When asked why I am "turning Catholic"

[GaryTaylor]

I’ll pray for peace within your family and in your heart.

Sounds as though you have a good start on the relationship. I’m not sure what questions will become relevant, however, as long as you communicate with an open minds as it appears you two are. I don’t see anything which can’t be overcome.

From what I have seen in the past when one is totally closed to the idea of their child becoming Catholic, this is where the issues seem to gravitate towards ill feelings. I witnessed this with my brother and his wife when she converted to Catholicism. Parents never spoke to her again, won’t speak with the children. Which personally I find to be a bit much.

All happened through the Lord. my brother never even mentioned converstion, they happened to purchase a home across the street from a Catholic Church and one thing led to another. The children all wound up in Catholic Schools and college and are still rather hurt since they do come across their grandparents now again who ignore them.

So in this sense you are light years ahead already. Prayers are with you, I am sure it will work out.

Same thing happened with my sister-in-law, as with you, she likes to read, and begin to research the church, then visits to speak with the Priest, spent much time talking with my mother, and in he end became a very devote Catholic.

You read the CCC? That will help answer a great deal, though for historic value you have to follow the footnotes and their literature.

You always will be a child to your mother regardless of age. So yes much respect and patience is required. It helps when your also friends which its seems you guys are.

Peace

 

[CatherineOH]

THAT is a huge reason why I have converted. Truth set me free.

 

[stewstew03]

THAT is a huge reason why I have converted. Truth set me free.

AMEN!

 

[GaryTaylor]

Truth set me free.

Well, welcome to CAF, I’m sure you’ll find it a weath of information.

Check this link out below and then look up toward the top right, click on achives and a fairly large index should show. This will help you also.

I like to read, so for me from this aspect the Saints in particular, the Doctors of The Church also became important.

google.com/url?q=http://www.therealpresence.org/archives/Papacy.htm&sa=U&ei=NuKrT4O2GKmX6QHylqGoBA&ved=0CBYQFjAB&sig2=WncXnyijaXespqFzp2eUYA&usg=AFQjCNENgYPp5k240rAAZlHQXaWu8r4S6g

Peace

 

[CatherineOH]

A Doctor of the Church is my Saint.
I was gifted a St. Michael medal at Confirmation, so I’ve taken a fair amount of interest in him as well. Seems he has been with me praying many many times in my life.

You’ve all been great, and I appreciate your comments as well as all the other information in these pages.

Today I was looking for information on taking communion twice in the same day. Our RICA class went to 9:30 Mass, then my mom met me for the 11:30 mass… A long time ago (20 years?) I had been told by a friend that it was only permitted once per 24 hour period. Though I found a good answer and a CCC reference, the person who told me this was rather knowledgeable. I’ll ask the priest at the church this week since I have to see him anyway.

 

[CleverUserName]

Adding my two cents a few months late, but just in case you are still reading…

I heard an Orthodox Priest once say “God is calling you’ TO’, not necessarily ‘FROM’”. That really resonated with me. I think it’s a good and delicate approach to take with your Mom or anyone with the same attitude about your conversion.

When people ask me the same I always say “God called me to the Roman Catholic Church”. What can they really say to that? It’s the truth, and who is going to argue with God’s direction?

So many of us, when we convert, tend to vocalize what we disagreed with in the denomination(s) we left. This can be a real put-off to someone inquiring as to the reason for conversion. So I say focus on what you’ve been called TO.

God bless you and your Mom

Sadie

 

[Lifesong]

I agree, I was called to the Church, not from the Methodist denomination where I first gave my life to Christ, was raised on hymns and bible stories, buried my father, watched my oldest daughter get married, and had wonderful friends including my associate pastor. But I had a Catholic grandmother and a fallen away Catholic husband and for whatever reason, the Holy Spirit finally decided it was time for me to embrace the full truth. I believe it was my own searching- five years ago my daughter was ill and I needed Jesus and I basically told Him to get us through this and I was His. So I began reading the Bible, and listening to evangelicals on TV like Joyce Meyer, listening to Christian music on the radio, became active in my church as a Stephen minister and sought Him with my whole heart and when I began to read about Catholicism in an effort to understand where my husband came from as we were not on the same page at all He pointed the way and off I went. One year ago I decided to put my toe in the water and began praying the Rosary and the Divine Mercy, spent time in an adoration chapel near my home, starting attending Mass and RCIA, and entered the Church April 7th with my husband as my sponsor. My problem is not parents, both of whom are in Heaven, but my young adult children but they are understanding better once my Catholic husband sat them down and took ownership of his part of not exposing him to his faith as they were raised Methodists. As they attend no church at this point as most young people don’t I keep praying our example will lead the way- it is never too late! Anyway, with my kids I found that they have responded most positively to my living my faith, not talking about it which has been hard as I tend to be one of those zealous ex Protestant converts-LOL! Good luck with your Mom- as a Mom I would prefer my kids to be believers in Christ no matter what church as opposed to all the secularism out there though I still prefer they go for the best like any Mom would!

Blessings,

Val

 

[Lifesong]

I agree, I was called to the Church, not from the Methodist denomination where I first gave my life to Christ, was raised on hymns and bible stories, buried my father, watched my oldest daughter get married, and had wonderful friends including my associate pastor. But I had a Catholic grandmother and a fallen away Catholic husband and for whatever reason, the Holy Spirit finally decided it was time for me to embrace the full truth. I believe it was my own searching- five years ago my daughter was ill and I needed Jesus and I basically told Him to get us through this and I was His. So I began reading the Bible, and listening to evangelicals on TV like Joyce Meyer, listening to Christian music on the radio, became active in my church as a Stephen minister and sought Him with my whole heart and when I began to read about Catholicism in an effort to understand where my husband came from as we were not on the same page at all He pointed the way and off I went. One year ago I decided to put my toe in the water and began praying the Rosary and the Divine Mercy, spent time in an adoration chapel near my home, starting attending Mass and RCIA, and entered the Church April 7th with my husband as my sponsor. My problem is not parents, both of whom are in Heaven, but my young adult children but they are understanding better once my Catholic husband sat them down and took ownership of his part of not exposing them to his faith as they were raised Methodists. As they attend no church at this point as most young people don’t I keep praying our example will lead the way- it is never too late! Anyway, with my kids I found that they have responded most positively to my living my faith, not talking about it which has been hard as I tend to be one of those zealous ex Protestant converts-LOL! Good luck with your Mom- as a Mom I would prefer my kids to be believers in Christ no matter what church as opposed to all the secularism out there though I still prefer they go for the best like any Mom would!

Blessings,

Val

 

[CatherineOH]

Adding my two cents a few months late, but just in case you are still reading…

I heard an Orthodox Priest once say “God is calling you’ TO’, not necessarily ‘FROM’”. …So I say focus on what you’ve been called TO. …

Sadie, I’m still listening. I’ve been trying to do just that. Great advice.
I don’t know what is going on with her. (remember she was raised Methodist) She was going to a Lutheran church and has stopped attending all together now for two months. She brings it up when we have brunch on Sundays. I’ve offered to pick her up on the way to my own church, but she has refused. I’m thinking I need to attend the early Mass at the Lutheran church before my own Mass just so she feels connected again. After all, where two or more are gathered in His name so is He. I don’t have to take communion there. Like in the Catholic church, if you remain in the pew instead of going up, nobody bats an eye. i.e. no questions asked.

…Good luck with your Mom- as a Mom I would prefer my kids to be believers in Christ no matter what church as opposed to all the secularism out there though I still prefer they go for the best like any Mom would!

Blessings,

Val

Val, a beautiful post. and I feel must the same as you. My Mom has had a hard row to hoe, and I know she has doubted a few times in her life.

I love your tagline and this so much applies here;
Pray, hope and don’t worry!!

 

[CleverUserName]

Will keep you in prayer

 

[Mystophilus]

Be kind - it’s a tough thing for a parent to accept. Being harsh won’t help the situation.

Take your time - You don’t have to hash out all your differences at once. If a conversation gets heated, simply say, “I think that’s enough for now. We can revisit this subject later.”

Respect her beliefs - Avoid bashing the church she is attending. Avoid most comparisons as they lead to a “they think they’re better” feeling.

Pray - Pray for her continued faith journey. Pray that she can accept your decision.

You can support her return to church, while enjoying your journey home. You don’t have to have all the answers about the Catholic Church, but be sure to find out the answers if she stumps you. You don’t need to apologize for becoming Catholic, you believe it is right, so be proud of it.