Parents feel I'm Rushing into Catholicism

  • Thread starter Thread starter Zeldarocks
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Z

Zeldarocks

Guest
My parents are wanting me to wait and take some time to truly discern my journey into the Church; they understand that my being of age (I’m 19) entitles me to make my own decision on this, but at the same time, they feel as if I am rushing into Catholicism. I spoke to my priest about this and am waiting to hear back from my RCIA coordinator as well. What do you guys think I should do?
 
My parents are wanting me to wait and take some time to truly discern my journey into the Church; they understand that my being of age (I’m 19) entitles me to make my own decision on this, but at the same time, they feel as if I am rushing into Catholicism. I spoke to my priest about this and am waiting to hear back from my RCIA coordinator as well. What do you guys think I should do?
 
Follow your heart.

Honoring your parents does not mean you can’t follow your heart and still love and respect them.

They are your parents they will always love you and will understand if you are called to vocation in the church . They just want what is best for you; but in this issue, only you can decide.
 
My parents are wanting me to wait and take some time to truly discern my journey into the Church; they understand that my being of age (I’m 19) entitles me to make my own decision on this, but at the same time, they feel as if I am rushing into Catholicism. I spoke to my priest about this and am waiting to hear back from my RCIA coordinator as well. What do you guys think I should do?
Are you on track to come into the Church this Easter? Assuming that you have been / are still in RCIA and will be confirmed this Easter, I would simply tell my parents that you have been taking the time to consider this. Prior to RCIA, you became curious and wanted to learn more. You then pursued this by asking questions and possibly speaking with a priest. Then you joined an RCIA class in order to learn more about the Church and her dogma. Certainly, all this instruction and time is longer than it takes for someone to enter your parents church. Anyway, be respectful and just tell them that you love them and value their opinions but that you have given this a great deal of time and that you have made your decision.
 
where your HEART is , your TREASURE is,

thats what a priest told me before
 
The thing is, even I will admit that I may have rushed things; with all the debating and the doubts, I have just been wanting to have it all be over with and not have to worry about it anymore…
 
The thing is, even I will admit that I may have rushed things; with all the debating and the doubts, I have just been wanting to have it all be over with and not have to worry about it anymore…
If you feel you are not prepared to receive your Sacraments at Easter I would wait til next Easter to sort out any issues… But if it’s just your parents concern I would pray about it and talk to a priest as well as explain to them how you feel.
 
My RCIA coordinator thinks I’m prepared, my Sponsor thinks I’m prepared… I don’t know however…
 
My RCIA coordinator thinks I’m prepared, my Sponsor thinks I’m prepared… I don’t know however…
Pray about it and talk to your priest. God bless you, I will be praying for you. If you need any advice or support just send me a message. 🙂
 
Zeldarocks, I don’t know if anyone is ever truly prepared. I went through RCIA in my early twenties, and to be honest, I’m just now beginning to understand the “whys” behind church teaching at age 43! Life is a journey, and God meets us where we are. At 19, you are an adult but there are still some things your mind may not be fully prepared to wrap around. Something drew you to the Catholic Church–you may not even be fully aware of what it is. It’s a hard road sometimes to follow all the Church teaches, and yet, it’s the most beautiful faith I can imagine and the one I believe to be the whole truth. I say whole truth, because many other churches possess “the truth” (Jesus as Savior), but the Catholic Church remains the most true to the teachings handed down from the first Apostles. And you know what? I’m STILL learning the truth and will continue to learn it until the day I die. We never stop learning and growing in Christ. So don’t be discouraged if you aren’t completely sure of where this is leading you. Just trust in God to show you the way. 🙂
 
We must not hesitate when moving toward the One we love. I suggest giving them a copy of Catholicism for Dummies and have them take a look. I am confident that after reading it, they will not be nearly as concerned. If you do not have a copy, get two! It should be required reading in RCIA programs.
 
My parents are wanting me to wait and take some time to truly discern my journey into the Church; they understand that my being of age (I’m 19) entitles me to make my own decision on this, but at the same time, they feel as if I am rushing into Catholicism. I spoke to my priest about this and am waiting to hear back from my RCIA coordinator as well. What do you guys think I should do?
It sounds to me as if your parents aren’t necessarily discouraging you from converting to Catholicism, but rather encouraging you to “truly discern” your journey into the Church. I think this is wise advice and will help you as you grow into your faith. The Church also wishes you to discern your journey, which is why it takes time to go through the RCIA. Taking time to discern does not mean you are not moving toward your ultimate goal. There are many things you can do to enhance your faith, and one of them is to trust your parent’s love and concern for you. They do not wish you to be unhappy or unfulfilled, do they? It is good that you spoke with your priest. It is also good for you to speak with your parents and allow them to participate in your journey. Ask them to share their own faith life and journey with you. Perhaps you can introduce them to your priest and RCIA coordinator. Invite them to attend mass with you. Allow them to share the joy of your conversion. Perhaps, together, you and your parents can grown closer to the Lord and his Church.
 
My mom likened it to how I would behave were I to get married: I would plan every tiny detail out, making sure I was ready to commit myself fully to my spouse, and I would communicate with my wife-to-be, enjoying every date and moment of conversation…

I feel as if I haven’t had enough time with Jesus my spouse, haven’t had time to enjoy Him and take it slow…
 
You could be.

Take the time to researh and make sure that you believe everything the Church requires. The decision to convert is a lifelong process and it needs to be considered with a lot of patience and consideration.

Make sure you ask all the questions that you need to truely consider any disagreements you may have with the Church in the future. I would suggest spending some time finding things that you disagree with the Catholic Church and then working to understand and agree. Obedience is important and the more you test your obedience to the Church while you are in RCIA, the more convinced you will be that you are making the right decision.

Remember to pace yourself and learn as much as possible.
 
You can’t rush into the truth fast enough. I’m a convert of going on 5 years and I was around your age (20 when I started RCIA). I love the Church and She has truly helped me become closer to God.
 
My mom likened it to how I would behave were I to get married: I would plan every tiny detail out, making sure I was ready to commit myself fully to my spouse, and I would communicate with my wife-to-be, enjoying every date and moment of conversation…

I feel as if I haven’t had enough time with Jesus my spouse, haven’t had time to enjoy Him and take it slow…
I don’t see how the Church would impede your love of Christ. I know exactly how you feel right now. Several people in my life shunned my decision including my own grandparents who feel like Catholics aren’t saved (erroneously) and (just as erroneous) that we worship Mary. I understand where your parents are coming from and I believe they feel they have your best interests at heart, but I believe you are old enough to make the decision. If you can understand the Creed, the Sacraments, Authority both divine and on earth and why they are necessary, and why Jesus gave Peter the keys to heaven then you are old enough to join our family and we will all welcome you with open arms. If you do not feel like you can make the commitment now, I understand and hope that one day you will come to flock. If you feel that you are ready than by all means, we want you here. If you know why you are doing it and your reasons are pure, then God will take you by the hand and walk with you the rest of the way. 🙂 God Bless you and let your mind be at ease!
 
they feel as if I am rushing into Catholicism.
My mother said the same thing to me last week, and I’m 42! 😃

People will always be at odds with our decision to follow Christ. We cannot wait for their acceptance in order to act upon our faith. Just go for it! 👍
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top