues” that Protestants have with Catholicism in a concise and easy-to-read manner. It was not hard on Protestants at all, but presented the truth as a response to Protestant teaching. Blessings!
 
Iarael: Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I will definitely look into that book. I have recently begun to pray the Rosary on a regular basis and I am just blown away at how effective and helpful it has been.

Someone on a different part of this forum suggested an app for a smartphone called Laudate . It has a guided Rosary in it so I can learn the prayers, and the Mysteries, and a lot of other handy things. Also, it is handy in my case because it is discrete so I don’t have to worry about my family seeing the prayer beads and freaking out because they don’t understand.

jmcrae: You are right. I’m trying to tell my family as soon as I think they are ready to hear it but it is like ripping off a bandaid.

I mentioned my intention to convert to my mother and even though she really didn’t seem happy with it, she didn’t explode, kick me out of the house, or disown me. I still haven’t said anything to my father yet (everyone i’ve mentioned my intention to so far has agreed not to say anything to anyone else) about converting but I did get him to agree to attend Mass a few times. I’m praying and trying to ease him into it.

Another person on this forum suggested praying the green scapular devotion for helping my family to understand or even convert with me. Has anyone else had success with this?

Weissystems: Thank You.
 
Thank your parents for exposing you to Christian faith which helped guide you to the study of the Catholic faith.
 
Praise God for you, Knight. I teach RCIA. Do you have a prior Church affiliation? Tell us all how this conversion is taking place. In the meantime, pray, pray, pray. That is very important. I am not sure what God has planned for you but you are being steered in the right direction. Do you have any close friends who are Catholic? Have you thought about talking to a priest? Sometimes, just sitting in a Catholic Church is helpful. There is a ton of Catholic resources online. It was suggested, EWTN. That is an excellent source to start. There are so many others. Too many to mention. Just browse the Catholic sites and see which ones you really like. You may also ask me or others about questions you may have about the faith. I would be most willing to answer. You will find many Catholics willing to help you. Do not get distracted or discouraged by off topic stuff. That happens everywhere. Let me know if there is anything I can do. I strongly encourage you to stay the path your on. The Church will welcome you with open arms. As does our Blessed Lord.
 
Hello Everyone! I just told my dad about my intention to convert and he was fine with it! “Protestant or Catholic, you are still my son.” I am so blessed! Just thought I would share the awesome news!

I apologize for not posting sooner. Things have been pretty busy recently but it’s all coming together now. I recently found out that a friend of mine that I grew up with (but haven’t gotten to see because he moved away to college) has actually decided to become a priest! He has a bachelor’s in an engineering field and we always got a long growing up. He is in town for a few weeks and naturally he has agreed to help me out. God has provided a way. I am so blessed!
 
Excellent news! It’s great to hear your family is taking it well, and your friend sounds like he could be an invaluable resource! I will continue to pray for you in your journey.
 
KnightErrant said:
Hello Everyone! I just told my dad about my intention to convert and he was fine with it! “Protestant or Catholic, you are still my son.” I am so blessed! Just thought I would share the awesome news!

I apologize for not posting sooner. Things have been pretty busy recently but it’s all coming together now. I recently found out that a friend of mine that I grew up with (but haven’t gotten to see because he moved away to college) has actually decided to become a priest! He has a bachelor’s in an engineering field and we always got a long growing up. He is in town for a few weeks and naturally he has agreed to help me out. God has provided a way. I am so blessed!
Click to expand...
How blessed you are. How did the visit go with your friend? We are all praying for you.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top