Other Convert Q: Telling Family About Conversion

[Anastasia13]

How did you tell your family about your conversion? Please tell me a few stories about what it is like, how you did it, how it worked, etc.

[BG45]

I sat them down individually and explained the process, how I became interested, etc. Mom I also let read my 15 page resignation letter to my church, filled chock full of Scripture. Dad I didn't, because I knew he'd just mock me.

[PadrePioOfPietrelcino]

I just called them and told them, I asked if they had any questions of me, and answered what they did ask....

[TheresaThoma]

I was away at college when I converted. I dropped a few hints via phone calls but waited to actually tell my parents until I came home at Christmas. I was super nervous about doing so but they took it really well. My sister I ended up telling on the phone while waiting for my parents to pick me up.
I prayed that God will provide me with the right moment to tell them and took the opportunity when it presented itself.

(Quick tip though , DO NOT tell your parents less than 6 months later you think you have a religious vocation. THAT will not go over so well.)

[Not The Philosopher]

I casually mentioned during a car ride with my father that I was trying to get in touch with the local parish priest to talk with about RCIA classes. And when I explained what that was, he was like, "[Not The Philosopher], you're interested in becoming a Catholic?"

and I was like, "yeah."

And then he said, "[Not The Philosopher], you surprise me."

And then I said, "I surprise myself sometimes."

It went something like that.

I told my mom over the phone, and she just said something along the lines of, "that's great!"

My parents are pretty laid back about my choices in life.

[Nihil Obstat]

[img]http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/003/866/nfNeT7YvTozx0cv7ze3mplZpo1_500.gif[/img]

Nah, just kidding. I am not a convert.

[To Jesus Through Mary]

[quote name='TheresaThoma' timestamp='1348078866' post='2484224']
(Quick tip though , DO NOT tell your parents less than 6 months later you think you have a religious vocation. THAT will not go over so well.)
[/quote]

That made me lol- When I finally told my dad I was for sure becoming Catholic the first words out of his mouth "Fine- but just don't become a nun!" Then we hit some bumpy roads with it and we didn't speak for a long time. Things were finally going well and I felt the call to the religious life. I had dropped a few hints but didn't say until I was accepted. When I told him "Well it's not like I'm surprised"- I think he knew before I did!! LOL

[BG45]

[quote name='To Jesus Through Mary' timestamp='1348105789' post='2484489']
That made me lol- When I finally told my dad I was for sure becoming Catholic the first words out of his mouth "Fine- but just don't become a nun!" Then we hit some bumpy roads with it and we didn't speak for a long time. Things were finally going well and I felt the call to the religious life. I had dropped a few hints but didn't say until I was accepted. When I told him "Well it's not like I'm surprised"- I think he knew before I did!! LOL
[/quote]

My father is apparently convinced I'll become a priest. I keep telling him no, marriage is my vocation.

[she_who_is_not]

I'm not super close with my parents and they aren't religious so there was never a big "coming out" I just assumed my siblings would let them know or they would figure it out from key words like mass, visiting the convent, talking about my priest friends, working for the diocese, etc. Apparently this strategy did not work as I had this conversation with my mom a few weeks ago.

Mom: When did you become Catholic?
Me: Um...like 4 years ago.
Mom: You should talk your niece about God.
Me: Um....Ok?

[To Jesus Through Mary]

[quote name='BG45' timestamp='1348106102' post='2484493']
My father is apparently convinced I'll become a priest. I keep telling him no, marriage is my vocation.
[/quote]
When you are married he will prolly get it!

SWIN- That is too funny about the convo with you mom- what did you convert from? Are they of any faith?

[BG45]

I would hope so...

And I laughed too SWIN, that was pretty priceless.

[Anastasia13]

[quote name='To Jesus Through Mary' timestamp='1348135055' post='2484611']
When you are married he will prolly get it!
[/quote]
What about Eastern rites? I think those priests can get married. There is always hope...

[she_who_is_not]

[quote name='To Jesus Through Mary' timestamp='1348135055' post='2484611']
When you are married he will prolly get it!

SWIN- That is too funny about the convo with you mom- what did you convert from? Are they of any faith?
[/quote]
[quote name='To Jesus Through Mary' timestamp='1348135055' post='2484611']
When you are married he will prolly get it!

SWIN- That is too funny about the convo with you mom- what did you convert from? Are they of any faith?
[/quote]

We grew up Episcopalian but I was the only one who was into religion at all. My dad stopped attending church when we were little, and my mom a few years after. My siblings are all atheists. I think my mom and dad will both eventually convert to Catholicism, though. I pray for it everyday.