I was raised and baptized a Conservative Baptist, and went to one class about two years ago seeking membership in the church. When I went, I discovered that it wasn't for me, and since then, church has been unfullfiling for me. My father's side of the family is Catholic, and I have been to Mass countless times. I have found that I enjoy it immensely, and not being able to participate in the Eucharist is something else that touched me deeply. I have realized in the past couple of months that I want to convert to Catholicism, for many reasons, tradition, closeness, the One True Church, and family ties. My mother is a Baptist, born and raised, and I don't know how to bring this up to her without hurting our relationship. I'm only 18 and still live at home, so that could be a problem. Any advice? Jenn

-- Jennifer Durbin (gijenn2331@aol.com), October 28, 2004

Answers

bump

-- mad bumper (bump@bump.com), October 28, 2004.

Jennifer, I will pray for you and your family.

I can only offer this bit of advice that you have probably already done. Start by asking God that His will be done and ask for the grace and courage to submit to His will.

There is a poster here by the name of Emily (the "jesusfollower" handle) who could probably offer some good advice. She is very knowledgeable and loving in her replies.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will work in your life and family so that you can follow your heart and conscience. That must truly be a difficult situation for you.

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), October 28, 2004.

You could try and get a little feedback from your mother without revealing the whole situation first. If she is truly adverse, you will need to accept that. You will be moving out of the house in a short time and will soon have more freedom. Then you should follow your inner feelings. They appear to be guided by Truth. You can take comfort in what Christ Himself stated while He was here on Earth. That He did not come to join all people together, but that He would divide them. Including families. Who knows! Your mother may eventually follow you. It may be that you are meant to be a guide for your mother in this matter of your finding the one true faith.

-- Pat Delaney (pat@patdelaney.net), October 29, 2004.

Hi Jennifer! I too was Southern Baptist and my entire family (Me , husband and 4 kids) are converting to Catholisism. My mother was (and still is to a point) having a difficult time with the conversion. She still doesn't believe that what we are doing is " as right" as being Baptist, but like you my husband and I bother were unhappy in our church. We felt like there was something missing in our hearts that was so important and my bestfriend, who is Catholic, invited us to go with her after we had not been to any church in well over a year. We went and have never stopped going! We finally found our home! I looked up one of my first posts where I asked about my mother and got some really great answers. I will try to paste it on here. I hope all goes well for you, and you will be in our prayers! http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl? msg_id=00CMLd <<< Thanks and glory be to God!

-- Suzanne (james-betsy@sbcglobal.net), October 29, 2004.

I don't think my link worked! Someone want to help me out? It is under the uncategorized topics titled "Question About My Mother". Have a great day ya'll !

Thanks and glory be to God !

-- Suzanne (james-betsy@sbcglobal.net), October 29, 2004.

Link to Suzanne's question.

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), October 29, 2004.

Thank you, Andy.

-- Suzanne (james-betsy@sbcglobal.net), October 29, 2004.

No problem Suzanne. :)

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), October 29, 2004.

I don't know about the US but in Australia we have a program called RCIA and thats for those wishing to become Catholic, perhaps they raise this issue you are concerned about. Why not go to your local parish and ask the Priest for some advice, like if you Mum is so against Catholicism as most Baptists are, then maybe he can be a mediator. BUt I suggest go and ask your Priest, because, you are not just an isolated case I'm sure of it so he should know what to do. But also dont' forget she is still your mother and still pray and love her to I mean it is her job to to bring you up on what she believes to be morally right etc. :)

Goodluck

Kathy

-- Kathy (arianrhod83@yahoo.com), October 31, 2004.