How do I tell my parents I'm entering a convent?

[KarissaS]

I need help. Since I was three years old I have known somehow that our Lord has called me to the religious life and I look forward to giving myself to God in every way. I love him more than anything and I will do anything to please him. My mother and my family on her side are diehard Pentecostals and my father is a non-practicing Catholic. They’ve known I thought about the reliigous life as a child, but now that I’m older and out of the house on my own they seem to think that was just a phase in my life.

How do I go about telling my parents I am entering into a convent (possibly cloistered)? I have had to stand up for myself all my life and have been met with so much opposition on this subject. My only support has been my grandmother. My father even got mad a few years ago when the subject of me entering into a convent came up! I cannot express my sadness about this. How do I tell my parents of my decision? I wanted to wait until I had a specific date of my entry but I don’t know if it’s right to keep them in the dark. What do I do? Please help me! Pray for me.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

I recommend talking about this with your vocations director. This person has probably had experience in helping candidates talk to their families about their vocations, and may even be willing to meet with your parents to answer their questions and concerns. God bless.