Thinking of converting to Catholicism and all that goes with it

  • Thread starter Thread starter Compeccator
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
C

Compeccator

Guest
Hi all, new member here. I have been contemplating converting to the Catholic Church for some time now and I am feeling the push to do so more now than ever before.

Having had a powerful reversion experience to the faith of my childhood(Episcopalian) around 2 years ago, I have grown very active and deeply involved with my home parish and my wife and children have grown in faith with me.

I am fairly certain I am being led in the direction of conversion to Catholicism for many reasons, but chief among them include theological differences, view of Tradition, the role of The Blessed Virgin and a general a greater sense of intellectual satisfaction from the Catholic faith.

I was brought to my current parish by my parents when I around 7 and now 20+ years later, even with my time spent away, there are a lot of relationships that I fear would be very damaged as a result of my conversion.

I am looking for some experiences of others who have had similar experiences and how they dealt with them.

Faithfully Yours a Compeccator.
 
Your experience is somewhat an echo of mine. I too had been brought up Episcopalian, left (as a young teen–not my choice) for the Assemblies of God, and then returned to the ECUSA in my 30’s. In my case I married there but moved to another town and another parish where I served as the RE director. I likewise realized that I was being called to the Catholic Church for many of the same reasons (my dh had been brought up Catholic but he didn’t try to “convert” me). I simply wrote a note to the pastor telling him of my choice to become Catholic. It was easier that way in my case, but you may want to talk to yours and just say that the Catholic Church where you believe you and your family need to be. If he’s a good man, which I’m sure he is, he’ll let you go with his blessing.

As to others, while we can say that it’s not really their concern, which is technically true, still for the sake of charity you may want to talk to those closest to you and just say that you hope they will be happy for your choice, that you love them and want to remain friends, and that this move will make you and your family happy, so you hope they will be happy for you as well. IOW, love and tact ought to be enough, but please don’t let any negative comments or feelings hold you back. They may not understand, but God does–he’s the one you ultimately need to please. 🙂 You have my prayers.
 
I think you owe it to yourself to explore the possibility of coming into full communion with The Church. As for intellectual stimulation or challenge - I am a Dominican. Trust me, you are going to get to put your brain on a 10 mile run once you really dive into the spirituality that is found in Truth!
 
@Della - Thanks for the quick reply and insight. I have heard and know of many former Anglicans that have converted. Your thoughts about pleasing God are similar to my own, specifically that I feel I will need to at least explore conversion with a serious mind and an open heart so that I may be obedient to God, as He is the one leading me in this direction I believe.

@LMK - To be honest, the main catalyst for my reversion was primarily Catholic writings, television and radio. It was the first time I realized that there was true substance behind theology and spirituality that was also intellectual. 🙂

Is there anything specific I should be looking for in a Catholic church, either pro’s or cons that anyone has experienced that I should be aware of, or that may be more conducive/receptive to a converting family?
 
Awesome! Welcome back to the family! 😃 :hug1::grouphug:
Perhaps you should read about the early Church Fathers if you’d like to delve deeper into the faith! :harp:
 
@Crisp - Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve read some works of St.Augustine of Hippo (Confessions, On Grace and Free Will) and Clement of Rome, just a bit of Ignatius. Augustine especially has been very influential in my conversion thoughts.

Any other writings of the Church Fathers that would be relevant to my experience would be greatly appreciated!
 
I’m a convert from the United Methodist Church, which as you may know is related to the Episcopalians.

My conversion was a teenaged one, so I don’t know how similar the story would be. My parents (well, my mother really; my father’s perspective on faith is rather vague and secular) and my childhood pastor were of the old-school Wesleyan theological tradition, which unfortunately is no longer really the guiding philosophy of the UMC as a whole. When our church got a new pastor he was of the much more “liberal” sort and it created a sort of shock. My sister and I both began to be influenced by evangelical and even fundamentalist Protestantism through high school peers, a direction in which my sister has continued to go, more or less. I, after a brief time as a stupid teenaged anti-Catholic, experienced a convergence of things that all led me to the Catholic Church.

It would take too long, and probably bore any reader, to go through it in detail, but just to list some of the chief things:

-Actually reading the Bible and discovering that it is more Catholic than I had thought it was.

-Reading The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien and having my imagination and interests revolutionized by it (and knowing Tolkien was Catholic)

-Discovering EWTN and through it the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (which for me was a sort of gateway prayer to the Rosary).

-Reading about Church history and Catholic saints, especially St. Francis of Assisi.

-Figuring out Catholic sexual morality basically on my own and then looking for a Church that was solid on the subject. Same with abortion and other pro-life issues.

-A Methodist confirmation class that left me yearning for dogmatic truth (I couldn’t care less what my peers’ personal opinions were, and was disappointed that the pastor did not consider his opinions any more authoritative; if he didn’t know the truth about Christianity I needed to find someone who did).

-Eventually, a longing for sacramental absolution and the Eucharist as offered by the Catholic Church.

I finally went through RCIA and was received into the Catholic Church my freshman year of college.
 
As a Jewish Convert, its never going to be easy, but personally the best way for me was to be kind and gentle about it, but firm, after all you have to answer to God for you and your children, when your friends and family see how happy and joyful you are they will know you have found a pearl of great price, which is the Catholic Church, when I suggest this book PLEASE don’t be offended, its just very good “Catholicism for Dummies” its gets down to the nitty gritty of beliefs. Also if you go onto EWTN website into the Catalogue section there is a load of books for you to look at, but there are a lot of great books of Jewish/Anglican/Baptist etc Converts on why they converted, and really great to read because you think oh that’s me in certain sentences.

You know you cannot live a lie, the Lord is calling you to be on the Damascus Road, the Catholic Church is 2000 years old, apart from the intellect and all the vast amount of writings of the Church Fathers, you have the Saints, the Catechism(what the Church teaches) its just so vast, as you will see if you look at all the books on the different aspects of the Church from EWTN.

Catholicism is Christianity at its fullest expression.
Catholicism is pre denomination. We are the originals.

God Bless as you start your Journey, and I will pray that your family wont give you to much grief.
You have your wife to convince, maybe leave a book around for her to read Saying “Why the Catholic Church is right” something like that.
 
Compeccator said:
@Della - Thanks for the quick reply and insight. I have heard and know of many former Anglicans that have converted. Your thoughts about pleasing God are similar to my own, specifically that I feel I will need to at least explore conversion with a serious mind and an open heart so that I may be obedient to God, as He is the one leading me in this direction I believe.

@LMK - To be honest, the main catalyst for my reversion was primarily Catholic writings, television and radio. It was the first time I realized that there was true substance behind theology and spirituality that was also intellectual. 🙂

Is there anything specific I should be looking for in a Catholic church, either pro’s or cons that anyone has experienced that I should be aware of, or that may be more conducive/receptive to a converting family?
Click to expand...
I’m a “cradle Catholic” so what I have to say might not be of any use.

Your last paragraph is intriguing because I sometimes think of converts as 'children in the faith", at least for awhile. There seems for some a “surprise around every corner”, just as is the case for children.

I have purposely taken my children to various Masses; Hispanic, Vietnamese, French, “hill country” plain where the music is by dulcimer, magnificent ornate Cathedral Masses, Indult Latin Masses.

Why? Because I think it matters to see how universal the Church really is. There’s plenty of time to settle on a parish. Let me say, though, that some parishes (like mine) have lots of converts. Some not so many. Most of our converts here (Bible Belt) are from Fundamentalist or Evangelical churches. But still, I think maybe a parish that’s used to converts might be a good choice for a converting family. More to share in the experiences.
 
Hi Compeccator,
Welcome to CAF and hopefully to the Catholic Church 🙂

I would say that wrt personal relationships, changing churches is like changing jobs. People often have a lot of “friends” at their workplace, bit after they leave, poof! the friendship is no more. But sometimes we form real friendships with people at work, and those friendships weather the change.

So I would say that chances are food that some of your relationships won’t survive because they were just church friendships, but other, deeper ones will. Unfofrtunately there may be some which in which the others cannot accept your decision, and that can be tough, but… we must put God above all else.

How does your wife feel about all this?
 
Thanks all for the genuine and diverse responses and suggestions, this is much more informative than I had anticipated!

@Aelred - Wow, you really hit the nail on the head with some of that stuff! Especially:
Aelred_Minor said:
-Actually reading the Bible and discovering that it is more Catholic than I had thought it was.

My reading of scripture and learning how the New Testament came to be has led me in this direction.

-Discovering EWTN and through it the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (which for me was a sort of gateway prayer to the Rosary).

EWTN and Catholic radio have been extremely influential.

-Reading about Church history and Catholic saints, especially St. Francis of Assisi.

**It was while I was reading a book on St. Francis(from a purely secular motivation) that I had a profound moment that led directly to my renewed faith. I thank God for His Servant Francis. **

-Figuring out Catholic sexual morality basically on my own and then looking for a Church that was solid on the subject. Same with abortion and other pro-life issues.

-Eventually, a longing for sacramental absolution and the Eucharist as offered by the Catholic Church.

Both of the above kind of meld together for me. I had participated in the Anglican reconciliation, but to be honest it was less than satisfying and there were some grievous sins that I felt were not addressed.
Click to expand...
@St. Francis - Thanks for the very helpful comments regarding friendships, I had honestly not thought about it from that perspective. In regards to
St_Francis said:
How does your wife feel about all this?
Click to expand...
This has been the biggest issue with my lack of follow through up until now. When I originally had the above mentioned reversion experience, I had mentioned to my wife that I was considering going to a Catholic church. She is a fallen away Catholic since her confirmation when she was a teenager, and to be honest does not have a very strong grasp on the true teachings of the church. I get the impression from her that there was very little catechesis presented during her prep for confirmation. We decided to go to the Episcopal Church I was raised in and my parents still attend.

A few months back we had a conversation about how neither of us was really sure that the church we are in is right for us or our family, that something just felt off in some way. It is hardly the fault of the parishioners, they are for the most part very friendly and we are now both very involved in several ministries through the parish and the local Diocese.

We have since had several such discussions that have fueled my desire for a conversion to the Catholic Church. I have prayed rather hard for her heart to be softened on her attitude towards Catholicism. About a week ago we had another of those conversations, but this time she mentioned that we could maybe try looking into a Catholic Church, just not the parish she grew up in. She asked me to begin looking into other parishes within the area.

That’s where I’m at now…
 
I am a cradle Catholic, however, I am also a convert, and I will explain if that is confusing heh. First, I want to congratulate you on your efforts and wish you all the best in all of your future trials and tribulations because there will be many but I say this joyously haha.

Both of my parents come from Catholic families and technically all of my family, both on my father’s side (italian) and my mother’s side (spanish) are Catholic. However, pretty much none of them are faithful Catholics, actually I think myself, one uncle and my father’s parents (my grandparents) are the only faithful Catholics and we have a pretty big family.

So, I fell away from the Church after High school although even before that I don’t know how “faithful” I really was. Even though I always went to church on Sundays and my mother always brought me there, my mother knew very little about the faith and I learned very little in Sunday classes when I was young. I did attend a very ultra Catholic High school but it never really penetrated deep enough for me.

I had a conversion, brought by God, when I was in my late 20’s and actually living in another country (I found that the US was very difficult for me to actually be Catholic in, sadly). I am back in the US now but it was a very good thing I left for a few years. So, it was sort of like the same thing except now all the non religious (read pagans/atheists/agnostics) in my family and my friends weren’t exactly warm about it. I think that no matter what, being a Catholic is going to be hard. Becoming and being Catholic is the most difficult thing in the world in my opinion and that is because it is living the truth. We are constantly under attack, constantly struggling, constantly carrying our crosses and that is because we must strive to be like God, not like everybody else. There are always going to be people around you who don’t understand and who are going to resist because you will represent the truth which they are afraid to face. Not only that, but the fallen angels will stop at nothing to destroy you in anyway possible and will use those around you to that end.

Sorry if I sound negative, that isn’t my intent because being Catholic is the greatest thing there is because we have a real and true relationship with our Creator, God.
 
Compeccator said:
Hi all, new member here. I have been contemplating converting to the Catholic Church for some time now and I am feeling the push to do so more now than ever before.

Having had a powerful reversion experience to the faith of my childhood(Episcopalian) around 2 years ago, I have grown very active and deeply involved with my home parish and my wife and children have grown in faith with me.

I am fairly certain I am being led in the direction of conversion to Catholicism for many reasons, but chief among them include theological differences, view of Tradition, the role of The Blessed Virgin and a general a greater sense of intellectual satisfaction from the Catholic faith.

I was brought to my current parish by my parents when I around 7 and now 20+ years later, even with my time spent away, there are a lot of relationships that I fear would be very damaged as a result of my conversion.

I am looking for some experiences of others who have had similar experiences and how they dealt with them.

Faithfully Yours a Compeccator.
Click to expand...
You have heard the stories of our brethen. I warmly welcome you to the Catholic Church with the same love of Jesus Christ has for everyone who joins him in revealing the love of his Father.
Keep praying to Jesus Christ to help you with His Holy Spirit to guide you in revealing the full truth of his love and grace.
 
We converted from ECUSA also. There is a profound difference although the liturgy is similar. Going through RCIA was great - it answered my husband’s questions (my mind was already made up). We both devoured Scott Hahn books as well as anything Catholic we could get hold of. Our library is full!
I also bought the St. Jerome Bible commentary, which I love and consult often. Raymond Brown bis amazing. “The Imitation of Christ” is wonderful. I have read and continue to study St. Francis de Sales’ “An Introduction to the Devout Life”. It is very helpful.
One thing to remember is that the Catholic Church has been here for over 2000 years and look at all the Protestant sects…drifting about, splitting and resplitting countless times. Yet the Didache was quite specific about church worship and of course so is the NT.
I recently left an organist job at an Episcopal church. The folks were very nice but it just isn’t the same. I will only play for a Catholic church now…that’s how far I have come.
I have been blessed to find my home in Catholicism. I will never go back!
 
Others have answered your faith questions well, so I thought I’d address your worries about your family, that is, your parents and siblings. (Since my husband reverted at the same time I converted, there was no problem there; and we don’t have children.:()

I worried most about my sister, who is a faithful and active Jehovah’s Witness, and has been for 43 years. We love each other very much, and so quickly came to an agreement that neither of us would try to proselytize the other. We do talk about our faith, and answer each others questions. I hope I can attract her into the Church - and I’m sure she hopes she can do the same! 😃

Come to think about it, she was the only one I worried about. My parents were dead by then, and no other relative is in a close enough position to be worried about it.
 
Compeccator I am also a convert, but in my case from no faith background. I was baptized and received the sacraments of initiation at 19 and am still fighting the good fight at 44. One thing I would suggest is for you and your wife to pray together every day, if even for 5 minutes. You can look up “daily mass readings” on Google and read what the whole church is reflecting on that day (if possible do this in the morning or read the readings for the next day the night before). Invite the Holy Spirit into your lives and to make his will and desire known to you. God will lead you and continue to give you impulses which you should follow. I would suggest contacting a local parish priest and taking some time to talk with him about your current journey. Come back to us frequently for (name removed by moderator)ut and feedback.

Be very aware that there is a good chance you will find yourself a focus of spiritual attack or suddenly combating sins and weaknesses. Don’t worry or focus on this as it is to be expected and normal and as St. Francis de Sales says it is a form of pride to think you are oh so uniquely sinful. Nope, we all struggle and fall but that’s OK because that’s why Jesus came. Just keep your eyes fixed on God. Pray that God sends you holy and solid Catholic friends who can support you in your journey.

Have you attended mass yet? That is what I would suggest, also if you don’t feel welcome in a parish try another, we can’t “shop” for our church but I think it’s fine to pray and discern which local parish feels like a home parish for you and your family. I would also suggest you and your wife do RCIA together as it sounds like she is still in need of greater understanding and teaching. But most important is your relationship with Jesus, you are entering into a deeper more profound relationship with him so you both need to PRAY. Prayer is the most essential element. You can’t always know where he is leading if you are not taking time out to truly listen.

God bless you on this exciting and wonderful journey to the heart of the church and the Christian life!
 
Thanks for your suggestions and thoughtful words Kindness! Especially the following:
Kindness said:
Be very aware that there is a good chance you will find yourself a focus of spiritual attack or suddenly combating sins and weaknesses. Don’t worry or focus on this as it is to be expected and normal and as St. Francis de Sales says it is a form of pride to think you are oh so uniquely sinful. Nope, we all struggle and fall but that’s OK because that’s why Jesus came. Just keep your eyes fixed on God. Pray that God sends you holy and solid Catholic friends who can support you in your journey.
Click to expand...
I have experienced this every time I come closer to making decisions on moving toward the Catholic Church. Just what I needed to here right now, thank you again!
 
Matthew 10:16
Look I am sending you out as sheep amongst wolves, so be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.

You can use Sacramentals - material objects blessed by the church as protection against evil.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top