More help here please (im soo sorry! )?

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ConflictedBoy

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Ok im sorry to bother everyone again i just,have more to say.
,
Everything seems to be happening so fast, but I can’t help but research Catholic information as much as I can, whenever I can. Im growing to like almost everything about the faith, and fast. For example, I was reading about Pope Pius XII last night; a great man, controversial of course (I mean he WAS Pope during WWII so who wouldnt have been?) but I can see his love for the Lord in his face when I look at his pictures… I
learned how to make the sign of the cross and say the Trinitarian Formula in Latin, Ive prayed the Rosary, read up on Immaculate Conception, Assumption, Transubstantiation, the Seven Sacraments, etc. the list goes on. I suppose anti-Catholics would say that because there’s such an immense amount of doctrine and tradition and so fourth in the church that Catholics are relying on “their religion to save them” (Ive heard people say this from their own mouths), but the more I study these things, these doctrines, traditions etc, the most I begin to see they are put there by God, that those who will keep them will have the full relationship with Jesus that was intended. Thats a major thing for me, ive been on the “traditionalist” side of things my whole life and it seems that the Catholic church can offer many things theologically and spiritually that Protestant churches can’t. I’m falling more in love with the liturgy, the vestiments, the idea that church is to give communion every Sunday, that there are “Days of Holy Obligation”, its all so incredible.

That being said, I am fairly sure that I would like to commit myself to at least attending mass, every Sunday, until I can know what direction to take from there. I know just the parish I wish to take a look at, just a couple miles from my house (where i live is heavily Catholic btw).

Question is: What should I tell my Protestant parents? Because the Protestant church we had been going to… we havent been there in almost a year really, no ones going to church at my house =(. But I know my parents are believers. But anyway, if they see that suddenly im going to church again there going to ask where Im going and I cant lie so you know they will find out. Like I said earlier, my mom probably wouldnt have a problem with it if its just a one time thing but what will i say when i tell her i want to go again?

Remember: Mom: raised Protestant, but seems Catholic if you talked to her, has great reverence and respect for Pope John Paul II, even has Virgin Mary imagery (honestly my house looks like a Catholic family’s house =) )

Dad: raised Catholic, doesnt agree with them now.(I think it comes from the anti-Catholic sentiment that from the minister at a church we briefly attended when i was really small) He won’t like it one bit but i doubt he would be mad.

So…yea… thats the story
I really want to get my foot in the door (or cathedral rather, yikes sorry if thats offensive) but before doing so this is most likely a bridge I have to cross. How do I do it? thank you =)

**Haha I kinda feel envious of my “cradle Catholic” girlfriend lately because she doesnt have this problem lol, I have not discussed this with her yet btw
 
I would just share your convictions and why. Most parents, if they do not hold strong beliefs personally, will normally at least give consideration to a strong, reasoned explanation for sincere and firm personal searchs. I like to pray the Come, Holy Ghost prayer when I need a little courage, because ultimately it is the will of the Spirit which will guide us.

On a side note, when you get the opportunity, I would read up on the Carlists in Spain. They were a strong, devout and manly group of volunteers who fought for the Church during the Spanish Civil War. Study them and there you will find examples of courage in the face of adversity:thumbsup:.
 
You don’t need to say sorry for asking questions. You are welcome to do so whenever you wish.

I ask God to help you with following your heart into the Church, and with telling your parents. May the Holy Spirit guide you …and bless your family with understanding.

You’re doing very well.🙂
God bless you …Trishie
 
I’m presuming you’re at least 18 so there’s really nothing your parents can do if you want to join the church. I’d say come on in the waters fine here. If you were baptised in a Christian church you might want to find the certificate. If you were baptised in a legitimate church you would become a candidate upon entering RCIA (Rite of Christian Initaition of Adults) which is about a year usually around september going through Easter vigil when you’d be recieved in the church. In the mean time keep up the studies on the faith. if dad doesn’t like you becoming catholic well you’re an adult and he can just be mad. You are doing what God is leading you to do so go for it. Since you have a cradle catholic girlfriend you might want to go to mass with her at least the first few times since it can be a little intimidating if you come from any sort of non-liturgical background. Since you don’t seem to be living with mom and dad you don’t have to “out” yourself until you think they’ll be receptive. I’ll say a prayer for you before i go to bed.
 
This is magnificent! Thanks be to God for the grace he is working in your heart.

The first step I would advise is prayer. Regular prayer, it helps if you set yourself a “plan” (such as the fifteen minutes in the evening that are just for prayer) to begin with. Of course you should be praying whenever you feel compelled to (which I’d imagine is often, in your case!) but it may also help you to set aside this time to pray specifically for your parents.

Ask the Lord to soften both your heart and theirs, to make this news easier for you to give them and for them to receive. Who knows, perhaps His plan is for you to bring them with you! It might help to come prepared for any questions they might ask (such as “what do you want to go and become a Catholic for?”) as well as remembering that your love for them is more important than your desire to show them the truth of your convictions. If your father becomes displeased, he may say things about the Church which you know to be untrue - I don’t know about you, but I would have to fight myself down ferociously to prevent a heated argument.

Above all, grace and prayer. Pray for the help of Christ, pray that your guardian angel (and those of your parents!) may constantly guard you from the devil, who will fight bitterly to prevent this abundant good from affecting you or your family any further.
 
Try approaching your Mom first, since she seems more sympathic. Explain to her what you have been telling us and then listen to what she has to say. It will be easier then if both of you tell your Dad. Don’t be surprised if your Dad has a postive response. The Holy Spirit just might be calling him back to the Church, through you! Good luck and go to Mass soon.
 
Welcome home!!!

Pray about the parents! Pray plenty, and put in a request in the ‘Prayer Intentions’ board for your entry into the Church to go well. 🙂 It will without this, but it’ll be even better with.

As long as you’re humble and firmly insistent yet prudent with the parents if they don’t understand I think you’ll do fine. Explain yourself simply. What you love should come forth in your words, simply because it is what you have found. Love is love. You follow the Lord’s lead to the truth!

:D:D:D

‘We are to love God for Himself, because of a twofold reason; nothing is more reasonable, nothing more profitable. When one asks, “Why should I love God?” he may mean, “What is lovely in God?” or “What shall I gain by loving God?” In either case, the same sufficient cause of love exists, namely, God Himself.’

St. Bernard of Clairvaux
 
Catholic1954 said:
Try approaching your Mom first, since she seems more sympathic. Explain to her what you have been telling us and then listen to what she has to say. It will be easier then if both of you tell your Dad. Don’t be surprised if your Dad has a postive response. The Holy Spirit just might be calling him back to the Church, through you! Good luck and go to Mass soon.
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That would be amazing. I never thought of it like that, one must have hope yet
 
Shin said:
Welcome home!!!

Pray about the parents! Pray plenty, and put in a request in the ‘Prayer Intentions’ board for your entry into the Church to go well. 🙂 It will without this, but it’ll be even better with.

As long as you’re humble and firmly insistent yet prudent with the parents if they don’t understand I think you’ll do fine. Explain yourself simply. What you love should come forth in your words, simply because it is what you have found. Love is love. You follow the Lord’s lead to the truth!

:D:D:D

‘We are to love God for Himself, because of a twofold reason; nothing is more reasonable, nothing more profitable. When one asks, “Why should I love God?” he may mean, “What is lovely in God?” or “What shall I gain by loving God?” In either case, the same sufficient cause of love exists, namely, God Himself.’

St. Bernard of Clairvaux
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Just an update, I just got Rome Sweet Home, I heard it is good Catholic-convert reading. Also my subjects of interest for immediate study will be of course the venerable Pope Pius XII, causes (thought) of Vatican II, and of course, the structure of the Tridntine mass., were all masses like that before Vatican II? Because thats incredible. I hope I get the opportunity to see a Latin mass eventually =)

Anyway, just pray for me and prary some more…if I decide to begin RCIA in Sep. then I want to go in with a lot of knowledge. Maybe my parents will be open to it forthemselves (would my dad have to? Technically he remains a Catholic but yea, hasnt been to mass in years).
I guess one dream at a time =)
 
ConflictedBoy said:
Just an update, I just got Rome Sweet Home, I heard it is good Catholic-convert reading. Also my subjects of interest for immediate study will be of course the venerable Pope Pius XII, causes (thought) of Vatican II, and of course, the structure of the Tridntine mass., were all masses like that before Vatican II? Because thats incredible. I hope I get the opportunity to see a Latin mass eventually =)

Anyway, just pray for me and prary some more…if I decide to begin RCIA in Sep. then I want to go in with a lot of knowledge. Maybe my parents will be open to it forthemselves (would my dad have to? Technically he remains a Catholic but yea, hasnt been to mass in years).
I guess one dream at a time =)
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You are a very intelligent young man! What you have learned of the Catholic Church in these last few weeks is very amazing! As far as telling your parents about your desire to convert, I will really be surprised if they give you a hard time about it. And I agree with all these other’s advice in this thread, especially Trishie, Shin & Catholic1954.

You will really enjoy “Rome Sweet Home” & the Traditional Latin Mass, but don’t rush that, just keep studying & when the time comes you’ll be more prepared for it.It is a beautiful Mass.

Please, don’t feel like you are imposing on anyone on this forum & ask all the questions you like.👍

You and your family are in our prayers!
 
The zeal for truth is consuming isn’t it? As soon as you see a good book explaining something of the faith, you want to read it. I myself have a case of books half-unread because I buy them faster than I can read them.

But don’t worry - please God you have a lifetime to learn about Him. The times ahead are unknown to you, there is great hope that your parents may come with you into the Church but they may also resist. Leave it to Christ to take care of them, your job is just to love Him, love them and honour them.
 
When I told my mother that I was going to become a Catholic she was supportive but a little sceptical.

When I told my husband that I was going to become a Catholic he was surpportive but a little sceptical.

Later, when my husband told me that he was going to become a Catholic I was elated but a little confused.

Even later, when my mother told me that she was going to become a Catholic I was totalling elated and even more confused.

The Holy Spirit works miracles in miraculous ways.

My advice. Allow the Holy Spirit work His love in and with both you and your family.
 
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