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Ferde_Rombola
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Of course. As long as you really believe Jesus is present body, blood, soul and divinity, in the Eucharist it will be beneficial for you to worship Him in person.
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lome
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diggit03
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i agree =)
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Disciple96
Guest
In that situation, I would continue to listen to God calling me and I would answer Him. But I would not run away. I would not argue with my mother. (Okay, I probably would’ve but I’m trying to help you here.) I would, however, unite myself as closely as possible with my Suffering Savior. Offer up these trials and use them! Don’t waste such suffering! Offer up your annoyance, your irritation, your impatience, your anguish, your aching and longing to be received into Holy Mother Church as a practicing Catholic. And offer these things for your own salvation and for your mother’s conversion. Make that your prayer. Make the Morning Offering. And offer every minute of this time to Christ in reparation for what these people are saying to you and against the Church.
And one day soon you will be of legal age and you can run into the arms of our beautiful Mother. And you will be able to come home! And who knows? Maybe your mother will too!
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KEVIN_WILCOX
Guest
Depends what you mean by “Catholic” - define your terms. ‘Catholic’ is well-named (universal); and everyone merrily clings onto his/her own bit of the rainbow claiming they have sole ownership.
You have a rosary…so do some Protestants. You have a crucifix, is that a plain one or one “with a little man on it”?
When I became a Catholic people asked me if I “worshiped the Pope, thought Mary was part of the Trinity or burnt babies.”
We need to enter into dialogue not so much in what we do as in how we do. Let me explain: When people saw I had changed for the better they started appreciating the Catholic Faith. In fact dad, who is not a convert, is now more Catholic than I am…“Have you been to confession? You should go to Mass. I’ll be dissappointed if you go anywhere else.You should talk to Father about it.” And appreciates listening leaders in the Church (he tells me “it’s because they talk a lot of sense”.) He used to bail me into the car to take me to retreats at the monastery. In fact he bought me a Bible, crucifix and a rosary. Why? Because he had benefited by my conversion and saw how much I had changed for the better. Leads me to think - conversion is not so much for ourselves as it is a gift of God to those around us. It’s like we become a doorway, a path, a bridge. Maybe God talks to us because no-one else is listening. By the way, it was dad who asked me those strange questions about the Pope, Mary and what we did with babies.
You have a rosary…so do some Protestants. You have a crucifix, is that a plain one or one “with a little man on it”?
When I became a Catholic people asked me if I “worshiped the Pope, thought Mary was part of the Trinity or burnt babies.”
We need to enter into dialogue not so much in what we do as in how we do. Let me explain: When people saw I had changed for the better they started appreciating the Catholic Faith. In fact dad, who is not a convert, is now more Catholic than I am…“Have you been to confession? You should go to Mass. I’ll be dissappointed if you go anywhere else.You should talk to Father about it.” And appreciates listening leaders in the Church (he tells me “it’s because they talk a lot of sense”.) He used to bail me into the car to take me to retreats at the monastery. In fact he bought me a Bible, crucifix and a rosary. Why? Because he had benefited by my conversion and saw how much I had changed for the better. Leads me to think - conversion is not so much for ourselves as it is a gift of God to those around us. It’s like we become a doorway, a path, a bridge. Maybe God talks to us because no-one else is listening. By the way, it was dad who asked me those strange questions about the Pope, Mary and what we did with babies.
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Oumashta
Guest
I’m 14. Many people think that I am too young to understand or to young to know what the word “Catholic” means. I was raised very strongly in my faith. That was until I realised that something was wrong and things were not adding up. I remember asking my mother what Jesus meant when he said “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church” She said, “Jesus is the rock of the church, not Peter.” Thank you for your prayers.
What I mean by Catholic is “Those who are members of the one true holy Catholic apostolic church.” Finding out the truth is hard. I liked my peice of the rainbow. That was until I got a wake up call from God. Now I need to find a way to the Catholic Church. No protestant likes to hear that the Catholic Church is the one that canonised the Bible.
Yes, my crucifix is the one with the “little man on it”
Thank you all once again for your encouragement and advice
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KEVIN_WILCOX
Guest
Even within the Catholic Church there are divisions - from very conservative orthodox to liberal; each claiming they are the only ones clinging & protecting the true Church. Truly universal (catholic). Personally, the only clarity I can find comes from a personal experience, a personal encounter with the crucified & risen Lord Jesus Christ. But isn’t this similar to what we had in the beginning, until St Paul directed traffic in the Holy Spirit ‘turning us again’ (the meaning of the word ‘reconcile’) to God.
For man there is nothing to hold onto…He must continually abandon himself to be held.
For man there is nothing to hold onto…He must continually abandon himself to be held.
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aicirt
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Okay…what did we do with babies? And what’s a burnt baby? Where do they get this stuff?
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aicirt
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Fourteen! You express yourself very well. Thought you were more like 17. Parents are doing a good job with your education. Keep up the good work.I’m 14. Many people think that I am too young to understand or to young to know what the word “Catholic” means. I was raised very strongly in my faith. That was until I realised that something was wrong and things were not adding up. I remember asking my mother what Jesus meant when he said “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church” She said, “Jesus is the rock of the church, not Peter.” Thank you for your prayers.
What I mean by Catholic is “Those who are members of the one true holy Catholic apostolic church.” Finding out the truth is hard. I liked my peice of the rainbow. That was until I got a wake up call from God. Now I need to find a way to the Catholic Church. No protestant likes to hear that the Catholic Church is the one that canonised the Bible.
Yes, my crucifix is the one with the “little man on it”
Thank you all once again for your encouragement and advice
I was thinking about Christ lost, and Mary and Joseph found him teaching in the Temple when he was about 12 or 13. I believe He said, “Don’t you know I must be about my Father’s business?” But he dutifully went home with His parents. It always amazes me how much we can find our own situations in Christ’s life or that of the Holy Family. I know you get my point.
I strongly agree with the others who see you influencing your Mom, and your Father, through obedience. The love and patience you show them during this period will have an effect. It will take time but I wouldn’t be that surprised if your Mom turned toward the Church too. Pray on that.
EWTN has some great programs one of which is THE JOURNEY HOME. Marcu Grodi, the host, interviews converts. You might want to watch it.
Might be a good idea to keep these posts. Someday you might want to show them to your Mom. It will help her understand no one is interested in taking you away from her or advocating defiance.
And to your Mother, I’d like to say, as one Mom to another, you have a lovely daughter.
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TLM08
Guest
There are clear cut differences between catholicism and bible based christianity. Many non-catholics have some terrible misconceptions about catholicism. Chances are, your mother is one of these people. I have been on both sides of this myself. Whatever you decide, make sure your decision is made for the right reasons. It is really easy to get caught up in the physical beauty (cathedrals, gold, stained glass, vestments, artwork etc.) surrounding the catholic faith. Don’t let those things influence your decision. Study the real issues that divide catholics from non-catholic christians and follow your heart.Ok… How do I start?
I was raised in a Strong Protestant pentecostal family. My parents got divorced when I was 8 and I am now living with my mother in HongKong/China. I was raised to think that Catholics were in a false man-made church that worshiped Mary. I thought that until I started researching Church history. Church history basically yelled “The Catholic Church is the first Church!”
I was debating for many months if I should convert. I’ve prayed and prayed and God has made a way for me to get in touch with many Catholics that could help me. A few months ago I was a Sola scriptura anti-Catholic protestant, now I wear a crucifix, have icons all over my room, and pray the Rosary daily. If I could I would run off to the nearest Catholic Church and ask how I can become a Catholic. But!.. The only thing hindering me from becoming a Catholic is my extremely strict protestant mother that is very VERY anti-Catholic. I have had debates with her about the Communion of the Saints, Trinity, Mary, ect… At every argument both of us end up in tears and with hate and bitterness inside. I don’t know what to do? My mom has a home group every Saturday and all the people that go to it always have to bring up Catholics. Some even said that 50% of Catholics don’t believe in Jesus, so don’t have Catholic friends…(I know that one was made up)
Anyways… If I convert, everyone around me will dislike me and I will end up arguing all the time with my mother. And since I am not a legal adult yet, I can’t leave my mother’s house. I don’t want to disobey my mother… And in Hong Kong there are alot of protestants. Many preachers to nothing but make the Catholic Church seem like a cult… What do you say I do? I’m still surprised I ordered Rosary beads online and pray it daily without my mother knowing… What to do?
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Disciple96
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I agree to a certain extent with what you are saying to our young would-be Catholic. Except that I would recommend that to our young friend that she follow Christ. Every minute of every hour of every day.
And rest assured, Oumashta, if God wills that you become a Catholic, if He is calling to be a member of the Body of Christ, then you have only to trust Him and spend this time learning about the faith, studying the Bible and the Catechism (both of which are available online), praying and meditating (in the Catholic tradition). And then when you can at last be received into the Church, you will perhaps be better informed (and better formed) than many who have been Catholic all their lives.
By the way I’ve got links on my site to all sorts of stuff that could be helpful to you. Look under Resources and also check out the links on the sidebar of every page. Free stuff available online that will help you and won’t cost you a dime and you can study in private. Keep the faith, Oumashta. I think you’re going to be one great Catholic!
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JanetF
Guest
This seems an appropriate quote to remind yourself which is more important, having friends, or having Jesus Christ in your heart. “…and if wicked men insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you…”
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Oumashta
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BrokenFortress
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I haven’t read all the posts, but I just thought I would chime in.
I was raised very Protestant, by a very strict Protestant father. My mom is also Protestant but was Catholic (non-practicing) as a child.
I will say that when I told my dad about my plans to become Catholic, he was very very upset with me. I think he was very angry and didn’t understand. It’s unfortunate how many Protestants feel the need to show hatred to Catholicism when they really don’t understand. There are so many lies and misconceptions out there about Catholicism.
I do have to agree that you may need to wait until you are a legal adult to become Catholic, just for the fact that you are living with her yet. But this wouldn’t stop you from learning more about the Catholic faith during this time. Order some Catholic books, continue to post of the forums, etc.
So I’m not sure that my post really helped, but just know that in your struggle, you are far from alone. Many of us converts have also had a rough road home.
So hang in there!
I was raised very Protestant, by a very strict Protestant father. My mom is also Protestant but was Catholic (non-practicing) as a child.
I will say that when I told my dad about my plans to become Catholic, he was very very upset with me. I think he was very angry and didn’t understand. It’s unfortunate how many Protestants feel the need to show hatred to Catholicism when they really don’t understand. There are so many lies and misconceptions out there about Catholicism.
I do have to agree that you may need to wait until you are a legal adult to become Catholic, just for the fact that you are living with her yet. But this wouldn’t stop you from learning more about the Catholic faith during this time. Order some Catholic books, continue to post of the forums, etc.
So I’m not sure that my post really helped, but just know that in your struggle, you are far from alone. Many of us converts have also had a rough road home.
So hang in there!
O
Oumashta
Guest
Yes, many people do have misconceptions about the Catholic Church and yes my mother likely is one. But what do you mean by “Bible-based Christianity”?
I understand that the Catholic Church likes to beautifully adorn her churches, but taoists in hongkong like to decorate their temples too.
What attracted me to the Catholic Church is not pretty pretty Mary statues. But rather their love for Jesus and the hunger for the truth. I only made the decision to convert after many months of praying and learning more about the Catholic Church.
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Oumashta
Guest
The biggest problem between the two denominations is that many of the protestant pastors will get information from other protestant pastors, twist it a little, and preach it to their congregation. This is what happened to my church.I haven’t read all the posts, but I just thought I would chime in.
I was raised very Protestant, by a very strict Protestant father. My mom is also Protestant but was Catholic (non-practicing) as a child.
I will say that when I told my dad about my plans to become Catholic, he was very very upset with me. I think he was very angry and didn’t understand. It’s unfortunate how many Protestants feel the need to show hatred to Catholicism when they really don’t understand. There are so many lies and misconceptions out there about Catholicism.
I do have to agree that you may need to wait until you are a legal adult to become Catholic, just for the fact that you are living with her yet. But this wouldn’t stop you from learning more about the Catholic faith during this time. Order some Catholic books, continue to post of the forums, etc.
So I’m not sure that my post really helped, but just know that in your struggle, you are far from alone. Many of us converts have also had a rough road home.
So hang in there!
Is your father still angry at you for converting?
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Disciple96
Guest
I gotta tell ya, Oumashta, you sound much more reasonable and rational and mature than many cough ahem, “adults” of my own personal acquaintance. I’m not worried at all that you will find a way to answer God’s call. You seem to have a head on your shoulders and to be using it. May I recommend, among the many books you are undoubtedly reading, that you read some of the encyclicals by our beloved Pope Benedict XVI and his also beloved predecessor, Pope John Paul II? And Pope Benedict’s book, Jesus of Nazareth? Beautiful beautiful book. How could mom have a problem with a book entitled Jesus of Nazareth?Yes, many people do have misconceptions about the Catholic Church and yes my mother likely is one. But what do you mean by “Bible-based Christianity”?
I understand that the Catholic Church likes to beautifully adorn her churches, but taoists in hongkong like to decorate their temples too.
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the_7th_one
Guest
If I may place my 2 cents worth into the thread, PRAY. Adoration can be a great time to pray. I find my weekly visits to the Eurcharistic Chapel so helpfull. Some weeks, it is what keeps me going every day. I love my time with Jesus.
As for your mother, she is made in God’s image, she is to be respected, even if she is wrong about the Catholic Church. Pray for her, and pray for your reltionship with her.
A teacher at a Franciscan University at Stubenville Ohio (not sure if I have the city spelled right), Scott Haun, talks about the folks who came to him when he was looking at joining the church. The talked respectfully, and prayed for one another. Many are now Catholic as well. I’m not saying that id what would happen in your case, but be open to Gods calling for you. Be sure your are seeking truth in your heart. You will have your firat Communion when Jesus says the time is right.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always
As for your mother, she is made in God’s image, she is to be respected, even if she is wrong about the Catholic Church. Pray for her, and pray for your reltionship with her.
A teacher at a Franciscan University at Stubenville Ohio (not sure if I have the city spelled right), Scott Haun, talks about the folks who came to him when he was looking at joining the church. The talked respectfully, and prayed for one another. Many are now Catholic as well. I’m not saying that id what would happen in your case, but be open to Gods calling for you. Be sure your are seeking truth in your heart. You will have your firat Communion when Jesus says the time is right.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always
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aicirt
Guest
Thank you
uch: Oops! Know, I thought I might have made a mistake as soon as I hit send.Anyway…You’re a good kid and I’m sure your parents think so too.
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Oumashta
Guest
Oh thank you Lord Jesus! My mom’s friend (Who is a very strong protestant) recently adopted a little girl from China and has been taking her adopted daughter to Mass everyday for the past few weeks. My mom and her are very good friends. She told my mother as if there were no big deal. I said "Hey cool maybe I could attend Mass with her "My mom hesitated at first and then said “Uhm I’ll have to call and see if it’s ok… And you will have to get up very early… I’ll have to pray about it, I don’t know… I’m not guaranteeing you and we are just visiting… but maybe” PLEASE pray for me! Pray that I will be able to attend Mass with her next week, and pray that I will be able to wake up
Anyway…You’re a good kid and I’m sure your parents think so too.
I think this is the breakthrough I was looking for! Hopefully…- Status