Is There Any Way?

[bben15]

Hi. Some of you may know me, and know that I am a former Lutheran, and my parents are prohibiting me from converting to Catholicism. You may also know that I am currently sixteen years old.

I was just thinking about how long and hard the road ahead of me is going to be, and I just wanted to know if there was any way I could convert in secret, before I turn eighteen? It is hard to go without the Eucharist, and it is painful to watch people receive it at every Mass. It is also painful having to go without the Sacrament of Penance, and the graces that come with it.

I go to Adoration every week, but it is still painful, knowing that I cannot receive Our Lord. I can adore Him, but I cannot receive him.

For those of you who do not know, I decided to convert to Catholicism when I was fourteen, and have been going to Mass every week since then (except for four months when I explored Orthodox Christianity).

Note that I do not want to dishonor my father and mother. I love and honor them, and still pray for them.

March 14th I believe was the two-year anniversary of when I left the Lutheran church and decided to join the True Church.

At this point, I would rather suffer medieval rack torture that go without the Eucharist any longer. I do not know if I can stand another two years without Him. I think I will have to go to the Easter Sunday Mass instead of the Vigil Mass, because I do not think I can bear the pain of watching the converts receiving the Eucharist for their first time.

I have been struggling with a particular mortal sin for the past year, and it is hard to overcome it without the sacraments.

Thank you for answering. God bless.

 

[grasscutter]

I really feel for the pain you are describing. I can tell how much of a torment it is for you and I would feel the exact same way in your situation (especially the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation!).

How super opposed are your parents to this? What are their specific objections? They allow you to attend Mass, so that’s hopeful. And you seem like someone who is responsible and mature, therefore the type of son that they could trust to make a spiritual decision for himself. Could you talk to your parish priest and then see if he and your parents could meet for a conversation? Maybe it could work out… It’s just that you’re the only one who knows your parents and the degree of resistance they have.

 

[Cricket2]

Don’t forget that you can offer this suffering to God, and in that sense be in Communion with Him.

Oddly enough you could ask to be emancipated from your parents, but that is a long legal battle and one that could result in a lot of hurt feelings. By obeying your parents at this time you are doing God’s will. It is part of life to discover that we don’t always get what we want as soon as we want it.

If you were emancipated from your parents you would be responsible for working full time, supporting yourself and finishing school on your own. That is a lot harder than it sounds, and really not that safe. I suggest abiding by your parents wishes, and of course studying the Faith when ever you can. Then when you are 18, it is your choice and you will be very grateful when that time comes. Hang in there.

 

[LittleRose]

… I am a former Lutheran, and my parents are prohibiting me from converting to Catholicism. You may also know that I am currently sixteen years old.

“Prohibiting” how? As in, “Don’t do it” or as in, “Don’t do it, or else…”

If the second, what is the “or else”?

I just wanted to know if there was any way I could convert in secret, before I turn eighteen?

The priest and the RCIA director at the local parish should be able to tell you if, as a minor, you can start the RCIA program without the consent of your parents.

I go to Adoration every week…
I decided to convert to Catholicism when I was fourteen, and have been going to Mass every week since then…

I’m a little confused now. Do your parents allow this? And if so, why they allow you to basically practice the faith, but vehemently forbid you to participate fully? Please explain more so that we on this forum can give you better answers.

I do not want to dishonor my father and mother. I love and honor them, and still pray for them.

It is good to honor your parents, but if forced to choose between their will and God’s, you are obliged to obey God’s call first. Many people, including many martyrs, have been forced to choose between God’s call and the wishes those in rightful authority over them, such as parents and monarchs.

For one example, read about the life of St. Thomas More:catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=324

At this point, I would rather suffer medieval rack torture that go without the Eucharist any longer…

I have been struggling with a particular mortal sin for the past year, and it is hard to overcome it without the sacraments.

It sounds like you really need the sacraments. Please arrange to talk to a good priest, and present him with what you have told us here. Ask if you can enter the church. See what he says.

 

[YADA]

I am not sure that you need your parents permission to become a member of the Catholic Church … why do you think this is the case …

Is it your parish priest that s reluctant to do so? Because I can understand that - It is a serious decision and one that will have repercussions if your parents are opposed …

However, within the rubrics of bringing a person baptized in another faith tradition into full communion there is no ‘parental’ consent required for an individual above the age of reason …

Even if you had not been baptized - a 16 year old could approach the Church and receive instruction and when found worthy be brought into the via Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist - again there is no parental consent required for one who has reached the age of reason … only the consent of the Faith Community …

My 15 year old daughter - of her own volition - decided to become a Catholic … we were aware and happy that she decided to make that commitment - but she did not seek our approval nor permission - and followed through with her decision in RCIA …

Also - at no time did the priest inquire of my approval or disapproval … it was her decision and we took great pains not to interfere with her discernment in any way …

She received much disapproval from her father and step mother and her previous faith community - who essentially disavowed her [excommunicated in the Protestant way and she was very hurt by their attitude] …

So - I believe there is a way …

Also - if you have been baptized - you have to make your first reconciliation before you are brought into full communion - before you receive Confirmation and the Eucharist … thus I do not believe that you need to withhold that Sacrament from yourself as long as you have been baptized … if you feel you need to confess - ask your priest or merely do so … God’s grace awaits … and all the angels in heaven will be rejoicing

 

[CalCatholic]

**Don’t forget that you can offer this suffering to God, and in that sense be in Communion with Him.
**
Oddly enough you could ask to be emancipated from your parents, but that is a long legal battle and one that could result in a lot of hurt feelings. **By obeying your parents at this time you are doing God’s will. It is part of life to discover that we don’t always get what we want as soon as we want it.
**
If you were emancipated from your parents you would be responsible for working full time, supporting yourself and finishing school on your own. That is a lot harder than it sounds, and really not that safe. I suggest abiding by your parents wishes, and of course studying the Faith when ever you can. Then when you are 18, it is your choice and you will be very grateful when that time comes. Hang in there.

This! I know that 2 years seems like forever for you now, but it will go quickly. Don’t tear apart your family over this. Study your Bible, get a Catholic missal (or get a list of the daily readings online at USCCB web site) and follow the Church in its daily readings. Download Catholic prayers off the internet, stay connected to the Church! When your 18 years old, you can do what you want (and maybe by that time your parents will soften up to the idea)!

 

[LittleRose]

Please arrange to talk to a good priest, and present him with what you have told us here. Ask if you can enter the church. See what he says.

After posting this, I saw in another thread that you say you have a spiritual director. That’s even better. Ask him about this.

Again, if your parents (or teachers or Governor, or whoever) place unjust demands on you, you are not obliged to obey. A spiritual director is in a great position to help you discern whether your parents’ prohibition against entering the Church fits this category.

If it does, then it is a request they have no right to make, and if you decide to enter the church, then the responsibility for any consequences to the peace in your home lies with them, IMHO.

Again, you really need to bring this issue to your spiritual director. He is a much better resource than anyone on this forum (including me!).

 

[Hopey]

I had to wait a long time for mine. I wanted to join when I was 5 but had to wait till I was about 13 because of my parents being not only non Catholic but anti Catholic. Who I was living with didn’t have full custody of me so they were very hesitant because I could go back to my parents at any time.
I feel for you. Those rules are there to ensure that you are brought up Catholic or will at least have access to it/not prohibited. I am sorry. It doesn’t look like it will be much longer! And just think of the joy you will receive having to wait!
Praying for you.

 

[Boy_Wonder]

Pray and hope. You’ll be able to convert soon enough. Until then, just keep praying. Keep going to adoration.

 

[JamesTheJust]

I’m sorry you’ve had to endure this. Remember that you can offer up your sufferings of not being able to convert and receive the Eucharist for the intention of your parents’ conversion or of being allowed to convert. My prayers will be with you.

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God;
Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers,
O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Amen.