My own Catholic family doesn't understand me being Catholic! (converts, it's hard for us sometimes, too)

[ccmcmg]

Short story long: Born and raised Catholic, by Catholic parents (Dad-convert from Presbyterian; Mom-Catholic school from 1949-1962) in rural Midwest. Little to no catechism growing up: our household was be Catholic, go to Mass and Confession. The only Catholic thing we did in our house was to say the Grace before meals prayer.

I recently came back to the Faith, and have become very dedicated in many aspects, and learning a lot so that I can become more rooted, have a stronger base beneath me. When I had my Holy Spirit experience a few years back, I tried to tell my mom, but she shut me down. I had never heard such a story; I’d never known a Catholic to experience it, let alone talk about it, nor had she. Therefore, it wasn’t, in her opinion, real or true.

Mom and Dad know that we’ve returned to the Faith, and they act like ‘whatever’, even when we went to Church with them last time we were there. It is like they don’t care. It isn’t that they think this is a ‘fad’, they just seem so lukewarm in so many aspects.

I have tried to share the Graces God has granted me recently, the signs and signal Graces, my devotion to the Rosary, the chance sharing of the Faith with strangers. All of this greatly excites me and my spirit! Mom (and Dad, some) shot me down completely. “God” doesn’t act like that; He didn’t tell you to give someone a Rosary, or to buy them lunch, etc. I didn’t sit there and preach to them, but different things have come up during conversations over the last few months.

It doesn’t dampen my enthusiasm, but it does make me sad. We want to share our happiness with our loved ones, but it’s sad when your own family, fellow Catholics, doubt you and how God works. It makes me reluctant (and even more sad) that I’m unable to share this joy with them. My 17 year old niece said, “So, are you all religious now?” I said, no, I’m being Catholic.

I just wanted to share, because I see so many new Catholics (converted) that are having problems with their non-Catholic families; it happens even with my own Catholic family.

I think that this shows something that I’ve been thinking of recently: it’s sometimes easier to share our Faith with strangers than with those we love, or our friends, or even fellow Catholics. I think sometimes fellow Catholics may even be harder!!

Thanks for listening.
Christina

 

[PennyinCanada]

Christina, thank you for sharing this story.
I have a similar story, I came into the Church in my 20’s and my family didn’t practice anything. So fine, so I started to share with the folks in the pews at my church and they looked at me like I had 2 heads.

It is sad. You might find more like minded people if you go to a prayer group. Folks that make time for a prayer group will more likely be ‘in tune’ with the power of God coming into our daily lives. Certainly there are many saints that will give you joy if you read about them.

 

[Boulder257]

I had a very similar experience as you both did. However, I kept praying for my mother and she is returning to the Church with a great deal of fervor. Just keep being an example of Christ’s love and you never know what the Holy Spirit can accomplish through you!

 

[Pablopedro]

It is very difficult for people to accept things like this who have not experienced them themselves. (and even for some to accept who HAVE experienced them) Instead what they will likely begin to notice is a new peacefulness within you, a strength within you, and a renewed sense of purpose. Sometimes we don’t need to say anything and just be around others to really “Witness” to them.

 

[holyrood]

Short story long: Born and raised Catholic, by Catholic parents (Dad-convert from Presbyterian; Mom-Catholic school from 1949-1962) in rural Midwest. Little to no catechism growing up: our household was be Catholic, go to Mass and Confession. The only Catholic thing we did in our house was to say the Grace before meals prayer.
.
.
.
I just wanted to share, because I see so many new Catholics (converted) that are having problems with their non-Catholic families; it happens even with my own Catholic family.

I think that this shows something that I’ve been thinking of recently: it’s sometimes easier to share our Faith with strangers than with those we love, or our friends, or even fellow Catholics. I think sometimes fellow Catholics may even be harder!!

Thanks for listening.
Christina

Christina, I almost wondered if I’d signed up under a new username and written this without telling myself!

Even the details are similar. I, too, have a ‘Catholic’ family who, really did nothing Catholic but go to church and I guess usually say the standard before-meal prayer. My parents do very much consider themselves Catholic. But then people come to me and tell me the things my mother is saying about me ‘with all those kids.’

I long since concluded that as much as they think they wanted me to be Catholic, what they really wanted was for me to be them–ie, to choose the same items in the cafeteria line that they themselves chose.

 

[Annie39]

Short story long: Born and raised Catholic, by Catholic parents (Dad-convert from Presbyterian; Mom-Catholic school from 1949-1962) in rural Midwest. Little to no catechism growing up: our household was be Catholic, go to Mass and Confession. The only Catholic thing we did in our house was to say the Grace before meals prayer.

I recently came back to the Faith, and have become very dedicated in many aspects, and learning a lot so that I can become more rooted, have a stronger base beneath me. When I had my Holy Spirit experience a few years back, I tried to tell my mom, but she shut me down. I had never heard such a story; I’d never known a Catholic to experience it, let alone talk about it, nor had she. Therefore, it wasn’t, in her opinion, real or true.

Mom and Dad know that we’ve returned to the Faith, and they act like ‘whatever’, even when we went to Church with them last time we were there. It is like they don’t care. It isn’t that they think this is a ‘fad’, they just seem so lukewarm in so many aspects.

I have tried to share the Graces God has granted me recently, the signs and signal Graces, my devotion to the Rosary, the chance sharing of the Faith with strangers. All of this greatly excites me and my spirit! Mom (and Dad, some) shot me down completely. “God” doesn’t act like that; He didn’t tell you to give someone a Rosary, or to buy them lunch, etc. I didn’t sit there and preach to them, but different things have come up during conversations over the last few months.

It doesn’t dampen my enthusiasm, but it does make me sad. We want to share our happiness with our loved ones, but it’s sad when your own family, fellow Catholics, doubt you and how God works. It makes me reluctant (and even more sad) that I’m unable to share this joy with them. My 17 year old niece said, “So, are you all religious now?” I said, no, I’m being Catholic.

I just wanted to share, because I see so many new Catholics (converted) that are having problems with their non-Catholic families; it happens even with my own Catholic family.

I think that this shows something that I’ve been thinking of recently: it’s sometimes easier to share our Faith with strangers than with those we love, or our friends, or even fellow Catholics. I think sometimes fellow Catholics may even be harder!!

Thanks for listening.
Christina

You mentioned your “Holy Spirit experience”. Are you a member of the charismatic movement?

Annie

 

[ccmcmg]

You mentioned your “Holy Spirit experience”. Are you a member of the charismatic movement?

Annie

Annie,
I am not a member of the Charismatic movement, as I’d never heard of it in the Catholic Faith until recently. I’m going to look into it. The Holy Spirit has worked miracles in and around me. I think I have shared the story somewhere on here before, but if I can’t find it, I will post it or email it to you. Thanks.

Christina, I almost wondered if I’d signed up under a new username and written this without telling myself!

Even the details are similar. I, too, have a ‘Catholic’ family who, really did nothing Catholic but go to church and I guess usually say the standard before-meal prayer. My parents do very much consider themselves Catholic. But then people come to me and tell me the things my mother is saying about me ‘with all those kids.’

I long since concluded that as much as they think they wanted me to be Catholic, what they really wanted was for me to be them–ie, to choose the same items in the cafeteria line that they themselves chose.

Holyrood: First, I’ve been meaning to ask you…that’s not the name of the town you live in is it? There is a town named that not far away from where I once lived. I agree…I’m supposed to be ‘Catholic’ like they are. Thank you.

It is very difficult for people to accept things like this who have not experienced them themselves. (and even for some to accept who HAVE experienced them) Instead what they will likely begin to notice is a new peacefulness within you, a strength within you, and a renewed sense of purpose. Sometimes we don’t need to say anything and just be around others to really “Witness” to them.

Pablopedro, I agree. I can respect that. But having different experiences myself, I now listen and believe more easily when it happens to others. I think sometimes it might envy of some sort as well as disbelief; they don’t WANT to believe it happened, because why did it happen to ME when they are ‘better’ Catholics than I am… I hope if my children came to me with similar experiences, I would believe them.

Christina, thank you for sharing this story.
I have a similar story, I came into the Church in my 20’s and my family didn’t practice anything. So fine, so I started to share with the folks in the pews at my church and they looked at me like I had 2 heads.

It is sad. You might find more like minded people if you go to a prayer group. Folks that make time for a prayer group will more likely be ‘in tune’ with the power of God coming into our daily lives. Certainly there are many saints that will give you joy if you read about them.

Penny, I love learning about the Saints, and have been slowly learning about them. I am particularly partial to my patron saint, St. Dymphna, in whom the Holy Spirit very clearly led me to her. (another story) I am participating in different things in our parish that has people who are excited about being Catholic, or at least about learning.

I had a very similar experience as you both did. However, I kept praying for my mother and she is returning to the Church with a great deal of fervor. Just keep being an example of Christ’s love and you never know what the Holy Spirit can accomplish through you!

Boulder, thank you. My parents are still Catholic, but the dynamics are very different in the parishes they have been members of over the years (due to moving once or twice; plus one parish closing).

God has a different plan for me than He does for Mom and Dad. This does challenge me, not being able to share my Faith with them, but maybe I’ve planted a seed and they will see it some day. Or God just might give them a similar experience! That would be AWESOME!

Many blessings from God to you all,
Christina

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

I know we expect Catholic parents to know and love the faith, and encourage siblings to become more Holy, but as you said its not the case sometimes.

All I can say is “Say nothing but rather lead by example and pray for them.
What is the saying " Action speaks louder than words.”

The Lord will only ask you to account for yourself and not for your parents who will have to
answer for themselves.

"Catholicism is Christianity at its fullest expression.
"Catholicism is pre denominational, we are the ORIGINAL.

 

[Prairie_Rose]

As 40’s something gal that chose the Catholic Faith and joined the Church back in 2008, coming from an upbringing of no religious affiliation…I too have experienced fellow Catholics that often look at me like I’m crazy when I want to talk about our Faith.

I joined our Council of Catholic Women’s group at Church, and our President currently, is the lady that was my sponsor…she and I are kindred spirits in the Faith, so she assigned me the task of bringing a spiritual reading to each meeting.

Well…naturally I was totally excited to research spiritual topics, not only to learn for myself, but to maybe encourage others. I’ve talked about the lives of different Saints, I’ve found interesting readings about various Catholic traditions, customs & practices. I’ve included topics about the Rosary and also the Stations of the Cross, and various Holy Days of Obligations, and all the not readily known aspects of these topics.

But after several meetings, I got the feeling that many of the women there, had no interest in anything spiritual or historical or traditional. Some fidget in their chairs, make trips to the ladies room, whisper with others while I’m talking. In fact, I accidentally heard that a couple women even complained that my readings were making the meetings last too long Really?? A reading on one single sheet of paper is too much?? Sure dampened my enthusiasm. But Janice, our President, said to keep bringing a topic each meeting, and not to let some narrow-minded, lukewarm women, hamper my new love for the Church. That even tho’ she was a cradle-Catholic, she loved learning new stuff. So I guess I’ll keep trying!

Thanks for letting me share my story in this post. I didn’t mean to hi-jack it…

In Christ…
Prairie Rose

 

[1AugustSon7]

Short story long: Born and raised Catholic, by Catholic parents (Dad-convert from Presbyterian; Mom-Catholic school from 1949-1962) in rural Midwest. Little to no catechism growing up: our household was be Catholic, go to Mass and Confession. The only Catholic thing we did in our house was to say the Grace before meals prayer.

I recently came back to the Faith, and have become very dedicated in many aspects, and learning a lot so that I can become more rooted, have a stronger base beneath me. When I had my Holy Spirit experience a few years back, I tried to tell my mom, but she shut me down. I had never heard such a story; I’d never known a Catholic to experience it, let alone talk about it, nor had she. Therefore, it wasn’t, in her opinion, real or true.

Mom and Dad know that we’ve returned to the Faith, and they act like ‘whatever’, even when we went to Church with them last time we were there. It is like they don’t care. It isn’t that they think this is a ‘fad’, they just seem so lukewarm in so many aspects.

I have tried to share the Graces God has granted me recently, the signs and signal Graces, my devotion to the Rosary, the chance sharing of the Faith with strangers. All of this greatly excites me and my spirit! Mom (and Dad, some) shot me down completely. “God” doesn’t act like that; He didn’t tell you to give someone a Rosary, or to buy them lunch, etc. I didn’t sit there and preach to them, but different things have come up during conversations over the last few months.

It doesn’t dampen my enthusiasm, but it does make me sad. We want to share our happiness with our loved ones, but it’s sad when your own family, fellow Catholics, doubt you and how God works. It makes me reluctant (and even more sad) that I’m unable to share this joy with them. My 17 year old niece said, “So, are you all religious now?” I said, no, I’m being Catholic.

I just wanted to share, because I see so many new Catholics (converted) that are having problems with their non-Catholic families; it happens even with my own Catholic family.

I think that this shows something that I’ve been thinking of recently: it’s sometimes easier to share our Faith with strangers than with those we love, or our friends, or even fellow Catholics. I think sometimes fellow Catholics may even be harder!!

Thanks for listening.
Christina

May the Lord bless you and keep you,
May the Lord cause his countenance to shine upon you,
Be gracious to you,
And order all of your days in peace.

Pax Christi.

 

[peace2u2]

Yes, there is a lot of eye rolling and comments like “jesus freak” or “you should have been a nun”, especially when you mention that you actually go to daily Mass, get joy in visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and that you actually go to Confession!

Keep praying for their conversions - and let God do all the heavy lifting. Keep setting a good example and showing them what a Catholic Christian looks like. Its really rather easy and simple to love, find joy and participate in your Catholic faith. I wish more people I knew were as on fire as you!

 

[ccmcmg]

Yes, there is a lot of eye rolling and comments like “jesus freak” or “you should have been a nun”, especially when you mention that you actually go to daily Mass, get joy in visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and that you actually go to Confession!

Keep praying for their conversions - and let God do all the heavy lifting. Keep setting a good example and showing them what a Catholic Christian looks like. Its really rather easy and simple to love, find joy and participate in your Catholic faith. I wish more people I knew were as on fire as you!

Thanks. I’m sure part of it, whether it’s my family or others, is "But you are such a SINNER! (insert various adjectives here lol ) ", which is exactly the point, really; I’m not the same person with those same ‘values’ or lack thereof, as I was before; yet I am still and always will be a sinner. I’m on fire, I suppose, barely lit, and getting brighter, I hope.

May the Lord bless you and keep you,
May the Lord cause his countenance to shine upon you,
Be gracious to you,
And order all of your days in peace.

Pax Christi.

God bless you and thank you!

As 40’s something gal that chose the Catholic Faith and joined the Church back in 2008, coming from an upbringing of no religious affiliation…I too have experienced fellow Catholics that often look at me like I’m crazy when I want to talk about our Faith.

But Janice, our President, said to keep bringing a topic each meeting, and not to let some narrow-minded, lukewarm women, hamper my new love for the Church. That even tho’ she was a cradle-Catholic, she loved learning new stuff. So I guess I’ll keep trying!

Thanks for letting me share my story in this post. I didn’t mean to hi-jack it…

In Christ…
Prairie Rose

No hijack Thanks for sharing. We do need to keep going because we don’t know when that seed will take hold and grow.

I know we expect Catholic parents to know and love the faith, and encourage siblings to become more Holy, but as you said its not the case sometimes.

All I can say is “Say nothing but rather lead by example and pray for them.
What is the saying " Action speaks louder than words.”

The Lord will only ask you to account for yourself and not for your parents who will have to
answer for themselves.

"Catholicism is Christianity at its fullest expression.
"Catholicism is pre denominational, we are the ORIGINAL.

I don’t see my parents that often, so it’s hard to ‘share’ my journey via example. When Christ is becoming the central point of my life (or I’m trying to make it so), it makes it hard to talk about anything else. I love my parents so much, and it’s hard to share with them when it’s set aside by them so easily.

My grandparents (the Presbyterians) were very open about sharing their Faith by works and talking to others when called to; my uncle (non-denominational) is a missionary who does the same, only to the N-th degree (preaching Christianity in Musl*m countries), so people sharing their faith isn’t new to them. Me doing it, and a Catholic doing it, is new to them, and to many.

And I am trying to surround myself with other ‘on fire’ Catholics as well.

God bless you all,
Christina

 

[Gigglin4God]

All I have to say about this is keep persevering. I’m a Cradle Catholic. You have to keep your eyes on the prize which is Heaven above. At the end of the day, just realize that it’s your relationship with Him, not any one else. You are going to drive yourselves nuts with trying to please others and get their approval. It’s not worth it. And by trying to bring your loved ones closer to God & the Church, if it keeps going on for a prolong period of time you will make yourselves codependent to them making them out to be God and having yourself lose focus on Him. I’ve learned this the hard way. It’s none of our/my business of the choices they make. It is between them & God. So just let God drive while you ride. I hope this makes sense to you.

God Bless You & Mary Keep You.
Gigglin or Georgia.