When I was younger, I was a totally devout Catholic. I loved it. I wandered away from the church when I entered High School (peer pressure, you could say). I have only recently found Catholic radio and started listening whenever I'm in the car. I absolutley love it and the message of the church. The problem is, while I have always been Catholic, I haven't been practicing. I used to go to church on Christmas & Easter but now I want to go every Sunday. My husband is an ethnic Jew, but a baptized Episcopalian and thinks the Catholic church is a bunch of child molestors and hypocrates. I want to go to church but am afraid of what he'll say... He's not ANTI religion, he thinks the Episcopal church is great but never goes. He just doesn't like the "opression" of the Catholic church. What should I say to him?
2007-10-24 13:24:35 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
* When I say "Peer Pressure" I mean that it wasn't "Cool" to be Catholic in my public high school. When I was in school, the large priest scandal was going on. (Late 99-2000's).
2007-10-24 13:26:16 · update #1
Please,please don't sneak into any church without your husband's knowledge.
Start by praying by yourself. Any prayer. In your own words or in a form you remember from when you were practicing. (How about 1/2 an Our Father? hmmm?).
Because what any church is offering is a connection with God.
Of course, I'd like it if you were the occasion of your husband's return to active participation in the Episcopal Church, so you might ask him to try going with you there.
BUTTT
It seems that it is the familiar (and certainly appealing) life as a Roman Catholic that is fascinating you right now.
Pray, talk to your husband about what you are feeling and talk over with him what you would like to do. (Because a change in religious stance is going to subtly or overtly affect your relationship and your life together.)
It certainly is possible for only one spouse to be active and believing, but even making THAT transition involves him.
I would suggest that you try going to several Episcopal Churches near you, either alone or with your husband. See that produces some agreement.
And certainly try dropping by a Roman Catholic Parish for Mass (probably alone or with a friend), because that is part of the situation for you right now.
What else?
Oh yes....
Pray some more.
2007-10-24 14:17:12 · answer #1 · answered by fr.peter 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So, go to Catholic church by yourself. I go to an Episcopal church every Sunday morning by myself. Neither my family nor friends want to go to ANY church. I'm not into the Catholic faith myself but I haven't found any churches that totally believe in what I do. Half my family is Catholic; it's just not for me. Maybe he will change his mind once he sees how it works and affects your life. He can't take communion at your church but you can at his. Go to an Episcopal church, maybe. We are Catholic "light." The services are very similar and we have the Eucharist every Sunday (Rite 1 and 2). Wednesday's too.
2007-10-24 20:34:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you considered maybe going to a non-denominational or community church? Maybe if the church didn't have a "label" your husband would have any pre-conceived notions about it and be willing to go with you. It would be wonderful for you to start going now. After all, at some point you all might have children and it is healthy to raise children in a church environment.
2007-10-24 20:47:37 · answer #3 · answered by RLW 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to take a guess that Reese up there isn't married.
Alright here is my advice. ASK your husband for PERMISSION to go to church and then watch what happens.
He's going to be a bit shocked, but once he gets over the initial reaction he'll take one or two days to think about it, and return to you with an answer.
His answer will most likely be he will allow it, or he will offer to take to you a church of his choosing.
Either way, you win. You're in church, he's back in church and now he feels respected in his home because you asked his permission.
2007-10-24 20:32:47 · answer #4 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
This may sound harsh, but if your husband doesn't support you doing what feeds your soul (especially when it doesn't affect him), then he's not worthy of you. Follow your heart. If he doesn't support you, maybe he's not worth your time.
But that's just me. I don't put up with any crap. My husband and I have totally different spiritual paths, but we completely support each others' decisions. I wouldn't have it any other way.
2007-10-24 20:37:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Generally speaking the husband is supposed to be the spiritual head of the family - meaning that the wife follows his lead.
This would have been a GREAT topic of discussion for you and him BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED.
2007-10-24 20:34:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
go back to church. God is waiting to welcome you with open arms. ignore your husband's protests, you have the right to spiritual comfort and fulfillment
2007-10-24 20:35:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
who gives a damn what your husband think. Do what you feel is best for you. Feel free not chained up.
2007-10-24 20:29:16 · answer #8 · answered by Reese 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋