To convert, or to not convert?

[chero23]

To pluviophile,

People will always question your decisions about, whether is it the time to get a new car, whether now is the time to go on vacation, to why you spoke to x person the way you did. People will question you and judge. Having said that, your considering converting and people in your church will want to make you feel guilty, making you doubt your decision. But I feel that your getting called by the Holy Spirit, don’t be afraid, don’t let the whispers of the people intimidate you. You do however have to be educated when it comes to Catholicism. Read books, look at catholic apologetic websites, read some stuff about the early church fathers. Because you know it they will come after you, well Jesus said call no man father, you can say but on verse so and so, plus here here and here we see how Jesus and the apostles called religious leaders fathers.

Above all pray, do not be afraid to call on our mother for help, remember she always says, am I not your mother

 

[Pluviophile]

You’re very welcome!

Yes, people are always going to have something to be unhappy about. And you are absolutely correct that your faith is between you and God. When people give you grief and you find that even some catholics are difficult to deal with, just remember that!

I haven’t tried praying the rosary. I am very interested, though. I have a terrible memory and I know it will be a challenge for me to learn. I’m still working on memorizing the Apostles Creed and I’ve been at Mass every week since Pentecost! I’ve also had some struggle with some teachings and ideas I was never exposed to before. I think that’s normal for converts.

I really cannot find the words to aptly describe how grateful I am for your counsel; it has encouraged me greatly, and I find myself reflecting on it throughout the day. I have to constantly remind myself that everyone is always going to find something wrong with what I’m doing, but it’s God’s opinion that matters. So if I feel like He’s leading me to Him through the Catholic Church, I must obey that calling.

Catholicism has so many different layers and traditions and doctrines! Converting, it seems, is a bit overwhelming. I’ve been able to memorize the prayers (mostly) for the rosary just by saying it a few times (it’s very repetitive), but I still forget the order sometimes. I wouldn’t worry about not being able to memorize things, though. It will probably become second nature soon enough!

 

[MJJean]

I really cannot find the words to aptly describe how grateful I am for your counsel; it has encouraged me greatly, and I find myself reflecting on it throughout the day. I have to constantly remind myself that everyone is always going to find something wrong with what I’m doing, but it’s God’s opinion that matters. So if I feel like He’s leading me to Him through the Catholic Church, I must obey that calling.

Catholicism has so many different layers and traditions and doctrines! Converting, it seems, is a bit overwhelming. I’ve been able to memorize the prayers (mostly) for the rosary just by saying it a few times (it’s very repetitive), but I still forget the order sometimes. I wouldn’t worry about not being able to memorize things, though. It will probably become second nature soon enough!

I’m happy to be of any help I can. Feel free to send a private message or keep going in this thread.

Last week during RCIA we were discussing Resurrection. Somehow, we got to talking about free will. Someone said that God more or less signed an “omnipotence waiver” when He gave us free will. He can call us and ask something of us, He can even lead us in a certain direction, but He cannot make us accept that call or walk in that direction. You’ve heard the call and you’ve answered. That is a beautiful thing! Not always easy, but right.

I haven’t had anyone reject me after I “came out” as converting, but I have had a few people fear I will reject them and a few act differently around me because they know I am becoming Catholic. There have been a lot of personal changes, a lot of changes within my family, and a lot of changes in routine because of the decision to convert. I just have faith that this is part of God’s plan for me because I heard and answered the call and that things will work out the way they are supposed to work out.

Our parish strongly encourages Inquirers, Catechumens, and Candidates to volunteer and I can see why! I am in RCIA and go to Mass, but I have also learned a lot through chit chat while volunteering. I don’t know where you live, but my parish is an inner-city parish. There’s always something going on and they always need help. Smaller or suburban parishes may have less opportunity, but if you let those in charge know you’re willing I’m sure they’ll find something for you to do.

So far, I have driven the Confirmation prep kids to retreats and other activities because a lot of parents had something else going on and couldn’t chauffeur, done dishes and clean up after lunches and meetings for the Confirmation program, brought food to the parish picnic and stayed to clean up afterwards, signed up to donate blood, and I’m in the process of helping make a catalog and sign out cards for the parish lending library. My daughter and I are also going to be helping distribute food baskets to those less fortunate for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve gotten to know some of my fellow parishioners, learned about the parish offices and how everything works, and learned about the faith, too.

I love the different layers, traditions, doctrines and rich history of the Church. I can spend the rest of my life learning and exploring. I’ll never be bored and my religion will never be ho-hum and routine to me. There’s always something more to discover.

I am a creature of routine, probably because of my terrible memory. If I don’t follow the routine I’ll forget something. The rosary being repetitive is good! I looked at a few rosaries online and didn’t find any I liked. I also checked out a website with instructions on how to make a rosary and am seriously considering buying the beads and making my own. Once I get decent at it maybe I could make a few extra and leave them at the church for anyone who wants one. Could be a nice gift idea, too, since Christmas is coming up.

My step-fathers family is a bunch of lapsed Catholics. All raised and educated in the faith. I can’t recall any of them going to Mass in my lifetime. Maybe I should make everyone a rosary as a hint

 

[Pablopedro]

I really cannot find the words to aptly describe how grateful I am for your counsel; it has encouraged me greatly, and I find myself reflecting on it throughout the day. I have to constantly remind myself that everyone is always going to find something wrong with what I’m doing, but it’s God’s opinion that matters. So if I feel like He’s leading me to Him through the Catholic Church, I must obey that calling.

Catholicism has so many different layers and traditions and doctrines! Converting, it seems, is a bit overwhelming. I’ve been able to memorize the prayers (mostly) for the rosary just by saying it a few times (it’s very repetitive), but I still forget the order sometimes. I wouldn’t worry about not being able to memorize things, though. It will probably become second nature soon enough!

I’m fairly certain you are the most articulate and polite 17-year-old I have ever heard of. Kudos! And welcome home to the Church!

 

[Chiefsinner]

Catholicism has so many different layers and traditions and doctrines! Converting, it seems, is a bit overwhelming. I’ve been able to memorize the prayers (mostly) for the rosary just by saying it a few times (it’s very repetitive), but I still forget the order sometimes. I wouldn’t worry about not being able to memorize things, though. It will probably become second nature soon enough!

There is a lot to read I highly recommend the catechism of the catholic church it covers everything links are below - its got tons of links covering everything you need.

catholicdoors.com/catechis/

Other books you could use - How to Explain and Defend The Catholic Faith
by Sebastian R. Fama ( shorter version covers the details on things people usually ask)

sourceoflightmonastery.tripod.com/webonmediacontents/1104232.pdf

This is best site for the rosary with passages ( if you feel its repetitive) With each prayer you can make an offering lets say each bead you could dedicate prayers for different needs

theholyrosary.org/sorrowfulmysteries

1 Thanksgiving for all the blessings
2 Conversions of all sinners
3 For fruits of the spirit
4 Increase our faith
5 Perseverance
6 To overcome anger
7 To keep thoughts pure
8 Humility
9 Love
10 souls in purgatory

etc

it isn’t a definitive list but you could use it for different intentions. If you feel the prayer is repetitive.

 

[Pluviophile]

To pluviophile,

People will always question your decisions about, whether is it the time to get a new car, whether now is the time to go on vacation, to why you spoke to x person the way you did. People will question you and judge. Having said that, your considering converting and people in your church will want to make you feel guilty, making you doubt your decision. But I feel that your getting called by the Holy Spirit, don’t be afraid, don’t let the whispers of the people intimidate you. You do however have to be educated when it comes to Catholicism. Read books, look at catholic apologetic websites, read some stuff about the early church fathers. Because you know it they will come after you, well Jesus said call no man father, you can say but on verse so and so, plus here here and here we see how Jesus and the apostles called religious leaders fathers.

Above all pray, do not be afraid to call on our mother for help, remember she always says, am I not your mother

Thank you so much! You are, of course, right; it is especially important for me to have a good foundation in my understanding of Catholic doctrine so that I can support my beliefs.
I know that, for many Protestants especially, it comes down to scriptural interpretations. And I’m afraid of being looked down upon merely because my views align with the Church’s understanding of the scripture.

Thank you for the advice–it strikes me as very wise, and I really do have every intention of acting in correspondence with it.

I’m fairly certain you are the most articulate and polite 17-year-old I have ever heard of. Kudos! And welcome home to the Church!

Thank you so much! I am so grateful for the kind community that has welcomed me to the Church. It has made the transition much less stressful!

There is a lot to read I highly recommend the catechism of the catholic church it covers everything links are below - its got tons of links covering everything you need.

catholicdoors.com/catechis/

Other books you could use - How to Explain and Defend The Catholic Faith
by Sebastian R. Fama ( shorter version covers the details on things people usually ask)

sourceoflightmonastery.tripod.com/webonmediacontents/1104232.pdf

This is best site for the rosary with passages ( if you feel its repetitive) With each prayer you can make an offering lets say each bead you could dedicate prayers for different needs

theholyrosary.org/sorrowfulmysteries

1 Thanksgiving for all the blessings
2 Conversions of all sinners
3 For fruits of the spirit
4 Increase our faith
5 Perseverance
6 To overcome anger
7 To keep thoughts pure
8 Humility
9 Love
10 souls in purgatory

etc

it isn’t a definitive list but you could use it for different intentions. If you feel the prayer is repetitive.

Thank you! I’ve started to read the Catechism, and I find it quite essential in guiding my research and understanding of the Catholic Church. I really do love it, honestly. Thank you also for recommending that book–it sounds like something I need to check out sometime! And thank you also for the advice about the rosary. I love it!

 

[St_Francis]

In addition to CA’s pamphlets, I just found this source of information. Some have been turned into MP3s; these are computer-voiced. Don’t worry about the number (753!): some are on the same topics and there is a wide variety!

As to feeling strange when praying the Rosary: every time we try to set up a new habit, it feels strange. And when the habit goes against what is socially seen as normal, the effect is multiplied! I thought I would never be able to pray the Rosary without a book; when I had no book, I would mix up or leave out mysteries and mangle the Credo… but now, years later, I can say almost all of it in Latin And I have the English down Not to worry! God understands the learning process: He created it for us!

Welcome to CAF and welcome to learning about the Catholic Faith!

 

[Pluviophile]

I’m happy to be of any help I can. Feel free to send a private message or keep going in this thread.

Last week during RCIA we were discussing Resurrection. Somehow, we got to talking about free will. Someone said that God more or less signed an “omnipotence waiver” when He gave us free will. He can call us and ask something of us, He can even lead us in a certain direction, but He cannot make us accept that call or walk in that direction. You’ve heard the call and you’ve answered. That is a beautiful thing! Not always easy, but right.

I haven’t had anyone reject me after I “came out” as converting, but I have had a few people fear I will reject them and a few act differently around me because they know I am becoming Catholic. There have been a lot of personal changes, a lot of changes within my family, and a lot of changes in routine because of the decision to convert. I just have faith that this is part of God’s plan for me because I heard and answered the call and that things will work out the way they are supposed to work out.

Our parish strongly encourages Inquirers, Catechumens, and Candidates to volunteer and I can see why! I am in RCIA and go to Mass, but I have also learned a lot through chit chat while volunteering. I don’t know where you live, but my parish is an inner-city parish. There’s always something going on and they always need help. Smaller or suburban parishes may have less opportunity, but if you let those in charge know you’re willing I’m sure they’ll find something for you to do.

So far, I have driven the Confirmation prep kids to retreats and other activities because a lot of parents had something else going on and couldn’t chauffeur, done dishes and clean up after lunches and meetings for the Confirmation program, brought food to the parish picnic and stayed to clean up afterwards, signed up to donate blood, and I’m in the process of helping make a catalog and sign out cards for the parish lending library. My daughter and I are also going to be helping distribute food baskets to those less fortunate for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve gotten to know some of my fellow parishioners, learned about the parish offices and how everything works, and learned about the faith, too.

I love the different layers, traditions, doctrines and rich history of the Church. I can spend the rest of my life learning and exploring. I’ll never be bored and my religion will never be ho-hum and routine to me. There’s always something more to discover.

I am a creature of routine, probably because of my terrible memory. If I don’t follow the routine I’ll forget something. The rosary being repetitive is good! I looked at a few rosaries online and didn’t find any I liked. I also checked out a website with instructions on how to make a rosary and am seriously considering buying the beads and making my own. Once I get decent at it maybe I could make a few extra and leave them at the church for anyone who wants one. Could be a nice gift idea, too, since Christmas is coming up.

My step-fathers family is a bunch of lapsed Catholics. All raised and educated in the faith. I can’t recall any of them going to Mass in my lifetime. Maybe I should make everyone a rosary as a hint

I can imagine that people would have a difficult time knowing what to expect of you in light of your conversion, but hopefully they will realize that you have only done your best to follow God in a loving manner. I do admit that I greatly fear my family and friends’ response to becoming a Catholic. I’ve been having nightmares about it regularly. And while praying the rosary brings me great peace, I cannot help but feel slightly alarmed–like I’m doing something forbidden or even bad. I know this goes back to my Protestant roots. As you mentioned, I cannot help but consider how much converting would effect every aspect of my life. But ultimately, I view those changes with a joyous heart. I know that adhering to Catholic doctrines and traditions would bring me closer to Jesus Christ, and that is such a beautiful thought!

I love the idea of volunteering more! I think that is excellent advice. Unfortunately at this time I am reliant on my friends and parents for transportation, so until I’m able to drive it will be difficult for me to involved at our local parish.

I think its the wealth of doctrine, tradition, and history of the Church that inspires me to draw closer to it. I am in love with the idea of dedicating the rest of my life to learning about these different aspects of Catholicism and letting them inspire my decisions and beliefs.

Homemade rosaries are beautiful! Maybe you should make them for family members as a gift–you never know what it’ll inspire!

 

[Pluviophile]

In addition to CA’s pamphlets, I just found this source of information. Some have been turned into MP3s; these are computer-voiced. Don’t worry about the number (753!): some are on the same topics and there is a wide variety!

As to feeling strange when praying the Rosary: every time we try to set up a new habit, it feels strange. And when the habit goes against what is socially seen as normal, the effect is multiplied! I thought I would never be able to pray the Rosary without a book; when I had no book, I would mix up or leave out mysteries and mangle the Credo… but now, years later, I can say almost all of it in Latin And I have the English down Not to worry! God understands the learning process: He created it for us!

Welcome to CAF and welcome to learning about the Catholic Faith!

Thank you for providing that link! I’ve already started looking through the information and find it extremely helpful! I am much obliged! And I think you are right about praying the Rosary. New habits are difficult to initiate, so it logically follows that the Rosary would seem foreign and confusing at first. I am glad you posted that; having the assurance that God understands the learning process has already brought me peace when praying. Also, I hope to follow in your steps and learn how to pray it in Latin one of these days… Latin is so beautiful.

 

[MJJean]

I can imagine that people would have a difficult time knowing what to expect of you in light of your conversion, but hopefully they will realize that you have only done your best to follow God in a loving manner. I do admit that I greatly fear my family and friends’ response to becoming a Catholic. I’ve been having nightmares about it regularly. And while praying the rosary brings me great peace, I cannot help but feel slightly alarmed–like I’m doing something forbidden or even bad. I know this goes back to my Protestant roots. As you mentioned, I cannot help but consider how much converting would effect every aspect of my life. But ultimately, I view those changes with a joyous heart. I know that adhering to Catholic doctrines and traditions would bring me closer to Jesus Christ, and that is such a beautiful thought!

I love the idea of volunteering more! I think that is excellent advice. Unfortunately at this time I am reliant on my friends and parents for transportation, so until I’m able to drive it will be difficult for me to involved at our local parish.

I think its the wealth of doctrine, tradition, and history of the Church that inspires me to draw closer to it. I am in love with the idea of dedicating the rest of my life to learning about these different aspects of Catholicism and letting them inspire my decisions and beliefs.

Homemade rosaries are beautiful! Maybe you should make them for family members as a gift–you never know what it’ll inspire!

Coming out wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, but it wasn’t easy. I was very nervous and feared rejection. I was lucky and pleasantly surprised. The first person I “came out” to happens to be a transgender friend of 15 years. I called him, waited until he asked what was going on in my life, and said “Remember when you called me and came out as being transgender? Remember me telling you I will still be your friend and that I love you anyway? Well, I’m coming out to you. I am converting to Catholicism.” You could have heard a pin drop a mile away. After I reassured him I could still be his friend he was very supportive. He is well aware of the Church’s teachings on “alternative lifestyles”, but he is also aware that we are called to love our fellow man and that we are all sinners. I’m hoping my example will lead him to God.

Others outright laughed and said things like “You!!! Wait…really?” while a few were very happy for me. It wasn’t so bad, really. Some people thought everything would change as if I were joining some creepy cult, but they got over it after I addressed their questions and concerns.

If you have the time to volunteer see if you can catch a ride with a fellow volunteer. We have a couple of young folks in RCIA who are converting without their families. If they have transportation issues to events someone is usually happy to help out. Our church social area has sign up sheets for various events and volunteer needs. People who want to help but don’t have a ride usually hang out by the sign up sheets table after Mass and chit chat until they find someone who lives near them and would be willing to drive.

Maybe your parents would be willing to drive since it’s volunteer work and all. Even if my child chose a different faith and I was hurt/angry I would rather offer a ride to a volunteer opportunity than to some silly teen dance club where there will be nothing but drama and other forms of trouble.

You could also offer to do things at home on your home computer. I mentioned once that I have a computer and some spare time when the kids are at school. Within a few weeks I got an email asking if I could help with the parish lending library catalog. The work I am doing for the Sister isn’t hard or even remotely complicated, it’s just something she and the volunteer who was helping her don’t have the time to do.

 

[Pluviophile]

Coming out wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, but it wasn’t easy. I was very nervous and feared rejection. I was lucky and pleasantly surprised. The first person I “came out” to happens to be a transgender friend of 15 years. I called him, waited until he asked what was going on in my life, and said “Remember when you called me and came out as being transgender? Remember me telling you I will still be your friend and that I love you anyway? Well, I’m coming out to you. I am converting to Catholicism.” You could have heard a pin drop a mile away. After I reassured him I could still be his friend he was very supportive. He is well aware of the Church’s teachings on “alternative lifestyles”, but he is also aware that we are called to love our fellow man and that we are all sinners. I’m hoping my example will lead him to God.

Others outright laughed and said things like “You!!! Wait…really?” while a few were very happy for me. It wasn’t so bad, really. Some people thought everything would change as if I were joining some creepy cult, but they got over it after I addressed their questions and concerns.

If you have the time to volunteer see if you can catch a ride with a fellow volunteer. We have a couple of young folks in RCIA who are converting without their families. If they have transportation issues to events someone is usually happy to help out. Our church social area has sign up sheets for various events and volunteer needs. People who want to help but don’t have a ride usually hang out by the sign up sheets table after Mass and chit chat until they find someone who lives near them and would be willing to drive.

Maybe your parents would be willing to drive since it’s volunteer work and all. Even if my child chose a different faith and I was hurt/angry I would rather offer a ride to a volunteer opportunity than to some silly teen dance club where there will be nothing but drama and other forms of trouble.

You could also offer to do things at home on your home computer. I mentioned once that I have a computer and some spare time when the kids are at school. Within a few weeks I got an email asking if I could help with the parish lending library catalog. The work I am doing for the Sister isn’t hard or even remotely complicated, it’s just something she and the volunteer who was helping her don’t have the time to do.

I worry that any mention of the Catholic Church would rest uneasily with my parents. My family situation is… very, very difficult. I haven’t even mentioned that I’m looking into Catholicism for fear of being forbidden to research it or occasionally attend Mass with my seminarian friend. Every once in a while, I’ll introduce a topic (such as the new Pope, or how early Christians believed in transubstantiation, etc.) because I can’t keep my excitement to myself… Those conversation typically don’t end well. But maybe when I meet with a priest I’ll bring this up and see if he has any counsel, because I truly would love to get involved with the people at our parish. I think that is so important!

 

[PapaZeekus]

How old are you? Are you close to 18? When you say family and friends tried to convince you to abandon the idea of converting does that include your parents? If so, I can see two options. 1) Research and learn as much as you can about the Church while biding your time and then convert when you are 18. 2) Go speak to a local priest, explain your situation, and see if it’s possible to have one or both parents also speak to the priest so that any misconceptions can be cleared up and perhaps one or both parents would support you in your decision so that you don’t have to wait.

Conversion to Catholicism is a big decision. Definitely not something to do on a whim or to take lightly. Some teachings of the Church are things that quite a lot of people in modern America can’t/won’t agree with.

For example, Catholics believe that birth control is wrong. This means practicing natural family planning (NFP) when married.

Premarital sex is a grave sin and so is masturbation.

Catholics believe that marriage is for life and Catholics are required to marry in front of a priest or have a dispensation to marry otherwise. Which means, according to the Church, a divorce does not dissolve a valid marriage and remarriage in the Church is not possible without a Church annulment to prove the marriage was invalid according to Church rules.

Mass attendance is required on Sunday (or the preceeding Saturday) unless there is a serious reason to miss such as work or illness. There are certain days of the year called Holy Days of Obligation where mass attendance is required unless there is a serious reason to miss.

Gay marriage is not ok.

Abortion is not ok.

Artificial means of conception for infertile couples is not ok.

There are days of feast and days of fasting and abstaining here and there during the year.

These things might not mean a lot to you now because you are so young, but they are deal breakers for a lot of folks. Make sure you can live with the rules and are truly committed before you make the decision to convert.

These stupid religion!! It make you slave and ruin your life !! I thinked convert but now it make me sick!!! I stick to Hala Saylasa till death cheers fa da most high

 

[MJJean]

I worry that any mention of the Catholic Church would rest uneasily with my parents. My family situation is… very, very difficult. I haven’t even mentioned that I’m looking into Catholicism for fear of being forbidden to research it or occasionally attend Mass with my seminarian friend. Every once in a while, I’ll introduce a topic (such as the new Pope, or how early Christians believed in transubstantiation, etc.) because I can’t keep my excitement to myself… Those conversation typically don’t end well. But maybe when I meet with a priest I’ll bring this up and see if he has any counsel, because I truly would love to get involved with the people at our parish. I think that is so important!

I understand your difficulties as much as anyone not experiencing them can. Priests tend to be very good at understanding families and how to cope with them. Maybe the priest you speak to will be able to make some helpful suggestions. If there really is nothing that can get through to your family you can always practice your faith, research and learn, then move forward when you are a legal adult.

In RCIA we were discussing people who have sacrificed and suffered for the faith. we, here in the US at least, have the freedom to worship according to our beliefs, so we don’t typically think of having to sacrifice or suffer for those beliefs. Anyways, she went into a talk about how people today, here in the good ole US of A, still suffer for their faith. We just rarely hear about it. She specifically mentioned people like you who have family that strongly disapprove. She said that in the years she has worked with converts in RCIA she has taught people who’s families have completely cut them off. Some were even left homeless simply because they chose to become Catholic. It’s heartbreaking, yet inspiring.