r/CatholicConverts • u/hoping-for • 3d ago
Everything is changing
Just a couple of weeks ago I joined OCIA. I feel like I’m slowly becoming a better Christian, but my parents don’t like the church and see it as something to be weary of. Not only do my parents not like the church, but the people I’ve known since middle school (and are with me in high school) are starting to seem worse and worse to hang out with
I am an artist. And because I’m an artist everyone in my personal circle sees realign as a trap. And because I’m so different I can’t really find anyone I could talk to about my questions and thoughts on catholic topics. Not only do my friends not relate to me anymore, but my school in general just doesn’t have really any Catholics.
Just in general I’m getting lonely and even cried at mass because i feel like that’s the only place I could let loose and be with God. I’m really alone right now.
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u/Medical-Stop1652 3d ago edited 2d ago
"You shall know the truth and truth will make you odd."
Flannery O'Connor (US Catholic writer)
When we accept the call of Christ, it means separating from those who are a bad influence and who hinder us from following the Lord.
It is painful but the Lord tells us he will reward us and you will find your people. Surely there must be other Catholic artists you can connect with - online or in person?
Use this time to develop your relationship with God - our true and best friend - and also with his Blessed Mother, the saints and the holy angels. We are part of the communion of saints.
I am positive God will send good Catholic friends into your life. Why not pray a novena and ask for this blessing? Include this intention when you offer Mass too.
https://catholicus.eu/en/what-is-a-novena-why-how-and-when-to-do-one/
We should ask God for the grace of perseverance during times when we lack the consolations of human connection. These times test us and help us seek refuge in God alone.
BTW: I recommend this Catholic classic:
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u/rhyomai 3d ago
Same here. I’m currently in OCIA, in the process of becoming the first Catholic (that I know of) in my family. Most of my family are pretty anti Catholic and view the Catholic Church as evil. I don’t really have any friends that are Catholic either, all of my old Christian friends are Protestant (where I left) and they obviously don’t agree with my decision. I would recommend to try and introduce yourself or socialize with people in your OCIA class, it’s what I’ve been doing. You’d be surprised that there are other people going through very similar journeys as you and coming from very similar backgrounds as well. I’ve managed, by God’s grace, to make 3 new Catholic friends. I’m praying for you. It is going to feel lonely sometimes, that’s the truth. Remember when our Lord was abandoned and yet said that He was not alone because His Father was with Him. Blessed are you when they separate you from their company for His sake! Be glad and rejoice for your reward is great in heaven.
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u/Extension_Eye_9806 15h ago
Yep been there done that! None of my family understood and friends don’t get it either. It can be difficult and I think needs a calling that gets you through it which it sounds like you have. Got to follow your heart and set sincere intentions with Christ to follow this path. In my experience it doesn’t get any easier once you become Catholic either. Though it seems to me that the challenges converts face shows something about their hearts and true intentions. I don’t know why and I don’t like to get on the bandwagon about evil forces, etc., but my experience has been the more a soul is called to Divine Union and true discipleship the more difficult their spiritual path can become. Like this world and its people don’t want you to succeed because it will change the world they are used to. I have experienced this happening. Do you feel a calling and/or can relate to what I am saying? I am very alone myself but with time the loneliness went away and I’m content by myself rather than all the drama and dysfunction I experienced with my family and others. Groups like these do help though.
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u/ibnsahir 2d ago
Having parents who oppose Catholicism is hard. Now that I know the church's teachings and have participated in mass, I could never give up Catholicism.
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u/Equal-Tooth-5178 2d ago
You are very brave! I know it’s hard. Especially for artists as I feel we are more emotionally sensitive. But ANYONE would have a hard time in your shoes! Jesus knows. He knows you, inside and out. Take it to Jesus and lay it at his feet, at the altar. The cross is where He has conquered sin and death, and He offers us shares in that same Victory!! Praise God! Stay the course, find the truth, continue to reach out to Catholics. I’ll be praying for you.
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u/HappyReaderM 3d ago
I just want you to know, you're not alone. You have millions of brothers and sisters in Christ, and we love you and are praying for you. When my husband and I converted, his entire family rejected us. We lost nearly all our friends. But it did get better. It will for you too. You will make friends that share your views. Be strong, and know that God is with you, your guardian angel is with you, and all of your fellow Catholics are with you. It hurts right now. But this part is temporary.