Thinking of returning

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TallyGirl

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I left the Church 7 years ago and took 3 of my 5 children with me. We all converted to Judaism. Now my children are 21, 18, 15, 12, plus our new baby, 1. With the birth of our son I have been wanting to return to the Church. But I feel as though I led my children out of it, is it right to return without them? Our 21 year old and our 18 year old are exploring religion, our 15 year old is an Atheist and my 12 is Jewish but open to exploring Catholicism. Our baby son was baptized. I don’t know what to do as I feel I have created a very serious division in my family…My husband who hasn’t been to mass in years wants to go back to Church.
 
Why would you need to return without them? Finding the truth is a journey for many. You should invite your children to attend Mass with you, and have conversations about why you want to return to practicing Catholicism.
 
I’m concerned that I would expose them to Catholicism and mass attendance and they may not want to join the Church. At that point there would just be further division in the family…
 
Who among you all are baptized Catholics? Was your son baptized in the Catholic Church?
If you don’t return to the Church, would you attend some other Protestant or Orthodox Church? Seems better to return to Catholicism.
Why did you leave the Church 7 years ago?
 
Everyone in my family has been baptized Catholic. If I didn’t return to the church I would remain nominally Jewish. Myself and 3 of my children underwent a conversion to Judaism based on my loss of faith in Jesus and my desire for my children to grow up learning about God alone.
 
Seeking and coming to know God is a personal endeavor first of all. After we’ve found that treasure we can then be effective-and confident- in sharing it with others. And we can’t let “politics” upset the cart. Do what is right for you in your relationship with God first, and the rest will fall into place.
 
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Okay, your baby is baptized Catholic? Didn’t you need to affirm that he would be raised as a practicing Catholic?
Shouldn’t you do that then?
Would it help to speak to the priest who recently baptized your baby?
 
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Even if they don’t want to right away, they may want to later, just as you feel you want to now. I wouldn’t worry about all practicing the same faith at the same time. Would you consider leaving Judaism to be atheist because one of your children is? If you feel Catholicism is true, you should not let anything keep you from it, and pray for your children.
 
TallyGirl said:
At that point there would just be further division in the family…
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Luke 12:51-53 is good for this, Jesus tells us that division may arise with our loved ones when we choose the truth, even among families.
 
Whatever you decide, God still loves you. He know you have good intentions. It is not your fault if your kids decide to go to different faiths. Allow them to explore, God loves you and your children regardless of which faith you choose. By the way, God doesn’t see divisions here, He sees/reads your heart which is in tact and in one piece. Peace and Love to you. God Bless.
 
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Sweet Friend, do not worry. You have not caused division, and do not need to accuse yourself of such. You did what I am sure you thought was best for your family! Do not hesitate to come back! If you wish to bring your children, do so. But, if you choose not to, let the joy and peace you feel after having returned be a witness to them. They will notice the change in you 💕
 
The faith has to be caught. It sounds like you are being called back by the Holy Spirit. Run back don’t walk. Then show everyone by your actions how happy you are. They are adults they have to decide for themselves. You need to respect their decisions and if they don’t return, pray for them!
 
If you are feeling the pull to come back to the Catholic church… there’s probably a reason for it. 🙂 Your kids are young adults - and your husband wants to go back to church so really, not much a division. You and your husband seem to be wanting to return to Mass. You say the 12 year old is open to going to the Catholic church. Not sure where the division is. I think you know what your heart is telling you to do. Welcome home.
 
Definitely come back to Holy Mother Church, she has the gift of faith that nothing in the world can offer.
 
TallyGirl said:
I left the Church 7 years ago and took 3 of my 5 children with me. We all converted to Judaism. Now my children are 21, 18, 15, 12, plus our new baby, 1. With the birth of our son I have been wanting to return to the Church. But I feel as though I led my children out of it, is it right to return without them? Our 21 year old and our 18 year old are exploring religion, our 15 year old is an Atheist and my 12 is Jewish but open to exploring Catholicism. Our baby son was baptized. I don’t know what to do as I feel I have created a very serious division in my family…My husband who hasn’t been to mass in years wants to go back to Church.
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Looks like God is working in your family 😎

As a suggestion

start Learning now, what you didn’t learn before,… You and your husband,. Then Live the Gospel and when necessary use words (paraphrasing St Francis) 😎

Since

Actions speak louder than words.
 
It’s a perfect time to come home. Maybe you cannot lead themback, to the church alone but you can certainly invite, and encourage, seek a priest who would allow them to ask any questions too… both you and your husband want to come back, that is where the unity is. God bless you.
 
Time for a family meeting, including the two adults during which you let everyone know what you are planning to do, invite the adults and let the younger kids know what you will be doing. You can’t force the adults to go back to the catholic church, nor should you try, but you can require the 15 and 12 years old to attend while living under your roof. However, I believe you need to be prepared for some resistence, so make sure you have your reasons ready to defend. Maybethe adults will decide to “explore catholicism” and will attend and maybe they won’t. Your 12 and 15 year old need to be given the option of confirmation in the catholic church, but you can’t require it. You can require their attendance though which will expose them to the faith and perhaps awaken a thirst for Christ. The one-year old is a different story, you can baptize, and then follow through as if a “cradle catholic” which reception of the sacraments as age appropriate.

Might I also suggest that you contact the parish priest and get his advice on the matter as well?

All just my opinion.
 
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