Seriously considering becoming Catholic.

[Edward_H]

Don’t convert for anyone else…and don’t even convert for yourself…convert instead for the joy of God who seeks unity with you and all His sons and daughters in the Church. He is your Father.

 

[StevenFrancis]

My concern though is this, how would I even begin to tell my parents? (my mother was raised Catholic and became Protestant in college, although I’m not sure she was that big into it in the first place). I also am in a Bible study with some friends from my current church, and I would have to tell them at some point. I guess my question is, after all that rambling, how does one go about telling friends/family about their desire to join the Catholic church? I know about RCIA, I should probably tell at least my parents before I would begin the classes, right?

Sorry about writing a novel. Thank you for responses. God bless everyone.

I just did it, (explaining as I went along to my family, very non-confrontationally.). I never used my conversion as a platform to attack my families beliefs. I shared my joys, without ever criticizing others. I am the first Catholic that I am aware of in my family line since the reformation. Granted, I was in my 40’s and not living at with my parents, but even if I had been, the calling was so strong that I would have had no choice in the matter anyway. It needed to happen. I was prepared to even be at odds with my own wife, but she attended RCIA with me, and ended up becoming Catholic herself!! She was baptized, confirmed, and had first eucharist at the same Easter vigil where I was confirmed and had my first eucharist.

Your faith is too important to allow the potential dismay of others to be an impediment. I’d just tell them you’re interested and intend to begin RCIA classes on such and such a date, then if your relationship is good, you can explain why, and keep them posted every now and then while you’re going through it. After all, if you’re close with them, you’re most likely going to want them to invite them to your confirmation and first eucharist. They don’t have to believe to go and share in your joy. It’s a journey. One that I found to be such a beautiful experience that I stayed with RCIA for 2 more years, AFTER I was confirmed, and am considering a call to go back to them now as a sponsor.

Praise be to Lord Jesus Christ!

Welcome home,

Steven

 

[ndeparis88]

Wow. Our stories are so similar it’s scary. I grew up PCA too (though I was agnostic before becoming Catholic). I am also in college and started looking into Catholicism when I was 21/22 (I came into the Church this past Easter). And like you my biggest fear was telling my parents about it. I went through a year of RCIA without telling them. I ended up not coming into the Church that year because of my dad’s reaction when I told him.

I remember saying something like this:

“Dad, I have recently taken an interest in my Christian faith and have begun reexamining it, its history, and its spirituality. The more I learn, the more compelled I am toward the Catholic faith, which I believe is, both historically and spiritually, the fullness of the Christian faith. I would gladly discuss these things with you in the future as I continue this journey.”

I broke it to my dad in email, which was easier for me because it gave me time to gather my thoughts when I wrote responses. Debating is difficult for me; especially with my dad because as I’ve come to find he is very anti-Catholic and not at all charitable about it. Most of the time I just have to bite my tongue and hang my head. But there is a pretty good chance that your parents are not this way, as most people are not. I guess the email thing isn’t really much of an option for you since you live with your parents.

If I were you I would start with whichever one of your parents is likely to be the most understanding/gentle about it (in my case, it was my mom). I would also emphasize how your exploration of the Catholic faith has really led to your personal spiritual growth. Focus on Jesus and on scripture as much as you can. Also, let them know that you don’t want faith to create a dividing barrier between you and them. I talked about this a lot with my mom. Be charitable and let them know that they are still your brothers and sisters in Christ.

I’m actually surprised how many men/woman in the tech industry are Catholic. Not that I thought it was a small number but I’m humbled at how they mix science and faith together really well like it is suppose to be. I’m going to a Catholic college to finish up courses in Electrical Engineering and I just love how Faith and Science for are living in harmony together. I also like to mention that I am also living with my folks, my mom was raised Catholic, but my Dad is not really a religious person so there are times where I get stuck trying to answer when he asks questions like how can God make people with down syndrome. It causes him to kind of throw in the towel or worse call leaders of the Faith hypocrites. I find solace in that someday I’ll be able to give a great defense of the hope that is in me. But you can’t choose your parents, so I feel it’s a way for God to test me and keep my feet wet. Above all listen to God, I honor my parents because of the ten commandments, but if they condone something immoral to the Church I am not obligated to obey them. it’s a line to walk but it is necessary. Because it’s out of Love that I do this.

 

[PJM]

=StephenH2;8206750]Hi everyone. I honestly have no idea if this thread is in the right place or not, sorry if it is.

I have been researching Catholicism for the past 2 1/2 months or so, and the more I find out, the more I love it. I have a strong desire to join the Church and am starting to believe in certain parts of the faith. I feel that if I became a Catholic, I would have a much deeper relationship with Jesus and love Him even more than I do now. I know more than ever that God is calling me to the Church. I even made a list of the reasons why I want to become Catholic vs. why I wouldn’t want to become Catholic, which I feel is a huge step for me. The reasons why I want to become Catholic vastly outnumbered why I wouldn’t.

I come from a Presbyterian (PCA) household, so it would a fairly drastic change if I was to convert. I am 21, still living at home and going to college.

My concern though is this, how would I even begin to tell my parents? (my mother was raised Catholic and became Protestant in college, although I’m not sure she was that big into it in the first place). I also am in a Bible study with some friends from my current church, and I would have to tell them at some point. I guess my question is, after all that rambling, how does one go about telling friends/family about their desire to join the Catholic church? I know about RCIA, I should probably tell at least my parents before I would begin the classes, right?

Sorry about writing a novel. Thank you for responses. God bless everyone.

Thanks for all the information. It DOES help us to help you

Understand that TRUE Faith is a GIFT from God. Your decision would indicate that you are cooperating with the inner actions of the Holy Spirit. SO ALWAYS DO WHAT IS RIGHT, WWJD is a REALLY great self-question when in search of answers.

At SOME POINT your going to have to “fess-up” BUT might I suggest that you hold off until you are better grouned in the Catholic Faith so that you can answer their questions of “WHY” with greater certaintly.

Bassically the easiest way to reply to these questions to to sahre: I have become aware that NOWHERE in the entire Bible does God [Yahweh] or Christ ever tolerate more than One God, One set of Faith beliefs and [OT Temple], NT Church.

Christ personally gave the “keys to the kingdom of heaven” ONLY to Peter and the CC [Mt. 16:18-19], and the NT alone HAs over 100 verifications of Only One Church, One Faith, One God.

Based on this you felf compelled to check out the truth of these claims and finding them true are convienced that you MUST become Catholic.

**Phil.2: 2 ** “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Eph. 4: 1-7 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body [WHICH MEANS ONE CHURCH] and one Spirit, just as you were called to the** one** hope that belongs to your call, **one **Lord, one faith, [Meaning only One set of beliefs] one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

**Eph. 2: 18-22 **“ for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,[SINGULAR] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord;

**John.10: 16 **“And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. **So there shall be one flock, one shepherd” **

God Bless you,
Pat

 

[CompSciGuy]

I’m actually surprised how many men/woman in the tech industry are Catholic. Not that I thought it was a small number but I’m humbled at how they mix science and faith together really well like it is suppose to be. I’m going to a Catholic college to finish up courses in Electrical Engineering and I just love how Faith and Science for are living in harmony together. I also like to mention that I am also living with my folks, my mom was raised Catholic, but my Dad is not really a religious person so there are times where I get stuck trying to answer when he asks questions like how can God make people with down syndrome. It causes him to kind of throw in the towel or worse call leaders of the Faith hypocrites. I find solace in that someday I’ll be able to give a great defense of the hope that is in me. But you can’t choose your parents, so I feel it’s a way for God to test me and keep my feet wet. Above all listen to God, I honor my parents because of the ten commandments, but if they condone something immoral to the Church I am not obligated to obey them. it’s a line to walk but it is necessary. Because it’s out of Love that I do this.

Now that you mention it, I did realize when I began to plug in at my campus parish I found there are a LOT of tech-related majors there. A lot of electrical, aerospace and computer engineers. Some of the employees and directors of my department are parishioners there. It’s funny also how I get along with them so well. Engineering minds often are very compatible with each other.

Despite all the grief that I’ve gotten from my dad over matters of faith I am still thankful for him. Growing up he was instrumental at forming my faith (and those of my brothers and sister) as he read to us from scripture every night before bed, and we all had dinner together and prayed together and went to church together. He is a godly man. The only thing that makes it so hard is that even now, at 24 years old, for some reason I still care what he thinks, even if not consciously. I don’t know, I have this sort of need for his approval. There is a sort of sense of being separated and I’ve been trying really hard to fix it. Progress is just really really slow. And the sad thing is we get along in every other way except matters of faith.

 

[Linda_Marie]

CompSciGuy,

Thank you, that is some great advice. I’ll definitely keep it in mind.

RCIA classes start in September at the church that’s about five minutes from my house. First thing I thought when I saw that was “that’s so soon!” I’ll have to keep praying to know whether I’m ready to do this sooner rather than later.

Also, I left out a detail. My current girlfriend is Catholic. At first, I wanted to learn what Catholics believe and why, and now it’s led me here. That’s another reason why I’m pretty nervous to talk to my parents about it, I’m afraid they’ll think I’m changing just for her.

Thanks for your responses.

Joining the RCIA classes does not commit you to anything. That does not happen until much later so go ahead and start.

I like CompSciGuy’s recommendation for telling your parents.

 

[NetStar]

CompSciGuy,

Thank you, that is some great advice. I’ll definitely keep it in mind.

RCIA classes start in September at the church that’s about five minutes from my house. First thing I thought when I saw that was “that’s so soon!” I’ll have to keep praying to know whether I’m ready to do this sooner rather than later.

Also, I left out a detail. My current girlfriend is Catholic. At first, I wanted to learn what Catholics believe and why, and now it’s led me here. That’s another reason why I’m pretty nervous to talk to my parents about it, I’m afraid they’ll think I’m changing just for her.

Thanks for your responses.

You might be right about them “thinking” you are possibly joining the church for her. Tell them about the RCIA class and that you are taking it to understand her Religion more. Let them know it’s Not a Commitment to join, just a “learning class”. (which it is after all) After all if you and your girlfriend have been dating awhile, it would be good to know what she beleives.

I know she’s not the reason that you are wanting more information, but as you said, your parents might think you want to change for her and only her. Reassure them, that you are not going off on the “deep end” because of her. Maybe you should continue on going to your church as well as attending mass with her. This way they won’t think you’ve turned your back on your own up bringing. It will give them peace about it. Also as you learn things in RCIA share that with them, you’ll be surprised at some of the things that your church and the Catholic Church share in common. Not all things of course, but a lot of things. We (Catholics) just happen to believe in more things.

Sometimes people tend to think Catholics are so hung up on Mary that we don’t pray to Jesus, God the Father or the Holy Spirit. Not all Non-Catholics think we pray to Mary and worship her, but it is the biggest hurddle that I’ve heard out there. It will take a lot to convience them that we don’t…unless they already know that and in your case I hope they do.

If God is calling you into the Catholic Church, he’ll make it happen for you. I’m not saying it will be an easy trip, but God will make it happen, if it’s His Will. Meanwhile take it slow, enjoy your learning process and pray about it.

 

[StephenH2]

Thank you everyone for the great responses! I’m too tired tonight to really think them through, but I will take another look tomorrow and keep praying about it. It’s going to take a lot of prayer to come to a full decision on where I want to go from here, even more than I’ve already done.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

As a cradle catholic, I have no experience and no worthwhile advice to offer on the family conflict issue, sorry!

But I did want to express joy for you discovering the Church! I dabbled at the edge of evangelical protestantism in college and was strongly attracted by the strong, concentrated fellowship present in those groups. If you are a newcomer to the catholic church, I want to warn you that a 2,000 year old church has had a long time to grow (as Jesus put it) ‘weeds among the wheat.’

Typical catholic parish life involves an awful lot of semi-comatose pew sitters that is pretty appalling if you are used to a small and fired up band of believers. But faith isn’t about feelings, it is about what is true and about what God wants for us and from us. Once you make the adjustment and realize that mass is about worshipping God more than fellowshipping with the community, it gets easier. Then you can get involved in the smaller groups that exist within the parish and find the more concentrated fellowship you are likely used to. It’s different than you are used to, but worth it to be receiving the body and blood of Christ!

Welcome!

My daughters husband just committed suicide(a Catholic) the Catholic priest that married them would not even return her calls(calls answered by a secretary) so that she could arrange a service. His family (Catholics) have hardly called her. His best friend (catholic studying for the priesthood) has not called to check on her. Meanwhile my church family (most who dont even know her) Have been delivering meals to her and our whole family. Prayer teams have went to the home of my brother(where the suicide happened) and to the home of my niece( where many of the family had gathered) This prayer team, didnt even know most of these people, they just went there and offered to pray with people, they brought the love of Christ. True religion is caring for widows and orphans. Sad what the Catholic church has become.

 

[PRmerger]

My daughters husband just committed suicide(a Catholic) the Catholic priest that married them would not even return her calls(calls answered by a secretary) so that she could arrange a service. His family (Catholics) have hardly called her. His best friend (catholic studying for the priesthood) has not called to check on her. Meanwhile my church family (most who dont even know her) Have been delivering meals to her and our whole family. Prayer teams have went to the home of my brother(where the suicide happened) and to the home of my niece( where many of the family had gathered) This prayer team, didnt even know most of these people, they just went there and offered to pray with people, they brought the love of Christ. True religion is caring for widows and orphans. Sad what the Catholic church has become.

'Tis sad indeed that the Catholics in your area did not step up to the plate and live out their faith, MRL.

However, one should not judge Catholicism based on how Catholics, who aren’t following the teachings, act. *Abusus non tollit usum. * (abuse does not take away use, i.e., is not an argument against proper use).

And if one were to judge religion based solely on their “fruit”, then one would have to conclude that Mormonism is true–for who can doubt that Mormons are nice, respectful, humble, have great families, take care of widows and orphans, feed the poor, shelter the homeless…etc etc etc