What to do about Conversion?

[monjilton]

I’ve been seriously considering converting to the Catholic Church for almost a year now; up until August (which is when I go back to college), I attended the Pentecostal church I grew up in. No offense to Pentecostalism or to the Holy Spirit, but I’ve always felt like I needed more than what I was getting at church; somehow, Catholicism has manifested itself as that more, yet I’m still uncertain on a whole list of things (primarily: Purgatory, some of the dogmas surrounding the Blessed Virgin Mary, and other minor concerns).

Unfortunately, I started RCIA this September, but my job absolutely would not make concessions for me to attend the meetings in order to successfully convert. Also, my family is STAUNCHLY anti-Catholic; and, in the event that I did successfully convert, I would probably have to keep it a secret from them for as long as possible. I’ve taken all of this as a sign from God. Maybe I was wrong in doing that, and I guess I’ve rambled enough, but I was just wondering if anyone would be able to give me some feedback or advice.

 

[jas84173]

Well Purgatory is pretty based in 2 Maccabees ch 12 I believe. No the Catholic Church didn’t add that book it was always there. Luther stripped it.

 

[jas84173]

I’d recommend reading the entire chapter to understand the circumstances of what happened but I believe purgatory is justified here.

If he hadn’t been looking forward to the resurrection of the dead, then it would have been unnecessary and frivolous to pray for them. He was looking, however, to that best reward laid up for those who die in godliness, and so this was a pious and holy thought. Thus he made an offering of reconciliation so that the dead would be forgiven of their sin.
2 Maccabees 12:44‭-‬45

 

[monjilton]

Unlike most Protestants, I have no love for Luther. I own an Ignatius Press copy of Holy Scripture, just never gotten the time to actually sit down and soak in the “new” material. Thanks for the reference though. I’ll be sure to check it out.

 

[Debbie_Kono]

My conversion cost me a lot too. I can tell you though that you will receive graces for converting. Pray to the Blessed Virgin if you’re not opposed. She WILL help you. God bless.

 

[Isca]

If I were you, I’d explain to the priest that your job would make it very difficult to attend the scheduled RCIA meetings. This happens, people have to earn a living. You don’t HAVE to attend RCIA to become a Catholic, it’s just the usual route for most adult converts. On my RCIA programme one man never attended a single session, as he worked away during the week. The priest saw him individually instead.

Your “list of things” is something that the priest would help you with. It may be that you feel you can’t accept the fullness of the faith, and decide not to continue on your conversion journey - but hopefully, you’ll get the answers you need.

As for your family, it’s a tricky situation. You’d have to explain that God is calling you to the Catholic faith, and you feel you have to listen to that call.