Help? Wishing to convert, family, anxiety, etc

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Pluviophile

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As some of you may know, I’ve been considering converting to Catholicism. As my family situation is very difficult (manipulation, verbal abuse, etc.) and I am under 18, I am not in a position to join the RCIA as of now. I do, however, experience indescribable joy and understanding when reading about the Catholic doctrine. The other day, for example, I spent four of the happiest hours of my life at bookshop, just absorbing information. Everything that I had previously questioned made sense. Everything seemed so logical. But I’ve also been experiencing some difficulties: it is hard for me to concentrate in school (which is particularly unfortunate, as I’m in enrolled in some difficult college-level classes), I experience anxiety when I think about telling my parents that I want to convert, and I’ve been having a lot of nightmares lately.

All these things make me feel apprehensive about converting, but I am also frustrated with the prospect of having to wait another ten months or so (at best) before I can announce my intentions. Protestant friends who’ve heard that I’ve attended Mass have cautioned me to stay away from the Church. Almost everyone I know is either indifferent or anti-Catholic, and occasionally this causes me to doubt my beliefs, as well. When I do feel fully convinced of the truth that lies within the Church, I feel such a radiant joy that I cannot contain, and it is difficult to abstain from sharing my knowledge–and ultimately, decision to convert–from my family. It is hard for me to pray the Rosary in clandestine, to only visit the Church occasionally, etc. And while I love the community and worship, is also hard to continue attending my family’s Baptist church while holding alternative views. My seminarian friend, who has a thorough understanding of my family circumstances, has recommended that I remain temperate and do not inform my family yet.

I am not even confident as to what I’m asking for–prayers, advice? I feel so frustrated and ambivalent!
 
I think here at CAF and other Catholic areas of the Internet you may find some of the fellowship you seek…it’s not quite the same as in person, but you’ll definitely have an opportunity to learn and grow in the faith. 🙂 I know I like CAF and other Catholic blogs, etc. for that reason.

I think your seminarian friend is accurate. I would wait for the time being. Keep praying. We’ll be praying for you, too. As far as your family’s Baptist church attendance, take what is good there, and leave the rest. They are not the one true Church, but I’m sure many of the people there are faith-filled and truly love Jesus. You can enjoy that part of it, while you anticipate your entry into the Church.

God bless you!
 
I think that in personal areas it is best to take advice from someone you know in real life, with whom you can have real-time conversations.

As ti the worries and fears… what I try to do with those is accept them as a reminder to pray about whatever I am fretting about. I put it in God’s much more capable Hands 🙂

Pray for your family, that their hearts might be softened.
 
Dear lover of Rain,
Bible verses about rain

bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Rain

My heart is aching for you. Remember that God made us and therefore all the natural functions of our body are holy. Try this: at school during lunch, go into the bathroom stall, close the door, you don’t have to be doing anything, just there for privacy, ask our holy Mother to accompany you in prayer, and pray the rosary-- even for a few minutes. Our holy Mother will cover you with her veil and protect you. She already loves you.

All of us suffer for our faith. You are encountering a share of your suffering at an earlier age. offer up your suffering to Jesus and ask him to join your suffering to his suffering on the Cross. Submit a petition to him, either for yourself, another person, a group or a righteous cause. This is called redemptive suffering.

I have already prayed for you. I will continue to do so.
Your brother in Christ.
 
Patience. Listen to your seminarian friend. Remember to obey your parents out of love and respect for now. The Lord has given them to you for a reason. When you are out on your own you can then follow your heart. I am praying for you my friend!
 
It sounds like you’re upsetting the Evil One with your plans. Anytime you feel anxious or wake up from a nightmare, say (out loud, in a whisper, maybe, if the time is inappropriate) “Holy Spirit, please help me!”.

I’m so glad you have such a love for the Church and the Lord. God Bless You!
 
Pluviophile said:
As some of you may know, I’ve been considering converting to Catholicism. As my family situation is very difficult (manipulation, verbal abuse, etc.) and I am under 18, I am not in a position to join the RCIA as of now. I do, however, experience indescribable joy and understanding when reading about the Catholic doctrine. The other day, for example, I spent four of the happiest hours of my life at bookshop, just absorbing information. Everything that I had previously questioned made sense. Everything seemed so logical. But I’ve also been experiencing some difficulties: it is hard for me to concentrate in school (which is particularly unfortunate, as I’m in enrolled in some difficult college-level classes), I experience anxiety when I think about telling my parents that I want to convert, and I’ve been having a lot of nightmares lately.

All these things make me feel apprehensive about converting, but I am also frustrated with the prospect of having to wait another ten months or so (at best) before I can announce my intentions. Protestant friends who’ve heard that I’ve attended Mass have cautioned me to stay away from the Church. Almost everyone I know is either indifferent or anti-Catholic, and occasionally this causes me to doubt my beliefs, as well. When I do feel fully convinced of the truth that lies within the Church, I feel such a radiant joy that I cannot contain, and it is difficult to abstain from sharing my knowledge–and ultimately, decision to convert–from my family. It is hard for me to pray the Rosary in clandestine, to only visit the Church occasionally, etc. And while I love the community and worship, is also hard to continue attending my family’s Baptist church while holding alternative views. My seminarian friend, who has a thorough understanding of my family circumstances, has recommended that I remain temperate and do not inform my family yet.

I am not even confident as to what I’m asking for–prayers, advice? I feel so frustrated and ambivalent!
Click to expand...
You are not alone. There are literally tens of thousands of Converts from Protestantism. In the US. I am a former Evangelical/Baptist and love being in RCIA and the church. I never felt closer to God in my life.

Keep seeking, it’s jar with family , but you are responsible for your own faith journey. Your parents won’t answer to Jesus for your choices, you will so keep that in mind as you wrestle with it.

Ultimately do what’s best for your own spiritual walk.

🙂
 
Jon_S said:
You are not alone. There are literally tens of thousands of Converts from Protestantism. In the US. I am a former Evangelical/Baptist and love being in RCIA and the church. I never felt closer to God in my life.

Keep seeking, it’s jar with family , but you are responsible for your own faith journey. Your parents won’t answer to Jesus for your choices, you will so keep that in mind as you wrestle with it.

Ultimately do what’s best for your own spiritual walk.

🙂
Click to expand...
Words of Wisdom!
 
Thank you. Your counsel and prayers are all so appreciated.

“but you are responsible for your own faith journey. Your parents won’t answer to Jesus for your choices, you will so keep that in mind as you wrestle with it.”

I am so glad you mentioned that. I’d thought of it, but not with that much clarity. Thank you so much.
 
Jon_S said:
Except for “it’s jar with family”

Hopefully everyone knew I meant “hard” not jar. Autocorrect :doh2::banghead:
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Don’t worry, I understood! And I figured autocorrect had something to do with it 😃
 
Ditto on what others have told you in being patient as far as telling your family about your desire to become Catholic.

As you begin to familiarize yourself more with the Catholic Church, begin to read about the lives of various saints. A fair number were converts just like yourself! 👍 Pray that they, and the whole communion of saints, will intercede for you and your conversion to the One True Faith. I will be praying for you, too! :gopray: :hug1:
 
That is a wonderful idea! It’s strange to think that the saints are also interceeding for me… being raised protestant, it’s something I’ve never even thought of before! But it is such a comforting thought.
 
I am continuing to pray for you. Hold fast to your faith. Remember-- under the veil she will shelter you. Your elder brother. My heart sings when I know you are OK. Let us all continue to pray for her.
 
Pluv,

Remain strong in God, he will help you get through this. The turmoil that you are experiencing is something everyone experiences – it is part of being an adult. Remain true to your conviction of what you feel is right and what you feel God it moving you towards. There will always be those that they you not to believe or do not follow what you believe is the truth, there are a lot of people that are weak in their beliefs and as such they feel it gives their view points or beliefs sustenance if they can also get someone else to think like they do.

As Jesus tells us – We will be attacked and mocked for our beliefs – the thing to also remember is that man started all other types of churchs, granted it is great that they believe and should love God and all others – even though most do not if they also do not believe as they do. The protestant church was started by Martin Luther, as was all other churches were started by man. Simon, who Jesus called Peter meaning the Rock and upon that Rock he built his church. And Peter by the grace of Jesus started the Catholic Church.

But remember there will always be those that attack you for your beliefs, even those that claim to be Christian also. For how can someone claim to be a follower of Jesus the Christ when they spew hate and anger towards one of his churches – especially when they have no idea what is preached or taught?

I pray that God grants you peace and strength.

Winter
 
fixed the first part 🙂

Remain strong in God, he will help you get through this. The turmoil that you are experiencing is something everyone experiences – it is part of being an adult. Remain true to your conviction of what you feel is right and what you feel God it moving you towards. There will always be those that do not want to believe or do not believe the same way you do. There are a lot of people that are weak in their beliefs (reguardless of what they believe) and as such they feel it gives their view points or beliefs sustenance if they can also get someone else to think like they do.
 
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