Initiating a conversion

[sac7299]

I am a practicing Catholic and am dating an Evangelical Christian. We have been seeing each other on and off for over a year now. When we first met I was not practicing my Catholic faith. She is a very devout Christian and comes from a devout family. Her parents are missionaries on behalf of her evangelical denomination. When we first met I was somewhat confused about my faith and was very open to hers. As time as went on, her certainty about her faith and deep knowledge of the Bible led me to engage in a deeper study of the Catholic faith so that I might be able to discuss matters of religion with her. This has had an adverse reaction than what she probably thought because it has actually strengthened my Catholic faith and led to my full return to the Church. I have no doubt now that the Catholic Church is the one, only, and true Church of Christ. We are in love, but since our relationship problems have always in one way or another revolved around matters of faith, I know now that if our relationship is to work she would have to accept and embrace the Catholic Church. I also feel it is my duty to help her see this truth, as it was because of her that my faith has been affirmed and restored.

I have been praying for her a lot lately, but am confused about how else to go about evangelizing her. She has such deep and passionate faith in Christ, but I also feel that it is incomplete. Given her family background with regards to religion and trying to be as sensitive and respectful as possible, any advice on how to initiate evangelization/conversion would be appreciated.

 

[asquared]

Faith is core and essential to each of you, and the compromise you both would have to make to marry and raise your family are too great, and one or the other would have to sacrifice too much of your own identity. Interfaith marriage seldom works unless one or the other party compromises on essentials of their faith. you will not initiate hers nor anyone else’s conversion. The Holy Spirit does that. You live your faith completely and fully, and teach when necessary. Search and Rescue by Patrick Madrid is the best guide for you. But marriage with the idea that you will convert the other party’s religious affiliation is just as naive and just as dangerous and fruitless as marrying with the idea of changing anything else about them.

 

[sac7299]

Don’t get me wrong…I’m not even thinking marriage right now, nor would I with the intent of changing anything about her. I just realize that if the relationship is to progress - and maybe one day get to that point - changes would have to happen (changes brought about throught the power of the Holy Spirit), and if not then I’ll have to move on. I guess I just want to try and see if she is responsive before I move on. But maybe other than prayer, there is nothing I can do. Maybe I should just move on and leave it up to the big guy. If it is meant to work, it will…

 

[Della]

Don’t get me wrong…I’m not even thinking marriage right now, nor would I with the intent of changing anything about her. I just realize that if the relationship is to progress - and maybe one day get to that point - changes would have to happen (changes brought about throught the power of the Holy Spirit), and if not then I’ll have to move on. I guess I just want to try and see if she is responsive before I move on. But maybe other than prayer, there is nothing I can do. Maybe I should just move on and leave it up to the big guy. If it is meant to work, it will…

Since she has seen that you are as devoted to your faith as she is to hers, and she hasn’t asked you any questions leading you to believe she is interested in the Catholic Church, I’d move on if I were you. Start looking within your local parishes for suitable young women to date, instead. It will save both you and this young woman a lot of heartache, time, and trouble.

 

[Proeliator]

I can’t remember who to give credit to for this saying but it reads,“Evangelize always, Use words if you must”. Your actions are just as important. I realize you probably are well rooted in your actions but sometimes hearing it again helps! Keep praying and visit our Lord at Holy Hour for her! If things don’t start to develop soon, take Dellas advice and move on. Find a great Catholic Girl…

 

[THutch04]

I can’t remember who to give credit to for this saying but it reads,“Evangelize always, Use words if you must”. Your actions are just as important. I realize you probably are well rooted in your actions but sometimes hearing it again helps! Keep praying and visit our Lord at Holy Hour for her! If things don’t start to develop soon, take Dellas advice and move on. Find a great Catholic Girl…

I believe it was St. Francis who said that quote.

 

[Eileen_T]

I understand what you are saying about being indebted to her for your return to the Faith.

My advice is to pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet for her every day, inserting her name where it says…“Have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

Study the Faith further “… being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.” 1 Peter 3:15 So that you can answer questions about the Catholic Faith when they arise.

Leave the rest to God.