New Catholic, Grandmother disapproves

[SeekerCV]

I’m wondering if any of you who have converted to Catholicism after a lifetime in the Protestant faith have dealt with this. My grandmother sorely disapproves of my conversion (back) to Catholicism (I was baptized as a baby, but my mother and grandmother soon afterwards converted to a Protestant faith – by default, so did I). The matriarch of our family has harsh words and criticisms for me. And my mother has suggested that it could affect my grandmother’s health.

My grandmother has already said in no uncertain terms that she will not attend the baptism of my children (my wife and I have 4-month-old twins), and that I “should know better” after having been raised in a different faith. She is old, set in her ways, and won’t listen to me at all. She won’t even listen to my biblical justifications for my Catholic beliefs!

Does anyone have any experience dealing with older relatives in this situation? I love my grandmother dearly, but I’ve made the right decision for myself and for my family. I’m starting to think that I will end up separated fromher and other members of my family who claim that I’m “killing” her by making this decision. If nothing else, at lease keep my and my family in your prayers.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Chris

 

[Fidelis]

SeekerCV:

I’m starting to think that I will end up separated fromher and other members of my family who claim that I’m “killing” her by making this decision. If nothing else, at least keep my and my family in your prayers.

Thank you and God bless you all.
Chris

I will pray for you and your family as, given the situation as you described it, they’ve closed all other avenues for you to pursue except for having it their own way. Perhaps prayer and your own loving example on this issue will soften their hearts over time.

As far as I know, by the way, nobody ever wasted away and died as a direct result of one of their family members becoming Catholic.

 

[mastda]

I’m starting to think that I will end up separated fromher and other members of my family who claim that I’m “killing” her by making this decision

This is the old “When everything else fails, try guilt”. trick.

Stay Strong!.

 

[Dorothy]

Always remember that Jesus told us that we would be hated because of him. Just keep Jesus first in your mind and heart and know you are doing the right thing. You are not causing anyone else to have problems because of what you believe in. They are causing their own problems because of their attitude.

God bless!

 

[mary_bobo]

Did I misread, or did you say your mother and grandmother WERE Catholics? If that is the case, perhaps she is looking for validation of her own situation. Bet that little voice called a conscience she nagging at her. Bless you, your wife and your precious babies. You are twice blessed.

 

[Elliott]

My mom thinks I’m going through a phase. Thats how she deals with it. My stepdad is an ex Catholic, but He is supportive. My wife converted with me, so I’d say she’s the most supportive!

 

[SeekerCV]

mary bobo:

Did I misread, or did you say your mother and grandmother WERE Catholics? If that is the case, perhaps she is looking for validation of her own situation. Bet that little voice called a conscience she nagging at her. Bless you, your wife and your precious babies. You are twice blessed.

Yes, they were BOTH Catholic. In fact, my mom never spent a single day in public school. She attended Catholic schools her entire life!

 

[tjmiller]

Been there and done that.

When your grandmother sees the love of Jesus which fills your soul as a member of Christ’s Church, I think she will slowly warm up to you again. You can’t get a grandma more fundamentalist than mine was - the Pope is the Antichrist type - but as the years went by, she could no longer deny the fruits of Catholic grace in my life! Theological arguments went nowhere, but love and perseverance went everywhere.

 

[Dorothy]

tjmiller:

Been there and done that.

When your grandmother sees the love of Jesus which fills your soul as a member of Christ’s Church, I think she will slowly warm up to you again. You can’t get a grandma more fundamentalist than mine was - the Pope is the Antichrist type - but as the years went by, she could no longer deny the fruits of Catholic grace in my life! Theological arguments went nowhere, but love and perseverance went everywhere.

With Christ’s love all things are possible!

 

[hilde_the_dog]

I live 800 miles from my parents which is one strategy. When I moved to DC and began dating a C girl my mother went to her Calvinist pastor and talked to him about it. He gave her a book that summarized the Catholic faith in an unbiased manner. My Mom was okay with it. Latter as their church was about to throw me as I never went there since I moved I joined the Catholic church. My father never said much about it. And all my grand parents are dead. I’m sure some of them rolled over in the grave.

 

[SeekerCV]

tjmiller:

Been there and done that.

When your grandmother sees the love of Jesus which fills your soul as a member of Christ’s Church, I think she will slowly warm up to you again. You can’t get a grandma more fundamentalist than mine was - the Pope is the Antichrist type - but as the years went by, she could no longer deny the fruits of Catholic grace in my life! Theological arguments went nowhere, but love and perseverance went everywhere.

That’s something that I never thought of. And I think you’re absolutely right. Already, my wife and I have undergone a transformation that our friends can’t help but notice (and we haven’t even started RCIA!). I can’t imagine that my grandmother wouldn’t notice the change in our lives, too.

chris

 

[Stac4Grace]

My whole family is very Prorestant and I converted to Catholicism about 9 years ago. My mom and dad did not attend my wedding which was very painful for me but I did not let that ruin “my day”. My grandpa on the other hand who is the biggest Protestant I know walked me down the aisle. Go figure. But, to this day my whole family loves my husband and says what a great husband, father and provider he is to us. What I’m trying to say is that you must live your life for what you think is right for you and your family and be a christian example to everyone around you and they will see the true meaning of being Catholic. God bless you!