New Catholic

[zoo_refugee]

Hello everyone!

I am currently in the RCIA and I plan on converting to Catholicism. This is a huge step for me. I have tried a variety of religions, but when I went to a daily mass for a school assignment, something happened. It was a profound experience. I knew at that exact moment that this was what I was meant to be. It was overwhelming. It was beautiful. And most of all, it felt right.

I’m in college and currently live with my grandparents. This is where the problem arises. They used to be Catholic, they were for about 50 years - then they converted to fundamental, evangelical Protestantism. That is the kind of Christianity I cannot stand. It does nothing for me, it doesn’t feel right, none of it. And the people there are insufferable. It’s extremely narrow-minded. Anyway, they don’t consider Catholics to be “real” Christians, which I think is absurd. But this means that I have to go to their church still. The Sunday Mass is at the same time. The Latin Mass is earlier, though, but I don’t know it. What should I do? Should I do both? Is it okay to go to their church?

Any tips for a new Catholic living with a Protestant (and fundamental) family?

 

[Church_Militant]

Well first…let me say welcome to the Catholic Church and to CAF!

It seems like you’re in a bit of a tough spot right now, but have faith. God can even handle Grandparents like yours.

Have you considered being upfront with them and letting them know that you are in the process of converting or will they kill and eat you?

One way to handle it is to very calmly engage them with questions as to why they left the faith and what their issues are. You can read My Testimony and see how I was gone for about 35 years…now look at me.

Very often, people who get converted like they have been have actually been proselytized by people who quote their Bibles and feed them gross misrepresentations of the Catholic faith. Most honest people get upset when they begin to discover that those people they trusted misled them in order to get them to convert and once shown the facts will consider returning.

Sadly, many people like your GPs probably didn’t really know the Catholic faith very well to begin with and so were pretty easy to deceive with Bible quotes and other misinformation. Maybe get a copy of Scott & Kimberly Hahn’s http://shop.catholic.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/r/o/rome-sweet-home.jpg
and leave it out where they can take it and read it and see what happens. It’s a very good story of some honest people who didn’t want to become Catholics but discovered the truth that they couldn’t deny.

You’re certainly in the right place for information that can help you deal with things they might put forth and you can PM/or email me with anything you may need help with.

I promise to remember you and your folks in my prayers and at Mass and together we can pray and see just what God will do.

 

[mountee]

Clearly God is at work in your life and it is inspiring to know about the journey you are on. There really is only one way to go forward at your age and that is to be respectfully honest with you grandparents. It is possible that as you move forward in the Church your faith and life may draw your grandparents back to the Church. Ask them to please allow you to follow God’s call and pray for strength to maintain your course. I will pray for you and for your grandparents. Welcome and God bless you every day.

Memorare

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

 

[John_Martin]

Since you are in college, you may have a somewhat self-defined schedule - what about attending one daily mass per week (or Saturday), and, perhaps the latin mass. You will begin to see the latin and English side-by-side.

And on Easter, you will be Catholic, and find you have been given a real, tangible, gift by the Holy Spirit when the Bishop confirms you (he gives you something spiritually), a gift of being able to share your faith in and knowledge of God.

 

[HelenRose]

Be happy and joyful in your faith. Grandparents generally respond to that. Most grandparents I know are contending with far more serious issues with their grand children.

Don’t speak unkindly to your grandparents about how you feel toward their friends. Love your grandparents, be kind, be gentle. Show that being a Catholic improves your love for them.

In discussing religion, focus on the articles of faith you can agree on.
Love of Jesus
Love of the Bible.
Love of the parables.
There are so many beliefs in common.

Learn how to steer the conversation to these topics.
Don’t get into a debate. At this point they have perfected their arguments.

 

[Jon_S_1]

Hello everyone!

I am currently in the RCIA and I plan on converting to Catholicism. This is a huge step for me. I have tried a variety of religions, but when I went to a daily mass for a school assignment, something happened. It was a profound experience. I knew at that exact moment that this was what I was meant to be. It was overwhelming. It was beautiful. And most of all, it felt right.

I’m in college and currently live with my grandparents. This is where the problem arises. They used to be Catholic, they were for about 50 years - then they converted to fundamental, evangelical Protestantism. That is the kind of Christianity I cannot stand. It does nothing for me, it doesn’t feel right, none of it. And the people there are insufferable. It’s extremely narrow-minded. Anyway, they don’t consider Catholics to be “real” Christians, which I think is absurd. But this means that I have to go to their church still. The Sunday Mass is at the same time. The Latin Mass is earlier, though, but I don’t know it. What should I do? Should I do both? Is it okay to go to their church?

Any tips for a new Catholic living with a Protestant (and fundamental) family?

I too converted after a school assignment!

Read about it a bit here: findingthecatholicchurch.blogspot.com/2014/04/why-am-i-becoming-catholic-personal.html?m=1

And here: findingthecatholicchurch.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-first-experience-at-catholic-church.html?m=1

And I can say welcome! It is a great church and I love it! Also, just be respectful with your family, but explain and answer their questions and tell them your plans. You are an adult and can make your own path.

I found that my family reacted way more positive than I expected.

Also with fundamentalist evangelicals, they usually see people as saved if they prayed the sinners prayer and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. The rest is inconsequential to them so assure them of your faith and that the Catholic Church allows you to grow that faith best.