H
homewardbound
Guest
I’ve had that happen, yes.
If You're a Convert, How Did You Cope?--Adjusting, Learning, and Becoming
- Status
M
mercygate
Guest
For about 4 years I would stop what I was doing a couple of times a day and say to myself: “I’m Catholic! Thank you, Lord. I’m Catholic.”
No residue of anti-Catholic prejudices because it took 40 years for me to work all of that out of my system BEFORE I picked up the phone that September morning to contact the Catholic Priest. One day someone asked me, “How long have you been Catholic?” I responded, “I’ve been Catholic for 25 years but I’ve only been in the Church for two years.”
L
LeahInancsi
Guest
That’s an excellent idea. At this point, I think volunteering to sponsor someone would be best until I get more familiar with the practices of the Church, etc.
I truly loved RCIA and have been searching for that kind of fellowship in Bible study. So far, Bible study is lagging far behind RCIA.
S
Sr_Sally
Guest
Yes, dh and I marvel at that one all the time!
As for the family traditions thing. I did grow up Catholic and still didn’t write JMJ on my test papers. You have to have gone to parochial school at just the right time for that to stick!
A
Anduril11623
Guest
I have to say that conversion was a lonely experience for me. While I had a family member who was a sponsor (cousin’s wife), it was a long time before I felt particularly welcome in the Church, something that has gotten better lately. (for a long time, I didn’t attend Mass, as it was very lonely feeling at best).
The other thing I found that was when I was Episcopalian, not Catholic, there was very little prejudice and open hatred to deal with. The body of Satan seems to ignore most other denominations relative to Catholicism, saving the real venom for the Church. As a result, I found myself unprepared to deal with the reactions I got from some people when they learned I was Catholic, as well as just the general hatred that is present in modern society and the media. This took a longer time to deal with, but eventually I realized that these people have made their choices and share their “master’s” hatred of goodness and decency. I pray them for them, but don’t worry anymore what they think of me or the Church.
The other thing I found that was when I was Episcopalian, not Catholic, there was very little prejudice and open hatred to deal with. The body of Satan seems to ignore most other denominations relative to Catholicism, saving the real venom for the Church. As a result, I found myself unprepared to deal with the reactions I got from some people when they learned I was Catholic, as well as just the general hatred that is present in modern society and the media. This took a longer time to deal with, but eventually I realized that these people have made their choices and share their “master’s” hatred of goodness and decency. I pray them for them, but don’t worry anymore what they think of me or the Church.
C
Cairisti
Guest
Conversion can be a very lonely experience as others have also stated. I’m the youngest in my family and the only Catholic. An elderly cousin (my dad’s first cousin) had converted to Catholicism in the 1940’s and died just as I was re-entering RCIA. Most of my family is dyed in the wool Southern Baptist and of couse have very strong opinions about the CC. (My sister is the lone exception as she’s married to a lapsed Catholic but who’s mom is very traditional Catholic and is always open to hearing about the CC. ) Add that to most of my friends are either ex-Catholics or evangelical Protestant and one lone Orthodox.(The Orthodox friend is fine with my being Catholic, it’s the others that occasionally make a little jab about the CC that occasionally gets to me. ) It’s not easy to convert and remain so. I do go to Mass, though not knowing anyone makes it lonely. (And yes, I’ve joined the RCIA team. That is what keeps me going. Learning more about the CC. It’s a better class this year than when I went through btw. 
) But there are times I miss the friendships and fellowship and singing in my old Methodist church. And in dark moments I’m tempted to run back.
However, this is where the Lord guided me and where His Real Presence is. Although the first year I was Catholic was probably the most trying and worst year in my life ( only niece killed, id stolen, illness, ect), I remain Catholic. Even in the worst of times, I’ve experienced blessings that helped me endure the trials. The CC is truely a pearl of a great price.
I always knew I’d be Catholic one day, even as a teen. Just took me a few decades.
) But there are times I miss the friendships and fellowship and singing in my old Methodist church. And in dark moments I’m tempted to run back.However, this is where the Lord guided me and where His Real Presence is. Although the first year I was Catholic was probably the most trying and worst year in my life ( only niece killed, id stolen, illness, ect), I remain Catholic. Even in the worst of times, I’ve experienced blessings that helped me endure the trials. The CC is truely a pearl of a great price.
I always knew I’d be Catholic one day, even as a teen. Just took me a few decades.
O
Olivermax
Guest
I have the perfect book for you to share with your family and friends who like to take jabs at the Church. Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David Currie. It is brilliant in its simplicity and completely blows the lid off the prejudice that Evangelicals lob at the Church of Jesus. This guy was raised by prominent Evangelicals and had the same biases that the Evangelical Church had. The Bible is what led him to the Catholic Church. He said the Catholics were the only ones who didn’t have to “fudge” certain Bible passages for their theology.
L
LeahInancsi
Guest
I was told in RCIA that the time in RCIA and most likely the first year of two in the Church are the most trying because Satan in tempting you. I know this is true from my own experience. I’m staying strong and pray that you do, also.…Although the first year I was Catholic was probably the most trying and worst year in my life ( only niece killed, id stolen, illness, ect), I remain Catholic. Even in the worst of times, I’ve experienced blessings that helped me endure the trials. The CC is truely a pearl of a great price.
I always knew I’d be Catholic one day, even as a teen. Just took me a few decades.
M
m134e5
Guest
The lack of social groups was a difficult adjustment. I’m NOT talking about social justice- there was PLENTY of that! They had groups like the Legion of Mary and the Knights of Columbus, but I knew very few people in those groups under 50. Until recently, there was practically nothing for young adults- it still could stand to improve.
L
LeahInancsi
Guest
Apparently, the Church has lost the generation of those of us who are “middle aged”. I can only assume that it is due to the confusion and disallusionment caused by Vatican II. My parish primarily consists of people my mother’s age and young couples.
You have to be proactive. Mass is not the time or place to socialize and meet people unless there is coffee and donuts in the Family Center after mass as there is at my parish. Otherwise, it must be done in the various groups that meet during the week. You have to join and be active.
You have to be proactive. Mass is not the time or place to socialize and meet people unless there is coffee and donuts in the Family Center after mass as there is at my parish. Otherwise, it must be done in the various groups that meet during the week. You have to join and be active.
S
snowfly
Guest
Couldn’t agree more, actually I was reading every-ones posts and one thing that jumps out to me is loneliness.
Have to say at 49 and a Cradle Catholic I never feel lonely in the Church.
During the day there are people doing their shopping and drop in to light a candle and say a prayer, and then there are the gossips.
But no whether there are 1000 at Mass or there is just me and the Tabernacle then thats enough, being in the Presence of the Tabernacle…no I never feel lonely.
I’ve went to social gatherings…dinners etc; with 100’s of people and you do feel lonely, I’m sure some know what I mean.
I love the silence of the Church during Eucharistic Adoration, it’s interesting to see people referring to the JMJ on letters etc; because as a 49 year old Catholic I don’t remember ever doing that, but it’s a nice touch, I’ve seen it in books though.
I remember a Priest Fr Patrick or Paddy who use to sign his name with a Cross for the “t” Abbrev: to … Pa+.
Thanks for posting up the books that have helped you in your time learning about the faith, the one I’d recommend for converts is the CCC.
Here in Ireland we have a lot of prayer groups, that is people through their Parish messenger or word of mouth having a day in the week where people gather to pray in the chosen persons home.
And it’s one way of meeting people, and it can be rotated to someone else’s home if they agree, so if your lonely try prayer meetings.
But be careful of the numbers, and you take control, it’s your home, but I would definately recommend a prayer meeting, Rosary etc; as a way to get to know people.
And don’t worry if your not too sharp with the Rosary because you’ll be inviting people that can teach you. sorry for the rant, just my :twocents:
O
Olivermax
Guest
I have to disagree that the problem was Vatican II. There was actually nothing wrong with Vatican II. It was what was done by dissenters in the so-called "spirit of Vatican II " that led to a generation of Catholics being lost to the Church, Fortunately, many of those lost Catholics are returning and pushing back against the dissenters who seek to destroy.
The Pope who gave us the prayer to St Michael,(I can’t remember his name) was given a vision of the future of the Church. There was apparently a time given to Satan to try the Church. We are just now coming out of that period of time, thank God.
S
snowfly
Guest
Yes Pope Leo…and the 100 years are over, hence the revival of the Catholic Church.
T
THutch04
Guest
I never felt like I had a huge change in my beliefs. Doctinally I had no strong disagreements. I only had one reason for coming into the Church, and it was that I knew the Church was meant to be united.
I wouldn’t say I wish I had grown up Catholic. Maybe in the sense that if I had grown up Catholic I wouldn’t be so lonely in the Church. There’s absolutely no point in trying to get involved in a parish when I’m home, because in the summer none of the groups that are available are meeting, and nobody really wants to get to know someone who will be gone in a few months. But I love my former faith, and I really do think it’s a beautiful expression of Christianity. I’m very happy that I grew up with that faith. I wish that the divisions between the two would end. And truthfully, I was happy there, whereas in the last two years I’ve spent most of it questioning if I made the right decision. But as much as I WANT to go back, I know that I was CALLED to the Catholic Church, and can’t leave.
L
LeahInancsi
Guest
I think you misunderstood me. I’m only guessing that Vatican II might of had something to do with the “lost generation (my term)” that I fall into. Not so much because they thought it was bad, but because they didn’t understand the changes or the Protestants had a better sales pitch, etc.
As for the “lost generation” coming back to the Church, I don’t know either way. I suspect there is a large group that just stopped going to church and at middle age, they start to realize their mortality, as I have, and return to religion.
L
LeahInancsi
Guest
I DO wish I had grown up Catholic. Now, I feel like I’ve walked into the theater in the middle of the movie and have no idea what happened in the beginning especially when it comes to religious education. RCIA just doesn’t cut it. Also, I still live in the same area where I grew up, so I would, most likely, have those long-term connections to fellow parishioners that I’m missing, now.
Another thing, that I hear the old timers mention are the connections to other families they have made through their children. No having children involved in the Church leaves me at a disadvantage.
C
Cardinalsong
Guest
There’s definitely some truth to the “lost generation” as I am part of it.
I was baptised Catholic as a baby but when I was about 5 or 6 my family left. I remember my mother telling me my father did not like the “new mass” or something like that. Vatican 2 was a good thing but unfortunately was misinterpreted and misunderstood by a lot of people causing a mass exodus in the 60’s & 70’s (IMO) including my family.
Actually I am thankful in a sense that I was away from the Church for so long because I missed out on the bad catechesis and other problems that unfortunately happened to my generation. I know I wouldn’t be where I am now otherwise which I am the sole member of my family who is converting (or reverting) to my Catholic roots. It is an exciting, beautiful, terrrifying & lonely time for me and I wouldn’t change a thing.
JMJ
F
Feedmysheep
Guest
I think it was the zeitgeist that caused the Exodus. You had the Baby Boomers just coming of age, fed on a steady cultural diet of “you make up your own truth”, fueled by the twin evils of the Pill and legalized abortion, and you’ve got the recipe for a mass rejection of authority, self-discipline, self-denial, and absolute Truth.
As the adult child of Baby Boomer parents, I see this sad story played out in my own family. My husband and I are converts to Catholicism; raised on our parents’ steady diet of spiritual junk food, we were starving!
The strain of living life away from God is wearing on my mother, who has started “church shopping”, not knowing where she wants to go, but certain it ISN’T the Presbyterian church of her youth. My father is still steadfast in his antagonism of any organized religion, but is being blanketed in my family’s daily prayers.
But as the only Catholic in my family (with the exception of my father’s cousin’s wife), the coping came more with having to learn to navigate the sometimes uncomfortable waters of my parents’ moral relativism.
FMS
C
chris12
Guest
I’ve read several different conversion stories, and I have to say my experience was like none of them.
For whatever reasons, my conversion went smoothly and with no big obstacles.
My first experience with Catholicism was as a 9 year old about to have an operation. The hospital was a Catholic hospital, and when the first nun I’d ever seen walked in, my mother says my eyes got as wide as saucers, and I was fascinated by her habit and that beautiful cross she was wearing. She was also a very sweet woman; after my surgery I developed an infection & had to stay in the hospital for a few more days, and one of my comforts was that wonderful lady coming in with her smiles and pitcherfuls of cold water or juice–but most of all I just loved to talk to her.
The first time I actually set foot in a Catholic Church was at my cousin’s wedding. The moment i walked in, I knew there was something different about this place. I had no idea what it was, of course. I didn’t go into another Catholic Church for several years–but the moment I stepped in I had that exact same response. This time I felt a peace, a sense of welcome, belonging. I’d never felt anything like it in any other church I’d visited, and it made me curious enough to start asking questions of my Catholic great-uncle.
None of the doctrines, practices or beliefs of the Catholic Church presented any problems, and although my grandmother did not like the idea, she never said anything other than to be sure I really wanted to do this. The rest of my family never had any objections, nor did I lose any friends.
From what I’ve read about some people’s experiences, God doubly blessed me.
For whatever reasons, my conversion went smoothly and with no big obstacles.
My first experience with Catholicism was as a 9 year old about to have an operation. The hospital was a Catholic hospital, and when the first nun I’d ever seen walked in, my mother says my eyes got as wide as saucers, and I was fascinated by her habit and that beautiful cross she was wearing. She was also a very sweet woman; after my surgery I developed an infection & had to stay in the hospital for a few more days, and one of my comforts was that wonderful lady coming in with her smiles and pitcherfuls of cold water or juice–but most of all I just loved to talk to her.
The first time I actually set foot in a Catholic Church was at my cousin’s wedding. The moment i walked in, I knew there was something different about this place. I had no idea what it was, of course. I didn’t go into another Catholic Church for several years–but the moment I stepped in I had that exact same response. This time I felt a peace, a sense of welcome, belonging. I’d never felt anything like it in any other church I’d visited, and it made me curious enough to start asking questions of my Catholic great-uncle.
None of the doctrines, practices or beliefs of the Catholic Church presented any problems, and although my grandmother did not like the idea, she never said anything other than to be sure I really wanted to do this. The rest of my family never had any objections, nor did I lose any friends.
From what I’ve read about some people’s experiences, God doubly blessed me.
E
Elizabeth_C
Guest
Ah… a kindred spirit! I married a cradle Catholic (who still only attends church sporadically… but says he prays daily!) My father was raised Catholic and my mother was some protestent denomination. They did not go to church, but I did get some basics from them… and Christmas carols in music class at school!. I was 37 (now 41) when I finally joined the Catholic Church (having been married in the church and attending sporadically with my husband.) It was the most amazing year of my life… going through RCIA, the spiritual conversion, and my first experience with attending all the masses the week before Easter. My husband once asked what the best feeling I ever had was… that was at Easter Vigil that year when I heard the whole story and became one with it through the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
Then… I was left alone. I got little excitement from my husband when I would try to talk about something new (to me) that I had discovered. I’ve read voraciously. I watched EWTN a lot. My husband has actually equated my enthusiasm to how I jumped into other things (like scrapbooking) instead of seeing the importance to me (like it’s a new addiction or something.)
There are church groups for youth, young adults and seniors. (I am none of these.) They finally had a Bible study … at a time I couldn’t attend. I now attend a non-denominational Bible study… but I wish for a Catholic one. I am greatful for the one I go to because I have met some wonderful women, some of whom may also be Catholic… but it is not discussed.
I also have a collection of books… and more that I want to buy. (BTW… I highly recommend the Pope’s book Jesus of Nazareth.)
I would never give up…but sometimes it is hard to press on.
Elizabeth
- Status