Converting to the Roman Catholic faith....but theres problems. Opinions please?

Question

Ok. Well my mother is Roman catholic, and my dad is Church of England. My mum was bought up in a very religious family and grew up to hate the religon. My dad liked going to church and bought me every week (church of england) when I was young, but when I was 7 my dancing changed to sunday and I told him I wanted to leave church for dancing and because I was growing to old for sunday school he didn't try and make me go so I left.
This year i've started a Roman Catholic school for 6th form and for some reason it just feels so right. I feel that God is watching over me more and I can always find the answers to my questions now, unlike before. It just really feels right, it's hard to explain. I feel the need to convert to the faith so I can attend catholic church, Before recently, I hadn't been much of a good person and I want to wash away my sins. Problem is my mum will not be pleased and she may get angry at my nan saying that she's brainwashed me. I'm only 16 and not sure what to do?

Answer 1

How nice, Claire...I am very proud of you...

First, let me explain just a little for you...

There is only one God...you know that...yet, there are so many Christian church versions of how we should live under God all over the world and even close to where you are... WHY...?

That goes back 2000 years when religion was preached like gossip and so many differences came about even tho all were Christians...

The Catholic church eventually became the strongest and most powerful because it remained constant in the manner and tradition of how it practiced religion...

Since those early days, many other churches have evolved and have carried their differences with them...ok so far...?

Are these churches wrong...? Nope, not at all, so long as they follow the Will of God and our Savior, Jesus Christ... Unless practicing religion in an abusive and harmful way, all Christian churches are good churches...ok ?

Now...about your mom...gosh, it's so hard raising parents these days, isn't it...?

What you must do is explain to your mom that what you feel is for you alone as it prepares you for your own future. Besides exposure to a whole new group of friends, you will have a chance to participate in other things...young adult programs in the church and choir are but two. It will be a wholesome change for the better and help you move on with your life in better directions...

Meanwhile, you can still attend a catholic church and not be a member but it would be nice if you could join so that you can make your First Communion and Confirmation and that will be a major step forward as a young lady...

Whatever you do, do not push your mom over the edge about religion, K...? Perhaps at the time you make your Confirmation or participate in choir that she may attend to see you on that special occasion... Just don't bug her and let her own concious as a mom work for her...

Shalom...

Answer 2

Well, at 16 you are a minor (legally, right?), so it's good that you are concerned about your mother's feelings. But you don't know what those feelings are yet for sure. You assume she MIGHT get angry but that doesn't mean she will.

If I were you, I'd mention to your mum that you'd like to learn more about Catholicism. Do it whilst you are eating a meal or something and everything is calm. If she tries to blame your nan, just answer truthfully that it's more complicated than one person telling you what to do -- you really feel an interest in learning more about Catholicism. Ask if you can take a class in the subject -- invite her along if she has qualms so she can be "the voice of reason" for you. Then see what happens. You may have to wait a year or two and just study on you're own until you're of age, but that's okay, too.

The more adult you are about it, the more likely your mum will respond in kind.

Answer 3

I'm a convert, too, and it was difficult for some in my family to accept it as well - they were conservative Baptists and had been taught that Catholics were heretics! It's all a misunderstanding, of course, since Catholics are Christians of a most ancient sort, holding fast to the creeds and a real belief in apostolic succession. God is watching over you, dear one, and talking to a sensitive priest may be the best first step. Because of your youth, people may suspect you're being 'brainwashed' or otherwise influenced. But if you can explain your decision thoughtfully and courteously, you'll be well off. It feels right because it is right. But saying 'it feels' right' may not help others who might think that a 16-year-old is being governed by fleeting feelings. Learn all you can, and put everything in the hands of the Good Shepherd who has brought you this far.

Answer 4

The Catholic Church is 2000 yrs old. It has a very complicated history and you should be aware of it.
I too am Roman Catholic I recently (2 yrs ago) have become very interested in it.
For 7 yrs I stayed away and tried the Born Again, Baptist and Methodist. Then I did nothing. Now that I have been reading and going to mass I feel I've come home.
Maybe being Catholic is not for you but I will say to be very shy of those fundies (born again Christians) they are extremely oppressive in their way of thinking.

Answer 5

Ok, well in the end it's your decision. You have to pick what to believe or what not to believe. I don't believe in any God but if your going to belong to a religion you might as well believe in it whole heartedly. I think you should do a bit of research about the catholic faith, just so you now exactly what you're getting yourself into. As for what your parents or anyone else thinks, it's not that important. Religion is a matter of belief and faith and no one can or should tell you what to believe.

Answer 6

I think that you should explore as many faiths as you can. You will have no doubts about what is right for you if you search through everything. It will also help you talk about it with your mother when you do decide what is right for you. You can tell her you have been studying religions and that you feel most comfortable with a particular one. The most important part of religion is that it feels right to you and completes part of the puzzle. I personally converted from Roman Catholic, but I still have respect that it can give some people peace. I think that you should talk to your mom and try to make her understand that it is what makes you happy and complete. If she cares about you, she should understand that you have done your soul-searching and decided what is right for you. She cannot be angry if you have searched through them all. :) Good luck and blessings.

Answer 7

Join the Church. Jesus warns that His message will sow discord between parents and children - meaning there will be families in which some members choose Catholicism while others do not.

Yes, we need to be mindful of the Commandment, Honor thy mother and thy father. But, when it comes to making a choice between God's Catholic Church and our own parents, we need to be ready to choose God.

We have little control over how this news is going to be received by our loved ones. But we can make this known to them as diplomatically and respectfully as possible.

Bottom line, your family loves you and will hopefully come to terms with your conversion sooner rather than later.

Answer 8

well it sounds like you are being called by God to join the catholic faith, especially since we catholics believe, which much hard evidence that it is the one true faith started by Jesus Christ in 33ad. Since you are only 16 tho, you may be bound to obey your parents in this matter. soon you will be 18 and then you can do what you want. but if they do not forbid you, go ahead and follow your conscience, it is God speaking to you!!

Answer 9

Hmm... if it's something you really want to do, then once it's done your mum will be angry for a while, but she'll eventually accept it, right? Otherwise, maybe you should just talk to her about it, like explain why and everything... I'm not sure...

Answer 10

Why don't you just show you mother this question. You don't appear to be brain washed. You are old enough to make up your mind. Mixed religion families are tough. I grew up in one myself. Even though I made a different decision than you did, I respect your choice.