Protestant?

[Prairieskies]

This is the first time I have posted here. I should state from the beginning I am not Catholic, but of the Protestant faith. I hope I am not upsetting anyone on this site by asking for your advise. My background, - I was a teenage when I heard the gospel for the first time and after a year or so, I as well as the rest of my immediate family accepted Jesus Christ as our savior. After going through several months of baptismal classes, I was soon baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I finished my high school education at a Christian school and became very active in the church. As the years have gone by, I have taught Sunday school, VBS, (vacation bible school), AWANA, nursery and been a Greeter and a worker in the kitchen. Yet, I am now having a deep longing to become …catholic. It has been going on for at least 5 years now. As the years go by the need has grown stronger and stronger till I actually bought a NAB, (tablet version). I know it sounds odd, but it feels like the Holy Spirit is pursuing me. I can’t imagine why since I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

Anyway, I came across this website while trying to get more information on just what was a catholic. The information has been interesting, informative and confusing. I would like to spend time attending mass and taking classes on the catholic faith, but I don't see that happening. I live in a small, (less then 4000) rural community where everyone knows everyone. If it got out that I was showing an interest in the catholic church it will cause an enormous amount of grief and pain for my family, friends and church. I don't want to do that! I could go to the city, (about 45 minutes to an hour away depending on traffic) but what reason could I possible give to be attending church in the city! I need to find out if the Lord is leading me in the direction of the Catholic faith. I must be sure of this before anyone I know finds out that I am even thinking about the catholic church. 

My whole life I have never been interested in learning about the Catholic Church. We are warned to stay away from them since; they "Worship Mary and the Saints". Also, Catholics try to earn their salvation instead of accepting it as a gift from God. At 53 years old I should just be able to put this all behind me and continue forward but I can't.

Let me ask hypothetical question - If someone wanted to become catholic, could it ever be done quietly?

I just don’t know, perhaps this is something to consider when my parents have passed on. They both live with me so it would be extremely difficult to do anything about this now. I just feel so torn and don’t know what to do.

Thank you for listening!

Just being able to talk about it has helped.

 

[pablope]

This is the first time I have posted here. I should state from the beginning I am not Catholic, but of the Protestant faith. I hope I am not upsetting anyone on this site by asking for your advise. My background, - I was a teenage when I heard the gospel for the first time and after a year or so, I as well as the rest of my immediate family accepted Jesus Christ as our savior. After going through several months of baptismal classes, I was soon baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I finished my high school education at a Christian school and became very active in the church. As the years have gone by, I have taught Sunday school, VBS, (vacation bible school), AWANA, nursery and been a Greeter and a worker in the kitchen. Yet, I am now having a deep longing to become …catholic. It has been going on for at least 5 years now. As the years go by the need has grown stronger and stronger till I actually bought a NAB, (tablet version). I know it sounds odd, but it feels like the Holy Spirit is pursuing me. I can’t imagine why since I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

Anyway, I came across this website while trying to get more information on just what was a catholic. The information has been interesting, informative and confusing. I would like to spend time attending mass and taking classes on the catholic faith, but I don't see that happening. I live in a small, (less then 4000) rural community where everyone knows everyone. If it got out that I was showing an interest in the catholic church it will cause an enormous amount of grief and pain for my family, friends and church. I don't want to do that! I could go to the city, (about 45 minutes to an hour away depending on traffic) but what reason could I possible give to be attending church in the city! I need to find out if the Lord is leading me in the direction of the Catholic faith. I must be sure of this before anyone I know finds out that I am even thinking about the catholic church. 

My whole life I have never been interested in learning about the Catholic Church. We are warned to stay away from them since; they "Worship Mary and the Saints". Also, Catholics try to earn their salvation instead of accepting it as a gift from God. At 53 years old I should just be able to put this all behind me and continue forward but I can't.

Let me ask hypothetical question - If someone wanted to become catholic, could it ever be done quietly?

I just don’t know, perhaps this is something to consider when my parents have passed on. They both live with me so it would be extremely difficult to do anything about this now. I just feel so torn and don’t know what to do.

Thank you for listening!

Just being able to talk about it has helped.

Hmmm…I am not sure you can keep it quiet.

Try this website for help in your situation:

chnetwork.org/

or this:

catholicscominghome.org/

 

[pablope]

Ths old I should just be able to put this all behind me and continue forward but I can’t.

Let me ask hypothetical question - If someone wanted to become catholic, could it ever be done quietly?

I just don’t know, perhaps this is something to consider when my parents have passed on. They both live with me so it would be extremely difficult to do anything about this now. I just feel so torn and don’t know what to do.

Thank you for listening!

Just being able to talk about it has helped.

Let me ask hypothetical question - If someone wanted to become catholic, could it ever be done quietly?

I believe you can study quietly, but you will not be able to once you become Catholic.

Yet, I am now having a deep longing to become …catholic. It has been going on for at least 5 years now. As the years go by the need has grown stronger and stronger till I actually bought a NAB, (tablet version). I know it sounds odd, but it feels like the Holy Spirit is pursuing me. I can’t imagine why since I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

My whole life I have never been interested in learning about the Catholic Church. We are warned to stay away from them since; they “Worship Mary and the Saints”. Also, Catholics try to earn their salvation instead of accepting it as a gift from God. At 53 years old I should just be able to put this all behind me and continue forward but I can’t.

I would say go forward, and be open and let the Holy Spirit lead where He wants to lead you.

Read this story, I am sure you will like it, and see how the author solved her problem:

freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1858224/posts

How I Solved the Catholic Problem (in 3 parts)
Envoy Magazine ^ | Kristine L. Franklin

 

[elohimrules]

I’m not sure I have your answers as I just left protestantism to return to my Catholic faith that I had as a child. Well, all I can say is I felt the same way you did, God was drawing me to Himself, to the eucharist. It’s hard to explain. One thing you are forgetting though is that Catholics ARE Christian. I know many protestant denominations don’t think so but they ARE. So you have NOTHING to feel ashamed of. It is just another way to worship Christ and as you come to explore church history then you will trully see that it appears to me to be the most historically accurate way to worship God. Remember, protestantism started with Martin Luther so the question is how much faith do you put into Luther, that he alone was right and the WHOLE church wrong. Granted, there were many troubles with the Church at the time, but should Christians then throw “out the baby with the bathwater” so to speak?! Just some thoughts, not sure if they helped. God bless and may the Lord continue to guide you in your journey and adventure of faith!

 

[Adam95]

Praireskies,

Thanks for sharing! I was received into the Catholic Church 2 years ago. I was raised in a Baptist family, and attended AWANA as a child, so it sounds like we come from a similar tradition. The Holy Spirit is pursuing you because the Catholic Church is the original church founded by Jesus, and it is Jesus’ desire that we be united. (See John 17:11). The tradition we come from contains some very important truths about the Christians faith, but unfortunately it does not contain the fullness of the truth only found in the Catholic Church.

My first advice to you is to learn more about the Catholic Church. The more you learn, the more you will know that the Holy Spirit is indeed drawing you. I don’t know how much you’ve studied, or through which avenues you’ve learned, but I can recommend some excellent Speakers/writers to seek out. Steve Ray, David Currie and Mike Cumbie were three speakers/writers who had an impact on me, because they had very similar backgrounds as I had. I highly recommend David Currie’s book, Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic. The book explains Catholicism in a way that Fundamental Baptists can really understand.

Scott Hahn is an excellent teacher of Catholic theology. Any of his talks or books will be helpful.

I have been blessed with a close knit family, who would never turn their backs on me, but I know they are still confused about my decision. I pray that your family is similar. I am always more than eager to discuss the Catholic Church with them, but few of them are willing to.

Now is a good time to start your journey privately, as most RCIA classes do not start until September. Take some time and delve into Catholic teaching in your home through books, as well as audio and video online. When the time comes, the Holy Spirit will lead you accordingly.

 

[catholicscot]

As far as learning more about the faith goes you might try listening to some of the podcasts from discerninghearts.com/

As far as learning more quietly goes, tricky isn’t it? Mass is celebrated every day so if you can’t make it to the Sunday celebration perhaps you could go to one of the weekday ones. Establish contact with a parish by phone perhaps and maybe meet up with someone for a coffee from time to time.

 

[DAML72]

I think that you are right on the money thinking that the Holy Spirit is pulling you to the Catholic church. When it happened to me, I was told that I could take my time, but that it wasn’t going to go away.

I don’t know how quiet you can keep it. At some point, you will feel the pull to attend Mass and to receive the Eucharist (the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ - which is why you are being pulled to the Church after having received Jesus Christ as your Savior - He wants to draw you closer into communion with him.) You will also need to be in contact with the Church in order to be able to discern properly whether you truly are being called to become Catholic. But you can certainly keep your initial inquiries private, and you can do research online, watch EWTN (especially The Journey Home).

Others have recommended the website for The Coming Home network - I encourage you to check that out. You aren’t the only one who has been through this. It’s not uncommon for people to lose relationships when they become Catholic. It can be an isolating experience - but all worth it. The Coming Home Network can help support you.

Good luck - and there are many of us converts here to help and to support you in your journey. Don’t ever hesitate to ask!

 

[JRKH]

This is the first time I have posted here. I should state from the beginning I am not Catholic, but of the Protestant faith. I hope I am not upsetting anyone on this site by asking for your advise.

You could NEVER upset us by asking advice. God bless you on your journey.

(SNIP)
Yet, I am now having a deep longing to become …catholic. It has been going on for at least 5 years now. As the years go by the need has grown stronger and stronger till I actually bought a NAB, (tablet version). I know it sounds odd, but it feels like the Holy Spirit is pursuing me. I can’t imagine why since I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

I will venture a guess that the Jesus desires an even deeper relationship with you. One that comes from receiving Him wholly present in the Holy Eucharist.

Anyway, I came across this website while trying to get more information on just what was a catholic. The information has been interesting, informative and confusing.

Well feel free to ask about anything that confuses you. This is a wonderfully diverse and intelligent group here. (not counting me of course…)

I would like to spend time attending mass and taking classes on the catholic faith, but I don’t see that happening. I live in a small, (less then 4000) rural community where everyone knows everyone. If it got out that I was showing an interest in the catholic church it will cause an enormous amount of grief and pain for my family, friends and church. I don’t want to do that!

Sadly, short of moving away I don’t think you are going to be able to avoid this forever.

I could go to the city, (about 45 minutes to an hour away depending on traffic) but what reason could I possible give to be attending church in the city! I need to find out if the Lord is leading me in the direction of the Catholic faith. I must be sure of this before anyone I know finds out that I am even thinking about the catholic church.

Well - you can “attend mass” online if you want to learn the mass. EWTN has a daily mass that is streamed several times a day if that helps you at all. Of course it’s not the same as actually attending, but it’s a start.
As for heading out of town…at 53 years old, why do you need to tell anyone a reason?

My whole life I have never been interested in learning about the Catholic Church. We are warned to stay away from them since; they “Worship Mary and the Saints”. Also, Catholics try to earn their salvation instead of accepting it as a gift from God. At 53 years old I should just be able to put this all behind me and continue forward but I can’t.

Well as you probably have already discovered, we DON’T worship Mary and the Saints…and we “try to earn our salvation”.

Let me ask hypothetical question - If someone wanted to become catholic, could it ever be done quietly?

We won’t tell…
Seriously, the best person to answer that question would be the local priest. But - as we say, it’s bound to come out sooner or later.

In some ways it seems that it might be better to get it out there and field all the questions and concerns as you are moving along and learning.
Of course I can understand why you want to learn more before you would do this…

I just don’t know, perhaps this is something to consider when my parents have passed on. They both live with me so it would be extremely difficult to do anything about this now. I just feel so torn and don’t know what to do.

Understood…and yet the Holy Spirit can be mighty insistent.

Thank you for listening!

Just being able to talk about it has helped.

You are welcome.

Peace
James

 

[khmsct99]

Hi! I relate about this feeling of me wanting to have a better connection with Him. I think it is a sign from God. I have been wondering about becoming Catholic for a while… I am actually starting to study the Catholic Bible, and reading the books that I have not seen in the Protestant Bible. My friends, however, “attacked” me about it, I will post a post on it here right now… anyways any questions you may have, we are here to help

 

[josh987654321]

This is the first time I have posted here. I should state from the beginning I am not Catholic, but of the Protestant faith. I hope I am not upsetting anyone on this site by asking for your advise. My background, - I was a teenage when I heard the gospel for the first time and after a year or so, I as well as the rest of my immediate family accepted Jesus Christ as our savior. After going through several months of baptismal classes, I was soon baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I finished my high school education at a Christian school and became very active in the church. As the years have gone by, I have taught Sunday school, VBS, (vacation bible school), AWANA, nursery and been a Greeter and a worker in the kitchen. Yet, I am now having a deep longing to become …catholic. It has been going on for at least 5 years now. As the years go by the need has grown stronger and stronger till I actually bought a NAB, (tablet version). I know it sounds odd, but it feels like the Holy Spirit is pursuing me.

I can’t imagine why since I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

I would agree with JRKH, that Jesus desires an even deeper relationship with you. One that comes from receiving Him wholly present (body, blood, soul and divinity) in the Holy Eucharist.

If you have any questions regarding the real presense in the Holy Eucharist, please don’t be shy to ask us

Anyway, I came across this website while trying to get more information on just what was a catholic. The information has been interesting, informative and confusing. I would like to spend time attending mass and taking classes on the catholic faith, but I don’t see that happening. I live in a small, (less then 4000) rural community where everyone knows everyone. If it got out that I was showing an interest in the catholic church it will cause an enormous amount of grief and pain for my family, friends and church. I don’t want to do that! I could go to the city, (about 45 minutes to an hour away depending on traffic) but what reason could I possibly give to be attending church in the city! I need to find out if the Lord is leading me in the direction of the Catholic faith. I must be sure of this before anyone I know finds out that I am even thinking about the catholic church.

I understand.

In the mean time though, I would very much like to share with you Scott Hahn’s conversion story, it’s Scott Hahn’s conversion story that converted my Father to Catholicism, as Scott Hahn used to be an evangelical protestant, his conversion story free to listen to online (youtube) here - youtube.com/watch?v=FrQN8LHYg5g

My whole life I have never been interested in learning about the Catholic Church. We are warned to stay away from them since; they “Worship Mary and the Saints”.

I have never really understood that accusation, because at the end of the ‘Hail Mary’ prayer, we say “Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our Death.”

And there was one AAA (ask an apologist) answer on this, which showed that everything in the ‘Hail Mary’ prayer comes from scripture itself, from the words of the disciples themselves.

Please continue to next post -

 

[josh987654321]

Continued from the above post -

Also, Catholics try to earn their salvation instead of accepting it as a gift from God. At 53 years old I should just be able to put this all behind me and continue forward but I can’t.

May I ask, do you believe ‘Once saved always saved’?
"An Official Who Refused To Forgive:

Matthew 18:21-35

21 Peter came up to the Lord and asked, “How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?”

22 Jesus answered:

Not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! 23 This story will show you what the kingdom of heaven is like:

One day a king decided to call in his officials and ask them to give an account of what they owed him. 24 As he was doing this, one official was brought in who owed him fifty million silver coins. 25 But he didn’t have any money to pay what he owed. The king ordered him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all he owned, in order to pay the debt.

26 The official got down on his knees and began begging, “Have pity on me, and I will pay you every cent I owe!” 27 The king felt sorry for him and let him go free. He even told the official that he did not have to pay back the money.

28 As the official was leaving, he happened to meet another official, who owed him a hundred silver coins. So he grabbed the man by the throat. He started choking him and said, “Pay me what you owe!”

29 The man got down on his knees and began begging, “Have pity on me, and I will pay you back.” 30 But the first official refused to have pity. Instead, he went and had the other official put in jail until he could pay what he owed.

31 When some other officials found out what had happened, they felt sorry for the man who had been put in jail. Then they told the king what had happened. 32 The king called the first official back in and said, “You’re an evil man! When you begged for mercy, I said you did not have to pay back a cent. 33 Don’t you think you should show pity to someone else, as I did to you?” 34 The king was so angry that he ordered the official to be tortured until he could pay back everything he owed. 35 That is how my Father in heaven will treat you, if you don’t forgive each of my followers with all your heart.

In the same way, once saved always saved I believe is like saying, once the debt is forgiven it’s always forgiven, however in this passage, we see how by the officals refusal to show that same mercy, his debt was reinstated. I believe it works the same way when Catholics say we are saved by Faith and Works.

Let me ask hypothetical question - If someone wanted to become catholic, could it ever be done quietly?

I don’t know, I understand why you desire to, and I would like to encourage you not to though, as Jesus say’s *“A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” *(Matthew 5:14-16)

I just don’t know, perhaps this is something to consider when my parents have passed on. They both live with me so it would be extremely difficult to do anything about this now. I just feel so torn and don’t know what to do.

Thank you for listening!

Just being able to talk about it has helped.

Than you for asking

If you are ever have the time or opportunity Prairieskies, please don’t be afraid to visit a local Catholic Church, and just sit before the tabernacle and allow His real presense in the Holy Eucharist to warm your heart. Jesus waits for us night and day at the tabernacle, he will not reproach us for our crimes, He will not throw our sins in our face, what He will do is to wash us with the blood of his wounds. He loves you very much.

I Hope I have helped

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

 

[Jon_S_1]

This is the first time I have posted here. I should state from the beginning I am not Catholic, but of the Protestant faith. I hope I am not upsetting anyone on this site by asking for your advise. My background, - I was a teenage when I heard the gospel for the first time and after a year or so, I as well as the rest of my immediate family accepted Jesus Christ as our savior. After going through several months of baptismal classes, I was soon baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I finished my high school education at a Christian school and became very active in the church. As the years have gone by, I have taught Sunday school, VBS, (vacation bible school), AWANA, nursery and been a Greeter and a worker in the kitchen. Yet, I am now having a deep longing to become …catholic. It has been going on for at least 5 years now. As the years go by the need has grown stronger and stronger till I actually bought a NAB, (tablet version). I know it sounds odd, but it feels like the Holy Spirit is pursuing me. I can’t imagine why since I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

Anyway, I came across this website while trying to get more information on just what was a catholic. The information has been interesting, informative and confusing. I would like to spend time attending mass and taking classes on the catholic faith, but I don't see that happening. I live in a small, (less then 4000) rural community where everyone knows everyone. If it got out that I was showing an interest in the catholic church it will cause an enormous amount of grief and pain for my family, friends and church. I don't want to do that! I could go to the city, (about 45 minutes to an hour away depending on traffic) but what reason could I possible give to be attending church in the city! I need to find out if the Lord is leading me in the direction of the Catholic faith. I must be sure of this before anyone I know finds out that I am even thinking about the catholic church. 

My whole life I have never been interested in learning about the Catholic Church. We are warned to stay away from them since; they "Worship Mary and the Saints". Also, Catholics try to earn their salvation instead of accepting it as a gift from God. At 53 years old I should just be able to put this all behind me and continue forward but I can't.

Let me ask hypothetical question - If someone wanted to become catholic, could it ever be done quietly?

I just don’t know, perhaps this is something to consider when my parents have passed on. They both live with me so it would be extremely difficult to do anything about this now. I just feel so torn and don’t know what to do.

Thank you for listening!

Just being able to talk about it has helped.

I just converted ! It is so amazing being home in the church founded by Christ. Family can be tough, but at the end of the day, it is your soul, your eternal destiny, your life, and your relationship with God you need to prioritize.

Feel free to visit some masses some time and visit. Ask questions here.

I also highly recommend that you check out Fr Barron’s YouTube videos. His website is wordonfire.org. It is a fantastic resource.

The Holy Spirit is calling you home and you won’t be alone even if everyone you know disagrees with you.

One step at a time. Leave the rest to God!

 

[DAML72]

   My whole life I have never been interested in learning about the Catholic Church. We are warned to stay away from them since; they "Worship Mary and the Saints". Also, Catholics try to earn their salvation instead of accepting it as a gift from God.

I just wanted to address this quickly. Someone else has addressed it too by stating that we don’t ‘worship’ Mary and the Saints. You can do some reading online about what we call the ‘Communion of Saints’ What that means is that those who have passed on and are with God (and in Purgatory being purified) are still alive - just as Christ is alive. We ask them to pray for us just as we would ask someone living on Earth to pray for us. We might keep a photo of them in our home to remind us of them, just as we would keep photos of family and friends around. We ‘venerate’ Saints, which means that we give them respect and we strive to imitate their holy lives - lives that give glory and honor to God. That’s all - though there is a bit more when it comes to Mary, but we can leave that aside right now - I still haven’t gotten to my point, which is: Go to a Catholic Mass and see for yourself who is being worshiped. Unless the scripture reading relates to Mary, there is only one point in the Mass when Mary is mentioned - during one of the Eucharistic prayers, and she is mentioned as one who unites in prayer with us, NOT as anyone requiring worship. In fact, it is VERY clear during Mass that all ‘glory and honor’ and worship belongs to the Trinitarian God.

(And we don’t work for our salvation - we work to become holy. It’s a distinction that you will come to learn. There is SO MUCH to lean when you are new to the Catholic church)

 

[Prairieskies]

How do I say thank you for all of your wonderful advise. I have read everyone’s answer many times. I have copies them into Polaris and will be keeping it for future reference and encouragement! All of the authors you have suggested I will be ordering on my tablet. If I can’t get it on the tablet or computer I will not be getting it. Sorry. I just can’t chance anyone finding out yet. As for the links to websites and videos, thank you. I am sure it will be a blessing.

As you all have gentle said, I will have to eventually let my family know. It is difficult when I think of my elderly parents, (dad is 93) and they both live with me. I keep telling myself that it is better to please God then to please one’s parents. I am going to take the next three months to study as much as I can about being Catholic and praying for guidance and mercy. If I feel the same way as I do now, I will start taking the RCIA in September. I don’t know where this will lead, but it is time to find out. I feel that the Spirit is calling and I want to answer.

Thank you and may the Lord bless you all!

 

[catholicscot]

I read this in the Psalms today and thought of you-

14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!

Psalm 27

 

[littlestsouls2]

Some good advice has already been offered, so I will simply offer a quote from St. Padre Pio:

“Keep close to the Catholic Church at all times, for the Church alone can give you true peace, since she alone possesses Jesus, the true Prince of Peace, in the Blessed Sacrament.”

 

[JRKH]

How do I say thank you for all of your wonderful advise. I have read everyone’s answer many times. I have copies them into Polaris and will be keeping it for future reference and encouragement! All of the authors you have suggested I will be ordering on my tablet. If I can’t get it on the tablet or computer I will not be getting it. Sorry. I just can’t chance anyone finding out yet. As for the links to websites and videos, thank you. I am sure it will be a blessing.

As you all have gentle said, I will have to eventually let my family know. It is difficult when I think of my elderly parents, (dad is 93) and they both live with me. I keep telling myself that it is better to please God then to please one’s parents. I am going to take the next three months to study as much as I can about being Catholic and praying for guidance and mercy. If I feel the same way as I do now, I will start taking the RCIA in September. I don’t know where this will lead, but it is time to find out. I feel that the Spirit is calling and I want to answer.

Thank you and may the Lord bless you all!

You are welcome…You have found a wonderful resource here. We look forward to further discussions with you.

I totally understand your concern for your parents. I would probably feel the same way. Right now you are called to a very important vocation in caring for them so don’t do anything too rash. I think your current course is a good one.

Peace
James

 

[sirach2v4]

There is useful advice in the preceding posts. I am writing about the person issue. I think you should bring up the subject of joining the Catholic Church, in some way or other, and see what the reaction really is in your family and among your friends. You may not be the only person who feels as you do.

I guess I learned it on TV someplace, that as we get older, we have less to fear. That’s what I believe. So, ask yourself what you are afraid of, and try to take the fear factor out of it.

You might be ostracized by your local community, but then you have a chance to witness to them about how superficial their brand of Christianity is.

Within Islam, conversion to Christianity is out of the question, and it can result in the death penalty for the convert or even for retaliation against their family. These social pressures are real.

If you are challenged about your Catholic faith, give an answer or tell the person you will get back to them with an answer. This challenges a lot of Catholics, trust me, to act like a Catholic. There will be a lot of eyes on you, as you are undoubtedly aware. The Catholic Church is a church of sinners. You don’t even have to press that point further.

What’s odd about the Catholic Church is that we don’t have to believe in private revelation, such as the apparitions of Mary at Fatima or Lourdes or anyplace else. We don’t have to pray the rosary, although it is encouraged. So, there is a variety of belief tolerated in the Church. the Virgin Mary, I am convinced, never prayed the rosary or other wise prayed the Hail Mary to herself. There exists a wide range of formal prayers.

When you receive “Communion” in the Catholic Church, you are receiving the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. With Baptism you become a temple of the Holy Spirit.

You may have to pay a high personal cost, but recall what Jesus says, in the parable of the pearl of great price – you sell everything else to buy it.

In one sense, you don’t have to explain anything to anybody about your choice, although you may eventually desire to do so. Then, it can be a teaching or evangelizing moment, for your glory as well as for God.

 

[Prairieskies]

I think you should bring up the subject of joining the Catholic Church, in some way or other, and see what the reaction really is in your family and among your friends. You may not be the only person who feels as you do.

Well… my mother’s side of the family comes from Northern Ireland and they are all “Protestant”. True, they didn’t go to church and knew little or nothing of the Bible but they are “Protestant” and definitely “Not Catholic”! I don’t even want to get into that area of discussion, it really has nothing to do with being a Christian and everything to do with politics.

The feelings of negativity about catholicism is still there and brought up every now and then. I can say that mom is willing to admit that some Catholics MIGHT be Christian. It is always said with a good degree of doubt. My parents feelings on the Catholic Church has never been hidden and their sentiments will echo that my sisters and their families. I will have to tread lightly and carefully. I work for a Christian organization that is strong in their beliefs and traditions. Even if I don’t loss my job, most will feel deeply betrayed. I sincerely doubt I will be able to talk to anyone about the “why” of it. Most if not all will just stay away from me like I have a disease.

You may have to pay a high personal cost, but recall what Jesus says, in the parable of the pearl of great price – you sell everything else to buy it.

Yes, most folks that chose to follow Christ will have difficulties along the way, - my main concern is for my parents. Everything else is secondary to me because I know the Lord will carry me through it. At this time I am learning all that I can and praying every day for wisdom and guidance and mercy. If this is from the Lord, He will make away for me to proceed. Bless His holy name!

 

[JRKH]

Something that might be useful is writing a letter to the people you need to tell.
A letter allows you to consider your words carefully. It also pretty much forces the other person to “listen” to all you have to say without being able to interrupt you.
Plus, in most cases, the person cannot react immediately to you. There will be a lag time which gives them a chance to get over any initial shock and enter into a much more calm and reasoned dialogue.
I know I have found this approach to be very useful at times.

Even if you later choose to not send it - it would give you the opportunity to clearly think through how you would want to approach a conversation and the probable reactions.

Just a thought.

Peace
James