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Hi, Stephanie —
Thanks for writing to us. We have
had other questions, similar to yours.
These are always callings from the
Holy Spirit.
You said:
- Would it be selfish
of me to convert?
- Is it more important
for me to be true to my spiritual
callings or to have family unity?
I am truly torn between
the desire to become Catholic and
the desire to attend church with
my husband!!
It would not be selfish for you
to convert.
Because, though your husband doesn't
currently understand, you are doing
what is best for both of you. and your actions could, over time, highly effect the way he currently thinks about the Church.
Also, although no one should deny the sacrificial
love that spouses should have for
each other, this should not be at
the expense of one's conscience in
faith. Your free will is separate
from his free will; though you guys
work together for the good of yourselves
and the kids, the fruit your love,
incarnated.
Because various family members have
different:
- educational backgrounds
- medical issues
- emotions and
- maturity levels
you are always going to have a little
friction within the family. Although
you may not see it now,
joining the Church and receiving
the sacraments in a state of grace,
will unite your family over time.
If your husband has no intention
of becoming Catholic, ask him . . .
Why?
The answer could be a whole host
of possibilities:
- a former Catholic who was never
catechized well.
- a cradle Protestant who has
only learned what Catholics believe
from Protestants.
- grudges he's holding on to from
scandalous events with priests
- or a number of reasons.
Find out why.
Share with him, your strong interest
and desire to join the Church. If he is a loving, caring spouse,
he certainly can't ignore this.
Even if he isn't interested in the
faith. Invite him to come to Mass
with you.
If he expects you to come to his
church services, why shouldn't he
do the same for you, even if its
just two times a month. Find out if there are any ministries
where you go to Mass that he would
be interested in.
You said:
I have always been a Protestant,
like my entire family.
No problem. Whenever sharing the
faith, it's always good to [agree
to agree] and [agree to disagree],
as long as we all have the [facts|beliefs]
correct on both sides.
It would be sad if your family members
start to attack the Church as a:
straw church — a
church that doesn't exist.
If you are interested in what faithful Catholics believe, consider buying a cheap copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. . . then share
it with other family members.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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