I’m sorry to hear about your sister. I only have one brother who’s very religious. The other isn’t, and none of my sisters are at all. I suppose it’s my husband’s family I’m most worried about, and the fact that he has no interest in becoming Catholic will only make matters worse.
I’m thoroughly confused. I have no plans to highlight the differences between us, but I will need to be able to explain why I believe what I do. An “I don’t know” won’t suffice, at least not among our families. I don’t think that’s a lack of love, as I love my family and friends dearly. But an answer of “I don’t know why Catholics believe/do/say that” wouldn’t do anyone any good, would it?Wow, thanks for your story. That’s very uplifting.I am a Convert from the Jewish Religion, my parents did not talk to me for ten years, after that they gradually came around because they could see I was not budging. (If God is with us, who can stand against you.) and like Abraham we have to expect to be put to the test IF it comes if not all the better. But we have to LOVE the LORD first he established his Church the Catholic Church its not your fault that there is 33,000 Protestant denominations all believing different things and some of them not even keeping to what the Lord asked of them in the very basic of commandments. Fear not, like the early Apostles the Lord strengthens them who go and walk with Christ. I have no regrets and have had many Blessings and insights of His Love as you will to.
God Bless on your journey go forward and don’t look back, go with your hand in the Lord’s, he is never outdone in generosity:newidea:.
Thanks for your story. That’s what I meant, about being able to explain why Catholics do what they do, if it’s brought up by anyone.It’s still the elephant in the room at family gatherings and it’s been 2 years since we’ve(my husband and 4 kids) converted. My brother is a non-denominational pastor at a megachurch. My cousin a Church of God pastor. My mom avoids talking about it, and makes snide comments every now and then about priests and church scandals. I am as charitable as can be. And she gets upset when we come to town on a weekend and go to mass instead of my brother’s church.
I did however, get my mother to finally come to a mass with us when my husband was out of town. I think it lowered a boundary, because she kept a bulletin and took it home to show other members of the family in a positive way. She was impressed with the grandkids participating, singing the Glory, etc…she just never understood what the mass was until I explained it to her.
I love the opportunities to plant seeds. My oldest nephew in college asked me about why pray to Mary/the rosary. I explained it, and he walked away knowing now that it’s not worshipping her. he said “wow, I never thought of it that way, thanks for clarifying”
I just pray that they keep asking questions. I’m ready to explain. But they choose to not bring it up. Taboo.
No need to “fear”; in fact, we all should become apologists on our path as Catholics. It amazes me how many Catholics have beliefs and practices that we don’t know how to defend. The Apolegetics books are everywhere; we just don’t learn it.Thank you. I think this will be key. I fear I may have to become somewhat of an amateur apologist before I can even fully become Catholic.
Thanks, Auntie A. I DO find Apologetics interesting. I think I’ve read through the first 20 pages of the Apologetics forums this week. I need to step away from the computer!
The problem is that it’s impossible to predict the reaction of your family members.
Thanks for your reply. I overlooked it earlier. I hope to make some friends, too (and I hope no one thinks I’m joining a cult
).I never thought of that.
Sound advice. Thank you.
Thank you. I’ll try. Many people know that I have at least thought about it for a few years, including my father. Even my husband knew this, but now that I plan to go through with it, he’s not very supportive. He doesn’t practice any faith right now, but was Pentecostal, too, growing up.
I suggest posting in the Evangelizing board.
If you lose a “friend” because of this they have never been your friend in the first place.
Dec -Thank you. I think this will be key. I fear I may have to become somewhat of an amateur apologist before I can even fully become Catholic.
I think that probably deeply troubles parents and family more than anything else. Imagine if your child converts to Islam despite the fact you raise it in a Christian household - you’d be mortified - rightly so. I’m certainly not comparing conversion to Catholicism to converting to Islam, but I hope that helps understand the state in which they’re in. And I think knowing that is important when revealing all this to your family.
That might help. It might also help to reassure him that Pentecostalism is alive and well in Catholicism, in a sense. The* Charismatic Catholic* movement has embraced many people who believe in obtaining the gifts of the Spirit like speaking in tongues, and prophecy, among others.Thank you. I’ll try. Many people know that I have at least thought about it for a few years, including my father. Even my husband knew this, but now that I plan to go through with it, he’s not very supportive. He doesn’t practice any faith right now, but was Pentecostal, too, growing up.
Thank you.
Nope nope nope nope.Thank you. I think this will be key. I fear I may have to become somewhat of an amateur apologist before I can even fully become Catholic.
