Telling your loved ones and friends you're converting to Catholicism

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AlexisTherese

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I have been researching Catholicism for the past two years and I most definitely do not see myself changing my mind. Any tips on bringing this up to loved ones, I want to share my faith but I hide it.

I have people in my life who are also very avid atheists and I fear being mocked or shunned. I consider myself liberal-leaning but I also know due to certain beliefs people may see me negatively. I love my family, I hope they will someday understand.

Do you have any advice or stories? How do you handle negativity or even people being offended by your faith? Also, out of curiosity - why are you Catholic?

Thank you for any advice. 🌟
 
Having people offended or seeing us negatively due to our faith is par for the course for sincere Catholics. Catholicism is counter-cultural in many ways and people don’t like that. So, for starters, it is good to get used to the idea that it will happen. Jesus tells us clearly that we will be blessed when persecuted for His sake.
Second, focus on the direction God is leading you, and commit yourself to follow His call over and above anything else. His call (as He also told us) can sometimes mean leaving others behind.
Third, be kind and gentle, but also firm. Assure anyone who asks that just as they are bound to follow what they believe is right, so are you. People may express dismay and scorn, but they will be impressed with a confident and firm reply. They have NO control over you.
 
I’m Catholic because I was born into it and trying to be anything else would simply be not who I am. It would be like a denial of my heritage. I also was blessed with a strong gift of faith so I have very little trouble with unbelief.
 
Maybe the Lord spared me certain challenges because He knew I wasn’t tough enough to handle them.

You have a wonderful opportunity to give witness to God by living your life in a good Catholic way in front of those atheists.
 
anon90438963 said:
o, for starters, it is good to get used to the idea that it will happen. Jesus tells us clearly that we will be blessed when persecuted for His sake.
Second, focus on the direction God is leading you, and commit yourself to follow His call over and above anything else. His call (as He also told us) can sometimes mean leaving others behind.
Third, be kind and gentle, but also firm. Assure anyone who asks that just as they are bound to follow what they believe is right, so are you. People may express dismay and scorn, but they will be impressed with a confident and firm reply. Th
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Wonderful advice, I am quite a shy soft person so I guess I will have to find some confidence. I think people just aren’t aware of what being Catholic means and before I can even begin they have made their assumptions.
 
I’d suggest you not try to argue with them at all at this point. Don’t make the mistake (as many beginners do in their enthusiasm) of appearing “holier-than-thou” and trying to convert them. That’s a sure turn-off! Just keep to your own quiet way, but have confidence that you have the absolute right to follow God’s will, no matter what they say or the obstacles they attempt to throw at you. I don’t know how old you are, but it does get a lot easier with age and maturity.
 
anon90438963 said:
ust keep to your own quiet way, but have confidence that you have the ab
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I avoid talking about it in a personal way, and never go too deep as I know people may see me as having that kind of attitude. I am 20, and no one but my partner (due to him also becoming Catholic, he thankfully understands) knows. As I study art, I often speak about religious art, connations to it and the Saints as a reference, these are the only times where I am asked if I am Catholic - which I then can’t find the courage to say I am. Art is what actually brought me to Catholicism and the rest just fell into place. I absolutely have fallen in love with everything about the Church and of course I am excited but as said I am shy about it.
 
I told the people I felt needed to know. They all took it well. They were happy I was happy. I have not had any negative reactions yet. I also don’t plan on outing myself to all and sundry. I just don’t think it is necessary.

How did I tell them? Honestly, I just told them I was becoming Catholic and then let them ask questions.

Welcome home! 🎉🎉🎉
 
I’m Catholic because the Holy Spirit led me to the Church from Baptist. This was 2-3 years ago. My elderly parents and sisters are quite upset and not supportive. I would have reacted the same 20 years ago, so I don’t blame them. It is disappointing that they don’t support me, but I know I did what was right. I felt quite disappointed that they did not come to my Easter Vigil, but my daughter, friends, and RCIA support group was there. My Bible Study ladies even got me a First Holy Communion Cake! That made me cry. People I worked with knew before I told my parents. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Blessings and prayers!
 
Welcome home! I am a cradle Catholic, but the last practicing one in my family. My maternal grandparents were faithful Catholics who raised 10 children in the church, but not one of them practice the faith today. Even my mom left the church after a dispute with a priest about pew bows at my sister’s wedding. I am Catholic today because, like you, I learned about the faith. I asked questions, found answers, and believe that the church contains the fullness of truth.

I’ve thought a lot about why my relations have fallen away, even though they revere their parents. I think they learned all the rules and traditions without comprehending why we do them. I asked my mom and aunts if they learned why Catholics do certain things, and none of them could tell me. They were all raised with the Baltimore Catechism and could recite by rote, many answers, but they lack deeper understanding. At this point, they’ve all pretty much decided that they are in charge of their lives and they don’t need God or religion. I pray for them. I try to model a faith filled life. I invite them to Mass. I try to do the right thing. In my case, my family thinks they already know everything, but they don’t. I think the best thing you can do is pray for them and model a good and holy life. God bless!
 
I am also an artist and student of art. I totally understand where you are coming from. As an artist, I’ve felt that God was using me to create something purposeful to His plan. He used the great artists in this way too.
 
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together - with unbelievers:
for what fellowship hath righteousness - with unrighteousness?
and what communion hath light - with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ - with the devil?
or what part hath he that believeth - with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God - with idols?
for ye are = the temple = of the living God;
as God hath said, I will dwell in them,
and walk in them;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them,
and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing;
and I will receive you.

18 And will be a Father unto you,
and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

( Paul to the Corinthians )
 
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The Conversion of Saul - to Saint Paul 😇
 
Wait until you’ve converted to tell them. Then they can’t try to talk you out of it.

And when you do finally tell them, say it with love.
 
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