How to tell my parents that I am converting to Catholicism

[USAFwife]

Please don’t be discouraged. I’m still not Catholic; it has been a long road. But all the bumps in the road so far have been worth it. I cannot imagine how happy I’ll be when I’m officially Catholic. Feed your soul. God will take care of everything else.

 

[anon10271182]

We worship the pope, too, don’t forget.

 

[ColorMomma]

Here is some info on this topic. Do Catholics Worship Statues? | Catholic Answers

 

[ColorMomma]

God bless you on your journey as well. Sometimes the best things in life are the most hard-fought.

 

[joeybaggz]

You will need to “sell” your decision to your parents. One of the paramount principles of salesmanship is not to denigrate the “competition” but rather acknowledge the worth of the competing product, and then gently and charitably, show how the product you offer is better, has more features, is more “friendly”. This tactic validates your prospects historical decisions and is not in any way adversarial. I think this is something to keep in mind when broaching the subject to your parents. Let them know that there is much good that they have “taught” you, but there is something in the RCC that you find is more enriching in your spiritual growth and journey. Something that speaks to you, that brings you closer to Christ.
Be prepared for all the standard arguments, but be firm in your decision, and loving toward your parents. Know that they will feel it a betrayal initially, but over time with charity and love toward your parents, they will probably come to some peace about it.
Remember Jesus said he did not come to bring peace … a father will oppose his son, a mother, her daughter. But in the end, with prayer, love, and charity, have faith the Lord will work it out.

 

[Theo2]

Awesome! Tell your parents it is because of them that you know God. That you appreciate all they have taught you. You are not going back on what they taught you only adding to it. Good luck be patient.

 

[Elf01]

It’s possible. It’s also possible that your boyfriend will be blamed. Do they know he’s Cstholic and will be expected to raise his children Catholic? How have they reacted if so?

 

[guanophore]

My biggest fear is that my mom will disown me or hate me

Actually there are many things that Pentecostals have in common with Catholics.

I am curious, though, why do you feel a need to tell them?

Once you have become knowledgeable, you are more likely to be able to defend the faith and your decision to join.

Yes, @ Whitwhit, keep coming to CAF, you will learn a lot!

That you are … thinking about attending a Catholic Mass

Depending upon the Pentecostal community, this could be perceived as joining a cult, and a form of apostasy.

These are important considerations. We are obligated to honor our parents, especially when we are under their roof, or dependent upon their material support.

I am starting to actually pursue it.

You may want to hold off telling them until you get further into the process. In the Fall you can enroll in RCIA and will have an organized introduction to the faith. It is a process with gradual levels of commitment until new converts are received into the Church on Easter vigil. There is no need to rush to tell them, and as you pray about it, the best approach will become clear.

Do they know you have a Catholic boyfriend and how do they feel about that?

 

[guanophore]

It’s of hard to explain . Sorry.

I think you are doing a great job.

I will be seeking guidance from my friend who recently converted to catholic and she is being very helpful .

You will need a sponsor for RCIA. Your boyfriend can serve (this would be best so you can go thru the process together) but any Catholic in good standing can do so.

You might try to show them how much you value what you’ve learned from them.

This is a very good way to lay some groundwork. One can never start this too soon, and showing/expressing gratitude first will cushion the blow.

I’m praying it all goes well.

We will pray for you too, but don’t be in a hurry.

That is discouraging and makes me sad about telling her . Sounds like something my mom would say

Just pray for them. It is ignorance and prejudice that is borne out of ignorance.

Once I get it off of my chest the transition process will be a lot better no matter what she says .

I would urge you not to tell her to assuage your own burden, but to seek a time when you can tell her that will glorify God.

I can’t make a new reply anymore because I reached my limit as a new user so I will reply with edits .

One way to get around that is to put a number of replies in one post. You can highlight the text to which you are responding, press the gray quote button, and it will automatically load the text and the author into the edit window. You can reply to a number of posters in one post.

 

[VeryBlessed]

My advice: affirm. Be very specific about what you admire about your parents faith in Jesus and their commitment to him, and how it has blessed and benefited you. Assuming this is true, of course, thank them genuinely for raising you with such a love of Christ, and that because of their example, you are now ready to deepen your own connection to Jesus, albeit in a way that seems very foreign to them. Others have said it - don’t repudiate them, that’s what they will fear & feel you are doing. Be patient with them, there is a ton of compelling sounding misinformation about Catholicism they may have believed. Stress what you still have in common with them and your increasing devotion to Jesus. You’re still pursuing Christ “with” them even as you change your own way of doing so. God bless you so much in this.

 

[EvangelistVictor]

I was Pentecostal also and came back to Catholic Church a few months back also. We have Pentecostal renewal in Catholic Church also.

See here:

Fifty Years of the Catholic Charismatic Movement: 1967-2017 Spirituality

Here’s a really great short documentary on the history of the Catholic Charismatic moment in the Catholic Church. I pray all Catholics world wide experience this wonderful outpouring and Baptism of Christ Holy Spirit that literally fills your whole body This is very real, and you can experience it today from your own home. Just ask Christ to fill you, and you’ll receive the fullness of His Holy Spirit. Watch “Fifty Years of the Catholic Charismatic Movement: 1967-2017” on YouTube

 

[Whitwhit]

Thank you so much