"Never marry a Catholic!"

[faustina22]

As protestant preacher’s kids, that’s what my 4 brothers and sisters and I grew up hearing, along with our frequent ingestion of Chick tracts and other mythology about what Catholics believe and why they are therefore all going to hell.

Well, thanks be to God, I married a real Catholic-- and converting to the Church in 93 was one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. Ok, the smartest. Easily. We have 4 kids, one on the way, a stable marriage of 15 years, a nice house, several ministry affiliations including startup apologetics ministries under our belts as a couple. So imagine my surprise this week when my neice confirmed that she is getting married to a Catholic, and my older sister is not happy and repeating the same mantra above: You can’t marry a Catholic! Understand, this is my neice’s first hope at a good life. (I had prayed she’d meet a good Catholic boy, and I think my prayers were answered, as she met him on St. Patrick’s day!) Every other guy she’s dated has used and abused her royally. This guy is a comparative saint, but to hear my sisters and mother still go on about marrying a Catholic has raised my ire like nothing recently.

I want to know why if Catholicism is so bad, all their protestant children are living in sin, alcohol and drug abuse, drifting, no purpose in life, no obvious good fruit from their Christianity. While my children, although younger, seem to have a good grasp of right and wrong and truly love Jesus. I feel wounded and sad for my husband who is one of the truly decent additions to my family. Everyone claims to like him, but apparently he’s substandard to them, still.

Sorry, I just needed to vent. I’m afraid this will drive a wedge between me and my family. If she marries this guy outside the Church, despite his and his parents’ desires, I won’t be able to attend the wedding and that’s just the tip of the relational abyss that could result.

Thanks for your prayers.

Licking my wounds in Omaha

 

[meglin]

faustina22:

I want to know why if Catholicism is so bad, all their protestant children are living in sin, alcohol and drug abuse, drifting, no purpose in life, no obvious good fruit from their Christianity.

faustina22,

God bless you and thank you for sharing.

Remember, a tree is not judged by its outward beauty, but rather the fruit it produces.

You may want to appeal to your extended family’s hearts rather than their intellect.

Jesus, being the first true Catholic was persecuted for his profession of faith. You and your husband are as well. Hold fast to your faith. You know in your heart how real your family’s faith is. Pray, and God will open their eyes; if not in this life, the next.

God bless you.

 

[familyof8]

faustina22:

If she marries this guy outside the Church, despite his and his parents’ desires, I won’t be able to attend the wedding

I am not sure, but I think that as long as there is proper permission granted prior to the wedding, that there are instances where a Catholic may validly marry in a Protestant ceremony. Before you make the decision not to attend if they are married in her church, make sure that they haven’t gotten this sort of permission or your absence would be wrong.

I also want to share that there are many, many Catholics who fall into the description you provided above. I see the same things in my own extended family.

As for the negativity…I have always lived in the Bible belt. I have always lived with anti-Catholic sentiment everywhere. We homeschool and are ostrasized constantly simply because we are Catholic. It amazes me how many churches base their sermons on bashing Catholicism or what they claim it to be anyway. Try to discuss their reasons for not liking Catholics and it is not factual, but emotional.

Even with own families, we are isolated and degraded. Why? Because we believe in the Church and live by her lead. Just think of these sufferings as a badge of honor…you carry the cross in love of our Lord and the truth that He taught.

 

[retina_md]

faustina22:

As protestant preacher’s kids, that’s what my 4 brothers and sisters and I grew up hearing, along with our frequent ingestion of Chick tracts and other mythology about what Catholics believe and why they are therefore all going to hell.

Well, thanks be to God, I married a real Catholic-- and converting to the Church in 93 was one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. Ok, the smartest. Easily…

Keep living a good Catholic life, show your relatives that you love Jesus and you may bring a few or more of them to the truth of the Church with time (your niece may be an example). Your Catholic life will make it harder for them to continue in their anti-Catholic attitudes.

I’d also recommend that you give them various tracts and books to read. Most of the anti-Catholic attitudes are based on false notions of the Church’s teachings (as you well know) and if they are of sincere heart, they will be willing to examine them.

 

[srkbdk]

Be there live the faith and always be ready to give an answer when they need one. Our Lord works in His way and once in a while he allows us to help so be ready and until then be you.

 

[faustina22]

I’ve cooled down, and now I need some humility. Its my pride that causes this hurt. And fear of rejection.

Thanks for the idea of Catholic tracts. Maybe I should attempt this. I’ve been real low key for 11 years, not forcing any discussions at all. But a tract is a non-obtrusive discussion starter. And I have an entre now, with the niece’s questions, etc. Thanks for the idea!

Blessings–
Not licking so furiously my wounds anymore…