Pro-Catholic Teen--please help!

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crucifix14

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Hey, I tried posting a thread and I didn’t see it posted.

I am 14 and have grown up going to different protestant churches. A few months ago, my mother started going back to the Lutheran church. Since then, I have been drawn more and more to Catholicism. I say the Hail Mary, cross myself, and have been reading about the liturgy and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. I strongly believe it is the true church of God, and I do not enjoy going to the Lutheran church.

Last night, my mom told me she is having me confirmed into the Lutheran church. I have told her about my feelings towards Catholicism, but she refuses to listen and gets upset, and says that “works don’t get you to heaven, that’s what the Catholics believe”… She won’t let me visit because she says its an inconvenience because she has to go to church, too.

So what I’m asking is this: What should I do? I really don’t want to be confirmed in the Lutheran church. I’ve never taken the Holy Eucharist because we didn’t go to a church for many years. I want to have answers that back my beliefs in Catholicism for my mother. I’d like to visit Mass and talk with a priest. I just feel “at home” with the Catholic doctrine.

Thanks for any advice and all your help, 🤷
Crucifix14
 
At 14 its tough to make a lot of decisions for yourself in this regards, but I believe that the best way is to be a witness to your mother, to live the gospel to her as a Catholic. I’m sure that what she believes to be true about the Catholic church as far as its beliefs and doctirines are either false, lies, or just misunderstood. So it would be good for you to get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and review it with her, have her join this forum etc. Good luck and God Bless.
 
At 14, you are still under the authority of your parents. However, no one can compel you in the matter of religion and conscience. I suggest you tell the Lutheran pastor that you do not want to be confirmed. I would think that the pastor would not want to confirm someone against their will.

You may not be able to pursue the Catholic Church until you are an adult-- 18. At that time, approach a Catholic priest/parish and join the RCIA program. Keep studying on your own if you can. You can continue to discuss this with your mother, but you need to be obedient to her to the degree you can within your conscience. Also, it may not be profitable to try to “argue” and use “apologetics” with your mother at this time. She views you as a child, her child, and may not take your religious aspirations seriously (i.e. “just a phase” like other things teens do to get at their parents). If you are sincere in your desire to convert, keep studying but do not be disobedient to your parents. Remember, Jesus went home and was obedient to his parents when he was 12 and ran off to the Temple doing what he thought he should be doing.

Four years seems like a long time, but the Church will be there when you can approach her openly, as an adult, and without disobedience to your parents.

Offer up this time of suffering, not being able to be Catholic, for the salvation of lost souls. You have found the Truth, a precious thing, and you can pray for those who still do not have it.
 
From the 10 Commandments:

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you”. Exous 20:12

From the New Testament:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1

OR,
You could get a job, your own place and separate from your parents and then do whatever you want. But consider though your actions now could affect your relationship with your parents for many years to come. In my opinion, the job of kids is keeping their parents happy until they are ready to strike out on their own power.
 
I agree with the advice to be as obedient as you can, but do not submit to a confirmation you do not believe in. Any Lutheran (or catholic) pastor should be wise enough to see this.

In the meantime, check out the Didache series of catholic catechesis for high schoolers. Serious meat on those bones, but designed to be digestable by teens (but not in the usual condescending tone!).
 
Jon_Hus said:
From the 10 Commandments:

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you”. Exous 20:12

From the New Testament:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1

OR,
You could get a job, your own place and separate from your parents and then do whatever you want. But consider though your actions now could affect your relationship with your parents for many years to come. In my opinion, the job of kids is keeping their parents happy until they are ready to strike out on their own power.
Click to expand...
This is about as compassionate as a 2X4. :rolleyes:
Jon
 
crucifix14 said:
Hey, I tried posting a thread and I didn’t see it posted.

I am 14 and have grown up going to different protestant churches. A few months ago, my mother started going back to the Lutheran church. Since then, I have been drawn more and more to Catholicism. I say the Hail Mary, cross myself, and have been reading about the liturgy and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. I strongly believe it is the true church of God, and I do not enjoy going to the Lutheran church.

Last night, my mom told me she is having me confirmed into the Lutheran church. I have told her about my feelings towards Catholicism, but she refuses to listen and gets upset, and says that “works don’t get you to heaven, that’s what the Catholics believe”… She won’t let me visit because she says its an inconvenience because she has to go to church, too.

So what I’m asking is this: What should I do? I really don’t want to be confirmed in the Lutheran church. I’ve never taken the Holy Eucharist because we didn’t go to a church for many years. I want to have answers that back my beliefs in Catholicism for my mother. I’d like to visit Mass and talk with a priest. I just feel “at home” with the Catholic doctrine.

Thanks for any advice and all your help, 🤷
Crucifix14
Click to expand...
God bless you. You must have a strong understanding of natural law and truth to have been able to come on your own to the conclusion that you belong in the One, True, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. My daughter is also 14, and she is the only practicing Catholic in our family. We supported her decision and this made it easier for her, but I believe there are many things you can do to grow in your Catholic faith before you are able to formally join the Church. I agree with the person above who suggested the Didache Series of books. The Surprised by Truth books are also good.

I agree that you should tell the minister you do not want to be confirmed as a Lutheran. I cannot imagine that he would confirm you against your will.

If you show your parents that you are serious and you keep studying and gradually sharing what you have learned about Catholicism, I believe it is possible they will change their minds over time. Perhaps your goal (instead of having to wait until you are 18) could be to get them to allow you to join the Catholic Church by the time you are old enough to drive yourself to Mass. You can also keep praying that they will open their hearts and minds. 🙂
 
crucifix14 said:
Hey, I tried posting a thread and I didn’t see it posted.

I am 14 and have grown up going to different protestant churches. A few months ago, my mother started going back to the Lutheran church. Since then, I have been drawn more and more to Catholicism. I say the Hail Mary, cross myself, and have been reading about the liturgy and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. I strongly believe it is the true church of God, and I do not enjoy going to the Lutheran church.

Last night, my mom told me she is having me confirmed into the Lutheran church. I have told her about my feelings towards Catholicism, but she refuses to listen and gets upset, and says that “works don’t get you to heaven, that’s what the Catholics believe”… She won’t let me visit because she says its an inconvenience because she has to go to church, too.

So what I’m asking is this: What should I do? I really don’t want to be confirmed in the Lutheran church. I’ve never taken the Holy Eucharist because we didn’t go to a church for many years. I want to have answers that back my beliefs in Catholicism for my mother. I’d like to visit Mass and talk with a priest. I just feel “at home” with the Catholic doctrine.

Thanks for any advice and all your help, 🤷
Crucifix14
Click to expand...
C14,
I am Lutheran, but I think the best advice you have received here is by Ike in post #3. You have a responsibility, by God’s command, to love, honor, and obey your mother.
I, too, would encourage you to seek out your pastor and tell him how you feel. A good pastor will not confirm you if you will not confirm yourself.
I might also recommend, in honor of your mom’s wishes, that you attend with an open mind Lutheran catechetical classes while you pursue on your own a good understanding of the Catholic Church. Then, let the Holy Spirit lead you where He will when you turn 18.

Jon
 
Praying for you, crucifix14.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen

:blessyou:
 
crucifix14 said:
Hey, I tried posting a thread and I didn’t see it posted.

I am 14 and have grown up going to different protestant churches. A few months ago, my mother started going back to the Lutheran church. Since then, I have been drawn more and more to Catholicism. I say the Hail Mary, cross myself, and have been reading about the liturgy and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. I strongly believe it is the true church of God, and I do not enjoy going to the Lutheran church.

Last night, my mom told me she is having me confirmed into the Lutheran church. I have told her about my feelings towards Catholicism, but she refuses to listen and gets upset, and says that “works don’t get you to heaven, that’s what the Catholics believe”… She won’t let me visit because she says its an inconvenience because she has to go to church, too.

So what I’m asking is this: What should I do? I really don’t want to be confirmed in the Lutheran church. I’ve never taken the Holy Eucharist because we didn’t go to a church for many years. I want to have answers that back my beliefs in Catholicism for my mother. I’d like to visit Mass and talk with a priest. I just feel “at home” with the Catholic doctrine.

Thanks for any advice and all your help, 🤷
Crucifix14
Click to expand...
At this point in your life you should honor your mother. Learn as much about Lutheranism as you can and how well Catholicism holds up against it. Later, remember to compare morals teachings between Lutherans and Catholics. You’ll discover that the Catholic Church stands alone as a worldwide presence with her morals teachings.

Best wishes to you.
 
You might want to point out to your mother that Luther himself made the sign of the Cross (as many Lutherans do; I’ve seen it with my own eyes) and recite the Hail Mary.
 
definitely read and maybe give your mom the tract Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth. Of course, she may still want you to be confirmed in the Lutheran Church (whichever version 😉 ). Talk to the priest that will be confirming you, and let him know how you feel. I’m sure he won’t confirm you if you really don’t want it or believe in it. Now, this may upset your mother, so think about all of that. She may be happy though that you’re seriously thinking about God and how and where you worship Him.

And remember, you’ll have the Church waiting for you when you turn 18 if that’s what you choose to do. You’ll be confirmed and welcomed to the sanctity of the Catholic Church :cool:
 
I personally think that many of the people here can be too focused on what church they belong to instead of truly seeking truth. One of the promises that the LORD gives in the gospels is that He will not turn away anyone who is honestly seeking him. Whatever church you are confirmed into, continue to seek the truth.

Anthony the Great, one of the desert fathers, when asked by someone how to please God, Anthony responded: “Wherever you go, always have God ever before your eyes. In whatever you do, hold by the example of the holy Scriptures; and in whatever place you live, don’t easily leave it. These three things keep, and you will be saved.”

As a bit of a disclaimer, unlike many people here, I am not catholic. You decide if you should follow this advice but I would strongly recommend that you not let a thing like this come between you and your mother. Jesus, in the gospel of Luke, did say that He came to bring division between households (somewhere around the 12th chapter, but I don’t have a bible at hand at the moment) but I cannot imagine that there is rejoicing in the heavens when a child (no matter how old you are you’ll always be her child) and their mother have any animosity between the them.

Continue to say your prayers and cross yourself regardless of what you choose. And while no church is free from human sin, there is a good deal of truth in many of the christian churches… just be careful as to what you take as truth. Keeping your eyes in the scriptures and having a priest or other well-educated individual to guide you will help your discernment of truth in the future.
 
My best advice for you would be just wait to become Catholic. You can convert if you are forced to be confirmed Lutheran. God will take you through the path that you need to go.There may be some things that you have to learn before you can fully appreciate be Catholic. Sometimes people have to go through a journey. Once you are 18 you can legally convert to Catholicism. By then hopefully your parents will become more open to your choice.

I understand where you are coming from though. I knew I wanted to be Catholic by the time I was in 7th grade. However, my parents were not big fans of Catholics, and still are not that much. I respected them and did not want to disappoint or offend them. This Easter I finally became Catholic. I am a first year in College and turned 18.

Having patience, however, is not fun. I can think of may times I was at mass, and though why don’t I just take Communion. But my experience of becoming Catholic at the Easter Vigil was totally worth the wait. I am a very happy Catholic. Best wishes, and I’ll keep you in my prayers.

But just remember that there is a certain reason why you were drawn to the Church. Keep the hope alive that all will work out well.
 
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