How do I tell my Parents that I am now planning to become Catholic?

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I feel that I need to do this first as my path home!
 
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How do you normally share things of importance with them? I would follow the same pattern.

Unless your normal style of communication involves something like sky-written messages. That route I probably wouldn’t take.
 
How old are you? I don’t want to recommend having a drink first if you are not legal.
 
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Are they non-Christian, or just non-Catholic? Are they anti-Catholic?

Regardless, I would go into it knowing why you’re converting. If you can show them that it’s something you’ve put a lot of thought into, that may help ease any tensions that arise.
 
I feel that I need to do this first as my path home!
It was not my first step. I joined RCIA and it was around the time of the Rite of Acceptance that I told them. They weren’t going to agree with my decision (they didn’t) and I wanted time to process it before dealing with them.

Luckily this meant I had already started to develop a network with the RCIA team at the church when their inevitably negative response came down on me.
 
Conversation.

Each time you go over to visit them, mention some things, a few things.

When you feel it is the right time, (assuming they are people of some sort of faith), begin by thanking them for the foundation of faith that they built in you, for the love of God that they demonstrated for you and still do today. Tell them that you have been reading, praying and studying and you believe that God is calling you to continue your Christian walk in the Catholic Church.

Give them a copy of the “Common Ground” DVD and ask them to watch it. Tell them that you want to dialogue, and that there are places they can go to ask questions (to this forum or other forums like the Coming Home Network or the forums at AveMariaRadio.net).

Remind them that you are not leaving Christianity, that this is the next step in your Christian growth.
 
I honest think That it is the true church, Martian Luther’s faith alone doesn’t work because it may simply be a misunderstanding. I read the scriptures and were convinced that Catholicism was biblical; I feel that God is guiding me; I didn’t want to look at further protestant churches as they had theologies which I disagreed with especially with there stance on apostolic succession and the Eucharist. I feel all the anti Catholicism is more a misunderstanding by some people slandering the faith. though I worry that I am rushing to far. I am worried and am unsure about what I hear is from God.
 
They are not anti Catholic, though they have some Theological objections and even then I am certain that one of them doesn’t mind.
 
Do not phrase it this way to your family. Those words will be heard as “you guys are wrong, you are going to a fake Church and you believe a bunch of lies”.

You want to make this positive, that you are simply taking a new step in the Christian faith that you share.
 
so, I realise it not that the Anglican church isn’t a true church, I am sorry,
it should be that it is the fullness of God, forgive me. I said something wrong.
 
I agree. Do not put them on the defensive by pointing out apparent deficiencies in their faith tradition. Put it in terms of how you need Catholic spirituality and practice to be complete in your faith.

OP, you sound quite young. The best way to go about such a thing is to try to enlist your parents’ help in the “discovery and exploration” of your Catholic faith. Failing that, it’s very hard for (good) parents to deny their child’s sincere need. If you make clear that this is a positive and good change for you, your parents should support your journey.

Good luck!
 
I feel that I need to do this first as my path home!
How old are you? Do you have Catholic friends and relatives of some long standing? What’s your family’s current religious situation? A lot of things are variable here.

The answers that you need are different if you come from a muslim family in Teheran and you’re 16, than if you are 40 and live with your secular family in Rhode Island.
 
Well I am in university and I have family with a protestant backgrounds.
 
You are old enough to make your own choices then. Simply tell them.
 
If they are not anti-Catholic then it may not be as bad as you think. Just tell them that, through your study, you are convinced of the truthfulness of the sacraments, and desire to take part in them. That way, you’re not directly attacking their faith, while also expressing that you have found something in Catholicism that you cannot deny.
 
Take this as you will since I’m neither a convert nor a parent, but I have worked with people in RCIA. I think it’s common for parents to see the idea of their child becoming Catholic as a rejection of the parents and their faith. I would let them know how much you value the faith you were raised in and your path now is a continuation of that faith, not a rejection of it. As appropriate you can let them know that you appreciate that they taught you to pray, read scripture, belong to a faith community, serve others, etc. and that you will continue to do those things. Let them know that you will always love them.
 
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