Reaching out to peers and family

[Arturo_Ortiz]

I am currently 18 years old and I came close to my faith no more than 2 years ago. I guess I was what you would call an inactive and Lukewarm Catholic.

Yet I have come a whole lot closer to my faith which I attribute to God’s grace.

I have had my own mistakes and sins in the past and despise them. For this reason is that I really have tried to reach out to a lot of my friends and family members that I see are doing things that they shouldn’t but find myself not speaking up. I guess because of the fear of criticism and ridicule.

I see a lot of my friends listen to music that I don’t think we as Catholics or even Christians should listen too. This is true for T.V. shows and movies as well. There are a lot of shows and movies to mention.

The thing is that I used to watch the same things and listen to the same type of music. I don’t know how to tell people that they shouldn’t do these things when I myself used to do it.

I just want to bring people to Christ and the church but I want to speak up and not be afraid of telling people the truth.

 

[OxygenMan]

I feel your pain, I’m in a similar situation. I grew up in an entirely secular family. Religion just never came up much. But I converted to Catholicism a few years back, and everything changes with the faith. But it’s difficult talking with my family about it. They don’t care much for the whole thing.

On a positive note, it looks like my mother will be entering the Church soon, though.

 

[mommy_k]

For new Catholics-it is hard to explain why. Sometimes silence in a family setting may work, depending on the family.
Live your faith. When questionable tv shows come on- grab a book.this way you are not critizisizing them for their choices.
Once you start living your faith, you will become more confident in explaning things.for friends, tell them that you are now Catholic, and are starting to practice your faith.
It will become easier in time.
Visit CAF, meet other Catholics at church and functions. Your newfound lifestyle will be evident to non-catholics, as well as the peace that comes along with it.
Once you become an example, people will be drawn to you.
That is the perfect time to evangilize.
If your current friends are truly friends, they will understand, and see the positive changes.

 

[snowflakeinlove]

I have had my own mistakes and sins in the past and despise them. For this reason is that I really have tried to reach out to a lot of my friends and family members that I see are doing things that they shouldn’t but find myself not speaking up. I guess because of the fear of criticism and ridicule.

I see a lot of my friends listen to music that I don’t think we as Catholics or even Christians should listen too. This is true for T.V. shows and movies as well. There are a lot of shows and movies to mention.

The thing is that I used to watch the same things and listen to the same type of music. I don’t know how to tell people that they shouldn’t do these things when I myself used to do it.

I just want to bring people to Christ and the church but I want to speak up and not be afraid of telling people the truth.

I know how you feel. Most of the people who are closest to me are not religious and a lot of times I want to share my faith but sometimes I just don’t know how.
Personally I wouldn’t start by speaking up and telling my family and friends that they shouldn’t do something, but rather, share my faith with them, live out my faith cheerfully, show them that living a Christian life isn’t what they might see as dull, sad, or full or rules-- but something that brings joy and peace. If they do something you don’t want to participate in, then don’t participate but don’t criticize them either. Just be loving, invite them to church socials, events, and things that might have helped in your reversion… and pray for them. It might just give them the opportunity to experience what you did–an encounter with God, deepening your faith and realizing you need to change your lifestyle. Once they begin to be drawn to the faith and see it as something attractive, the lifestyle will eventually make sense too.

Hopefully this made sense. I didn’t get any sleep last night so I might not be very coherent

 

[Arturo_Ortiz]

Thamls eberyone for such great answers.

I guess I have to take things slowly and just pray to the Holy Spirit for help.