Problems with my Mom....

[LydiaW]

I have been having major problems with my Mom ever since I told her I want to be Catholic. She used to be Catholic, in fact she became Catholic almost at the same age I am now,17, but she fell away from the Catholic church, and now is convinced that it is evil. I am not trying to spite her by becoming Catholic, I am trying to become Catholic for several reasons. 1. I want to be closer to God. I fell away from the non-denominational church I was raised in when I was about 13. Then I went through a really dark period in my life, that lasted 4 years. This year, I finally gave up, crying inside, knowing that I needed God again…but I didn’t want to go back to the non-denominational church, because I had once been dragged and beaten up by my Dad, all because he wanted me to go there. Plus, other issues with things they said there made me not trust them. 2. My mom’s brother, and his family are all Catholic, and they have always been such happy, devout Christian people, that I want to be like them.

Overall, I guess my main reason, is that I want to be a good Christian and close to God, and I feel like the Catholic church is a good fit. My mom just sees it as me being defiant, and trying to copy her. She homeschools me and my siblings, and so I don’t have a social life in which to get away from her. I only have my RCIA class on Thursdays, and it is full of people a lot older than me. So I guess I am asking, what should I do? I don’t want to upset my Mom, but I really want to be Catholic. Should I Ignore my heart and forget about all this? Or keep going? I’m really confused right now.

 

[LSK]

I think it is fabulous that your mom is letting you go to your RCIA classes. Is there a youth ministry in your parish?

I am sorry that your mother has fallen away from the Holy Mother Church, but you might be the instrument by which she is able to find her way back. Perhaps, through your prayers and your gentleness of spirit, she may see what she is missing.

I would very gently continue with your studies. When are you scheduled to be baptized into the Church? Is your mother open to letting you share what you are learning or does she become angry and hostile and abusive to you? I would not want you to put yourself in physical danger, but remember that Catholic Christians are often persecuted for their faith and for knowing the Truth.

Stand firm, but be loving, little sister in Christ. The Holy Mother Church is home to you and you have a loving Mother in Our Lady.

 

[Della]

Your mother’s issues with the Catholic Church are hers and should have no bearing on what you decide to do. I’m assuming you are old enough to make this decision for yourself since you were accepted an RCIA class. Just continue to go to RCIA to learn about the Catholic faith, but say nothing to your mother about it unless she asks, and then be kind and gentle with her feelings. Once you are graduated from high school and can be out on your own, you will still have your Catholic faith as you make your way in the world, as well as your uncle’s family for support. So, don’t let a temporary situation like you’re in now rob you of a lifetime of faith, hope, and love in Christ’s Church. I will remember in my prayers this evening.