Would like to convert, but running into a dilemma

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Joe,

Most likely you would be working closely with a priest instead of a RCIA class. You are already Christian so the process might not be as long as you expect—just so you know what you’re getting into.

God bless you for your service in the PC. A lot of good work done by those folks. In fact I had a couple PC friends in mind when I was talking about how people love sending things overseas. They both had lots of people sending things (mostly food items 😉 ) to them. I think that when you mention what you are doing a lot of friends and family will want to support you in some way. My friends had going away parties and a lot of us took a list down of what they liked. Although in the Phil. you can get a lot more stuff than in Africa where they were, you’ll still want things you can’t get, specific books being one of them.
(i wasn’t PC–just to be clear)

One thing about the Phillipines:
It is largely Catholic as you know but I wanted to let you know that a lot of Filipinos really really love Mary. Their devotion to Mary might take a non-Catholic aback, so you might consider reading up quite a bit on Mary so you know where they are coming from. (You probably already have, but just a bit of advice)
 
Thanks NPS,
I plan to read a lot more about Mary. In fact, last week I ordered quite a few booklets off of the Knights of Columbus website. A few of those booklets are about Mary.

I realize that since the Philippines is about 88% Catholic, RCIA classes are non-existant. So I am sure I will have to work one-on-one with a priest. I think that would be exciting.

To be honest, one of the things that caught my interest in Catholicism is Mary…I grew up Methodist. I hadnt been to many services in forever. However, before I went to Midnight Mass on Christmas eve with my ‘friend’, I went with my mom to her services. I found that some Protestants hold Mary almost as highly as Catholics. (My mom’s church uses a lot of Powerpoint presentations. During some of her services, Mary pops in quite a bit. I brought this up with my mom, but she just brushed it aside.—Almost every service my mom attends someone sings, “Mary, Did You Know.”–It is a song about Mary’s relationship with her Son…kind of odd for a Protestant Church.

While I am in the Philippines, I plan to participate in as many religious events as possible (so long as it doesnt inferfere with my volunteer service).

Question: Would it be wrong to let my friend know of my religious awakening and progress? I think she has an idea of my interest in the faith. But I don’t want to come across as too strong. But, I feel that her faith in Christ has inspired me. I would like to share this awakening with her and others.

Thanks
Joe
 
Question: Would it be wrong to let my friend know of my religious awakening and progress? I think she has an idea of my interest in the faith. But I don’t want to come across as too strong. But, I feel that her faith in Christ has inspired me. I would like to share this awakening with her and others.
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Thanks
Joe
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If she has been sending you mixed messages about the kind of relationship she wants to have, and especially since she has declared she won’t marry anyone but a Catholic, she might get the impression you are telling her you are interested in being more than friends. I’d keep it to myself if I were you and quietly pursue your interest in the Catholic Church. Then she won’t have any expectations and you won’t have to worry about her getting the wrong idea. 😉
 
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Della:
If she has been sending you mixed messages about the kind of relationship she wants to have, and especially since she has declared she won’t marry anyone but a Catholic, she might get the impression you are telling her you are interested in being more than friends. I’d keep it to myself if I were you and quietly pursue your interest in the Catholic Church. Then she won’t have any expectations and you won’t have to worry about her getting the wrong idea. 😉
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Or worse yet–what if you tell her and she re-thinks her feelings toward you—then you change your mind about Catholicism! :bigyikes:
 
Convert because you know the Catholic Church possesses the “fullness of truth” and your heart and mind are open to receive.
 
Thanks Della and Mickey,
I guess I have my answer, I will keep it to myself. If she asks me anything on religion, then I might tell her.

About the friend: I am sure NOTHING will change between us. We will remain friends. But I guess you are right…

Thanks
Joe
 

Buffalo,
Thanks for your advice…​

All of the replies to my thread have helped me tremendously.
They are much appreciated

Thanks
Joe
 
One more little side note about my friend and my situation: I will overseas for about two and half years. So, I probably will not see my friend while I am away. And a lot could change in that time…

I could meet a nice girl while am overseas. (In fact, the last time I saw my friend she laughed and said that would probably fall in love with a nice Filipina.) My friend could meet a nice Catholic guy…Such is life. Like I have said before, I will let God make the decision if we are meant to be together…But I do know that God has been pushing me in the direction of the Church. Whether it was my grandmother’s devotion to the Church, Pope John Paul II, or my friend, I have felt the Holy Spirit guide me to where I am at now. Plus, isn’t it odd that out of all the countries in Asia, I will be posted in the only Christian and Catholic country?

It’s as if God is telling me to wake up…

Thanks
Joe
 
I am really happy and excited for you Joe. Beware—some of those Filipino girls are very pretty and very religious. 😉 You might end up marrying one of 'em. But maybe you’ll end up with your aforementioned friend. God knows, and you’ll find out. Which brings me to your question:
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bjd2006pc:
Question: Would it be wrong to let my friend know of my religious awakening and progress? I think she has an idea of my interest in the faith. But I don’t want to come across as too strong. But, I feel that her faith in Christ has inspired me. I would like to share this awakening with her and others.
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I’ll have to disagree with some of the other reponses. My answer is Why not tell her? This is the biggest thing in your life and your not going to tell one of your best friends? Doesn’t she deserve to know the big influence she’s had on your religious life? She may need you to tell her something like that. Who knows what effect it will have on her and other’s lives?–maybe someone else she knows? If you’re worried about her getting mixed up with feelings about you because of it just lay it all out in the open, man. As long as you’re honest with her and yourself, then that’s all that matters. You’d probably write her a letter about it if/when you become Catholic and you’ll then have to start with: “I should have talked to you about this sooner, but…”

I speak from many misteps in life when I say about relationships:
Be honest and talk things over with her. Put it out in the open.
 
Did not Jesus say to take your light out from under the bushell basket for ALL to see?

Shine your light, don’t worry where it lights the darkness or where it casts a shadow. Just let it shine.

Welcome home!👍
 
<<Also, last Sunday the Msgr blessed my rosary. I officially started praying with it the other night. I can see why it is such a special religious item. (I have the Glory Be and the Hail Mary down. The others will take some work). When I started to pray with it, I had a hard time concentrating on the mysteries. How do you pray the rosary?>>

In a Catholic bookstore they have a wonderful little book called “The Scriptural Rosary”. There is a line of Scripture before each Hail Mary to help the person praying to focus on the mystery. Many Catholics find this helpful.

And, do not be discouraged by distractions. We all have to battle them.
 
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bjd2006pc:
Hello,
I am a United Methodist. However, I have been very interested in Catholicism for years.

I have been attending mass now for about a month. I also have been ‘auditing’ the inquiry class at my nearby parish.

Several things have led me in this direction.
  1. My dad’s side of the family is Catholic. In fact my grandmother is a devout Catholic. I remember as a child her rosary and attending mass a few times. She even taught me some prayers.
2)John Paul the II and his funeral.

3)A very dear friend of mine.
We were very good friends in high school. However last January I met up with her after a long absence. We did everything together. We exercised together. We went to the movies and art museums. We even had very frank discussions about relationships and religion.

She shared her Catholic faith with me in numerous ways. She was more that happy to discuss all things Catholic with me. I remember that she had invited me on a road trip. She needed help moving to grad school. Well we stopped at her old Catholic university (she converted there). She wanted to pray at the cathedral there. I told her that I would wait outside. However, she insisted that I go in with her.

I was truly touched by reaction to her prayer. I could see some tears in her eyes after she finished praying. That struck me deeply. After her prayers, we went to the grotto to light votive candles. Again I was struck by the beauty of the whole thing.

Fast forward to Christmas Eve 2005. My dear friend invited me to midnight mass. I went with her since she is the only catholic in her family. I felt refreshed after attending. And my friend was very happy that I went with her.

My dilema: I had numerous discussions with my friend. We both gave each other mixed signals about a relationship. However, we both agreed to keep it as a purely platonic friendship. But even after agreeing she has been giving me weird signals.

Now, I honestly have felt God’s presence. I feel that he has led me in this direction. But I am having some doubts. Mainly due to the fact that my friend said that she would only marry a Catholic.

I have done a lot of research on Catholicism and have found it to be a beautiful form of Christianity. I have even started to pray the rosary. Also, I have started to read the catechism. However, a part me feels that I am not doing this for the right reasons. Is this doubt normal?

Should I ignore the signals God has given me? I know that sounds silly. All opinions are welcome.

Joe
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I think you should do what you think is right, what you believe to be the truth.

I also think you should marry someone who will only marry you, not “a Catholic” or “an anything”.
 
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bjd2006pc:
My dilema: I had numerous discussions with my friend. We both gave each other mixed signals about a relationship. However, we both agreed to keep it as a purely platonic friendship. But even after agreeing she has been giving me weird signals.

Now, I honestly have felt God’s presence. I feel that he has led me in this direction. But I am having some doubts. Mainly due to the fact that my friend said that she would only marry a Catholic.

However, a part me feels that I am not doing this for the right reasons. Is this doubt normal?

Should I ignore the signals God has given me? I know that sounds silly. All opinions are welcome.

Joe
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Joe, I think God puts people in our lives for many reasons. While you might doubt her motives and intentions, don’t doubt God’s.

Whether you ever have a relationship with this girl or not is irrelevant. She has been a catalyst that helped you go in a direction you were already interested in going. God used her as a catalyst, maybe not intending anything more.

Pursue your faith and the Truth as you would a pearl of great price.

The girl may or may not work out, don’t sweat it. You’ll meet plenty more.
 
Thank you to all that have replied.

1ke: The homily during my first mass by myself hit me like a ton of bricks. The Msgrs message was that some people come into our lives only to lead us back to God. When I heard that I almost got emotional. It was as if that message was directed at me. My friend immediately came into my mind. Yes, I love this girl. But I know that I must convert for God and myself. I will always be thankful that my friend shared her faith. And if God wants us to be together someday, then so be it. If not, I will still value her as a true friend.

Eileen T: Yes, I went to catholiccity this morning. I requested some cds on mary and the mass. I am looking forward to receiving them in the mail.

Dorothy: This past Friday, I purchased a little book called “The Rosary: A Path Into Prayer” by Liz Kelly. It goes into depth on how to pray the rosary. It also has some interesting hints on how to focus on the mysteries. I have already started it. I also started to read Scott Hahn’s book about Mary. His style is very good. It is easy to read.

Malachi and NPS: I will tell my friend about my progress. However, I am trying to wait for the right time to tell her.

Again,
Thank you
Joe
 
Interesting story, Joe. In fact, it is amazingly similar to my path, just a different order and year. In my own journey, I have found two things:
  1. Christ’s divinity is ultimately proven in the overwhelming
    evidence of His resurrection. Surely, people can say that
    anyone can claim they are divine. Yes, that is true, but when
    there is an enormous amount of people who testified for his
    divine actions, there can be but only one conclusion.
  2. Since Christ was, in fact, divine, then Catholicism is the *most *
    complete, and accurate, path for a Christian to follow. The
    reason I say this is due to a basic study of history. You can
    begin with scripture and build upon it with writings from the
    Early Church fathers (those trusted, reliable, and
    educated “scribes” of apostolic times). As an added note, it is
    often difficult for people to understand that a solid
    understanding of His place/role in history and His
    teachings are crucial. Our human nature gives us a sort of time-
    comprehension limitation which leads people today to question
    His divinity moreso than those of the apostolic time.
Now, to respond to your points:

*1) My dad’s side of the family is Catholic. In fact my grandmother is a devout Catholic… *

Identical situation to me. Though my father has never lost his faith in Christ, he did fall-away from Catholicism in his early twenties. I began to question my own faith after high school, did some research and praying, and found myself confirmed through RCIA at 21.

*3)A very dear friend of mine. **We were very good friends in high school… we stopped at her old Catholic university… I have done a lot of research on Catholicism and have found it to be a beautiful form of Christianity. I have even started to pray the rosary. Also, I have started to read the catechism… *Should I ignore the signals God has given me?"

Again, nearly identical- a guy I was good friends with in high school helped convince me to join him at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH. It was one of the best decisions of my life.

As far as ignoring the signals God has given you, I guess I would have to exclaim: “Don’t ignore them!”

I would look at it this way- if someone really near and dear to me was knocking at my door, asking to come in, would I send him away?

Good luck to you in your own search for truth. I know I have found it.
 
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bjd2006pc:
Thank you to all that have replied.

1ke: The homily during my first mass by myself hit me like a ton of bricks. The Msgrs message was that some people come into our lives only to lead us back to God. When I heard that I almost got emotional. It was as if that message was directed at me. My friend immediately came into my mind. Yes, I love this girl. But I know that I must convert for God and myself. I will always be thankful that my friend shared her faith. And if God wants us to be together someday, then so be it. If not, I will still value her as a true friend.

Eileen T: Yes, I went to catholiccity this morning. I requested some cds on mary and the mass. I am looking forward to receiving them in the mail.

Blessings to you Joe! You certainly sound like you have the right attitude.

Dorothy: This past Friday, I purchased a little book called “The Rosary: A Path Into Prayer” by Liz Kelly. It goes into depth on how to pray the rosary. It also has some interesting hints on how to focus on the mysteries. I have already started it. I also started to read Scott Hahn’s book about Mary. His style is very good. It is easy to read.

Malachi and NPS: I will tell my friend about my progress. However, I am trying to wait for the right time to tell her.

Again,
Thank you
Joe
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Hello! I too am a convert to Catholicism. I can assure you that it is very normal to have doubts. It took me a while to realize that I did actually believe that the Catholic Church was Christ’s Church.

I would also encourage you to talk to your friend about your journey. If you wait too long, it may hurt her in the long run.

God bless! May the Holy Mother of God guide you home.
 
Agrazing Mace: Thank you for your reply. I really do appreciate your opinions.

twf: Yeah, I plan to let my friend know about my decision. Although I am not quite sure how yet. I have two ideas:

One)I thought about sending two letters in one envelope. One of the letters will just be one to shoot the breeze, so to speak. The other letter will be the one to let her know about my decisions. I plan to let her know in detail my journey so far…

Two) I remember how much she values her rosary. I was with her when she prayed with it. So, I thought that once I got over to my destination in the Philippines, I would buy her a rosary. I then would send it back with a letter explaining to her my decision to convert. (I thought giving her a rosary would show her my appreciation in her willingness to share her faith).----I finally got a rosary two weeks ago. I had it blessed last Sunday. Now, I have been praying with it the last week. I now know why the faithful use it in their prayers. I believe that it has helped me already.

So, which plan should I stick with? Plan One or Plan Two?

If you have other suggestions, please let me know…

Thanks Joe
 
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bjd2006pc:
Agrazing Mace: Thank you for your reply. I really do appreciate your opinions.

twf: Yeah, I plan to let my friend know about my decision. Although I am not quite sure how yet. I have two ideas:

One)I thought about sending two letters in one envelope. One of the letters will just be one to shoot the breeze, so to speak. The other letter will be the one to let her know about my decisions. I plan to let her know in detail my journey so far…

Two) I remember how much she values her rosary. I was with her when she prayed with it. So, I thought that once I got over to my destination in the Philippines, I would buy her a rosary. I then would send it back with a letter explaining to her my decision to convert. (I thought giving her a rosary would show her my appreciation in her willingness to share her faith).----I finally got a rosary two weeks ago. I had it blessed last Sunday. Now, I have been praying with it the last week. I now know why the faithful use it in their prayers. I believe that it has helped me already.

So, which plan should I stick with? Plan One or Plan Two?

If you have other suggestions, please let me know…

Thanks Joe
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If this is a vote, I vote for plan 2! Gave me a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. But I have to say I loved the first idea too. How incredible, this gift of sharing her faith! How even more incredible that it means so much to you to thank her for it in such a beautiful gesture. She sounds like an amazing person.
 
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