My decision of becoming Catholic and my family

[Xandria]

I will in all probability become Catholic this coming Easter. I really look forward to it but the reaction of my family makes me very sad. So far, my mother is the only one who knows and even she is against it. But the real problem will be my father, sister and brother-in-law. I know this will drive a huge wedge between us. When I remarked to my mother that I don’t want to be looked upon as the freak in the family she said nothing because she knows it will be the case. If you knew my mother, you would know how serious this is because this is really unlike her. Whenever I mention something faith related, like something funny that happened at RCIA to her, she gets this entirely weird tone. And my sister and her husband will think I have gone completely crazy and won’t let me be godmother of their next child even though technically I could be as a Catholic and I’m the only one who in really interested in faith. I just wish they would accept it but I know the chances are pretty much zero. I hate this because they are the only people I have. Sure, in other countries people are literally persecuted by their families for this decision and I’m thankful that this isn’t the case over here but still, this is very painful. If they were practicising Christians of another denomination and would dislike my conversion, it would be easier. But they just can’t understand why one would go to church (“you can believe in God on your own”). This is considered to be radical. And of course, the Catholic Church is the baddest if them all!

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Hi Xandria,

this must be very difficult for you. I assume you’ve seen the number of threads addressing the same problem - it seems that most converts have had painful experiences (me included). But following God is so worth it. Don’t let harsh words dissuade you from your decision to become Catholic. Just pray and try to develop friendships with people who are going through the same process, both in real life and on this forum.

I will keep you in my prayers

 

[Poetess_Kera]

I can totally relate to you. I’m also going through RCIA and there are people in my family that are very uncomfortable with this. Just remember what Jesus told His disciples when He taught at the Sermon on the Mount :

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:10)

Pax Christi.

 

[jatkins29]

This is also happening to me so I know exactly how you feel. My dad has totally shut me, my wife, and my two children out of his life. My mom has accepted it but I’m sure deep inside she’s upset too. Hang in there as I will be praying for you.

 

[jesuspsr]

Hello and welcome to all of you to the Catholic Church.
My prayers go with you all and may the Holy Spirit guide you.
jesus g

 

[Xandria]

Thank you, especially for your prayers. I can certainly use them!

 

[rainy918]

Good luck and God bless.
I am not sure what they are “afraid” of… maybe they are afraid that you won’t be the “same” person that they know and love.
In essence, you are beginning a relationship with someone that they don’t know and they are frightened about what might happen to you.
The good news is that it is with God and you will only change for the better!

 

[puzzleannie]

Welcome Home!

Please share your experience with your RCIA catechist and sponsor, they have been through this before and can help, and you may find it beneficial, if you care to discuss this with others in the class, because one of the things going on in this process is becoming part of a new family. That in no way diminishes the pain of a break with your own family, but it is important to realize.

Conversion means much more than a turning away from sin. It means real radical change in all areas of life, and Jesus warned that family relationships would involve the most painful changes. You are living the gospel as you deal with this, and you are evangelizing them by your reactions to what they say and do. Resolve merely to live out the demands of your new found faith to the best of your ability and lead by example more than words. And show your joy as you move through the journey, that will have more effect than anything else with people who love you.

 

[Xandria]

I wish I had a sponsor. We don’t have them over here.

 

[4EverHis]

I will in all probability become Catholic this coming Easter. I really look forward to it but the reaction of my family makes me very sad. So far, my mother is the only one who knows and even she is against it. But the real problem will be my father, sister and brother-in-law. I know this will drive a huge wedge between us. When I remarked to my mother that I don’t want to be looked upon as the freak in the family she said nothing because she knows it will be the case. If you knew my mother, you would know how serious this is because this is really unlike her. Whenever I mention something faith related, like something funny that happened at RCIA to her, she gets this entirely weird tone. And my sister and her husband will think I have gone completely crazy and won’t let me be godmother of their next child even though technically I could be as a Catholic and I’m the only one who in really interested in faith. I just wish they would accept it but I know the chances are pretty much zero. I hate this because they are the only people I have. Sure, in other countries people are literally persecuted by their families for this decision and I’m thankful that this isn’t the case over here but still, this is very painful. If they were practicising Christians of another denomination and would dislike my conversion, it would be easier. But they just can’t understand why one would go to church (“you can believe in God on your own”). This is considered to be radical. And of course, the Catholic Church is the baddest if them all!

aw I’m sorry :hug1: sometimes this is a cross for us to carry… I’ve faced some opposition in my conversion too. Pray for them and hopefully one day God will change their hearts… but remember you’re doing this for Him even if no one else is happy with your decision, you can be sure that He is Remember Christ said, we should be ready to make any sacrifices for Him…no doubt it is very difficult when your family doesn’t understand a big decision like this… my family is also very important to me and whenever something similar happens I get really sad. But try to focus on Christ during this time and offer this cross to Him. Above all, do not argue with your family members. If they say something, either explain calmly or walk away. I have to say that the Eucharist alone is so worth all this trouble of converting. Do you live near an Adoration chapel, or near a church that’s open on weekdays? Try to spend some time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (either in Adoration or before the Tabernacle), this gives peace. God bless you.

 

[Student09]

I’m in a similar situation. My family wishes I had picked ANYTHING other than the Catholic Church and none of them are very happy about it. I was even subjected to a family “intervention.” It mostly involved them trying to convince me that the Catholic stance on birth control is immoral. It started as kind of a mock-debate and ended with me just sitting there like a rock, staring at the floor while four people yelled at me and my little sister cried.

That’s been the worst thing. Fortunately, they all still speak to me! (So far … I think they are still hoping I will be a cafeteria Catholic, or maybe give up and not convert at all.)

Yes, it is sad and painful, especially if you love your family very much. Other than God, my family is the most important thing to me. But it’s also your opportunity to be a light for them. You can be a lamp that God may use to draw other members of your family to the Catholic faith. That’s what I’m praying for, and I’ve heard of it happening.

Also, read about lives of saints!

God bless you!

 

[AnotherChance]

It is difficult being the only one in a family who sees the truth of the Catholic Church. My daughter and I had to choose virtual strangers as sponsors.

Think of yourself as a pioneer for your family and for the future of your family. If anyone even remotely related to you ends up wanting to join the Church in the future, it will make a world of difference to them that you have walked this path alone and will be there to guide them. Over the past two years I have seen enormous progress in acceptance in my own family. They have gone from not understanding at all, to thinking about joining themselves–if it weren’t for the Church’s stance on…(fill in blank with their own pet issue). Anyway, it is progress. Don’t be discouraged!

 

[4EverHis]

I’m in a similar situation. My family wishes I had picked ANYTHING other than the Catholic Church and none of them are very happy about it. I was even subjected to a family “intervention.” It mostly involved them trying to convince me that the Catholic stance on birth control is immoral. It started as kind of a mock-debate and ended with me just sitting there like a rock, staring at the floor while four people yelled at me and my little sister cried.

wow that must have been very painful :hug1:

That’s been the worst thing. Fortunately, they all still speak to me! (So far … I think they are still hoping I will be a cafeteria Catholic, or maybe give up and not convert at all.)

Yes, it is sad and painful, especially if you love your family very much. Other than God, my family is the most important thing to me. But it’s also your opportunity to be a light for them. You can be a lamp that God may use to draw other members of your family to the Catholic faith. That’s what I’m praying for, and I’ve heard of it happening.

Also, read about lives of saints!

God bless you!

God bless you on your journey it was a difficult journey for me too but once I actually became Catholic, I saw it was a gift from the Lord and I’m so glad I did, now. It is worth it… and maybe through you, God would show your family the truth of the Catholic Church as you said…