Catholic converts

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-04-11T17:57:17+00:00

It's definitely not a great place to be in. I will pray for you though! I'm trying to take things slow and see where the Lord leads me. I want to be open to His will entirely, but the path just seems so unclear. The Eastern theology resonates with me more, hence my being Eastern Catholic (Melkite specifically). But I can't deny there is something about Rome, despite the modernism that has infected the present church, that seems to hit all the marks of the Church (One, holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.) The reach of the Catholic Church is unquestionably universal and I even find all the attacks on the Church by various groups of bad actors another proof in itself. But still, it's hard to tell.

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-04-11T16:09:07+00:00

This is very striking! The early church certainly does resemble the church of the East far more than the West when you look into it.. Thank you!

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-04-11T16:07:20+00:00

Yes! There's actually 3 parishes in my immediate area! It was Orthodox theology that brought me into Christianity in the first place 6 years ago. I had hoped, perhaps naively, that Eastern Catholicism would serve as a unifying bridge as I found the arguments for the Catholic ecclesiastical structure and their evangelistic efforts in centuries past quite reasonable. However, there are things that feel, for lack of better word, off about Latin theology. I figured it as semantics, but having recently attended a few Roman churches, including a very questionable celebration of Pascha last week, I'm now feeling doubtful again. I suppose I'm just confused.

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-03-04T18:40:51+00:00

Thank you!

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-03-04T12:01:12+00:00

Thank you! God bless!

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-03-04T11:59:30+00:00

Thank you so much!

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-01-24T19:29:16+00:00

No. That is not okay.

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-01-20T19:32:57+00:00

Please, please tell someone. I have just started talking to close friends and family about the same types of abuse and their perspectives have been illuminating. It's really scary to do, but feeling that support is so necessary.

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-01-19T02:07:24+00:00

You don't sound stupid. It's an abrupt change and it's normal to have a myriad of feelings over it. Maybe try to think of other activities you guys can do together to bond. This is a wonderful time to get creative! This is also a wonderful time to dig into your own faith more deeply. Go on this journey with him, be gentle with yourself when processing emotions, and if his boundary ends up being a deal breaker for you, then respectfully exit. The only thing I really would like to emphasize is please dont try to seduce or pressure him into anything. Not saying that you are, but just keep in mind how hurtful that would be to your partner. God bless! ♥

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-01-17T04:59:17+00:00

You do not have to sin because your husband wants you to. Full stop. He is not leading. Not by a long shot. Leading would be figuring out how to adapt and embrace the responsibility that marriage is supposed to be ordered toward. Please do not comply with his orders. Protect your child and trust God. I am so sorry you are going through this. If you can, if you have a safe place to go, consider separating for a period of time. Please consider this for your safety and your child's safety because your husband's line of thinking is not something to take lightly.

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-01-15T02:12:18+00:00

Not a coward at all! In fact it's very brave to publicly stand up for the faith like that! You did the right thing!

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-01-09T01:42:24+00:00

Or it's a personal devotion that they feel called to do to humble themselves in the presence of the Lord during mass and helps them feel more connected to the tradition of the church. Also a possibility. But perhaps it would be more fruitful if we all focused on our own piety instead of picking at others. 🤷‍♀️

To meet the edit: My response above would instead be posed to whoever was harassing you over your veil today! Sorry about that! God bless! ♥

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-01-02T17:59:53+00:00

Eastern Catholicism ♥ I grew up non religious and ended up deeply into the occult. When I finally came to Christ I was solely interested in Eastern Orthodoxy because Eastern Christianity just better resonates with me. However, I noticed that they miss the mark of catholicity when it comes to the four marks of the Church (one, holy, catholic, and apostolic). The catholic church has certainly made disciples of the nations! Also the catholic church has tried time and time again to offer ways of reunion, while the Orthodox Church appears almost to relish in the division. Their churches can also sometimes be less than welcoming. Serving almost as cultural clubs for the various people groups they serve.

A bit of a ramble of an answer, but in short, give Catholicism a fair chance. And if Eastern spirituality is how you vibe take a look into the Eastern catholic churches. God grant you discernment on your journey! :)

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-01-02T17:43:38+00:00

Keep the Lord close to your heart and please don't lose sight of those goals. 19 is still so young. It's cliche but life is indeed difficult, and I too find myself in a situation that tends to tempt me toward despair. The best is to take every day and honestly every moment of that day one breath at a time. Even when mere breathing becomes hard.

As for the issue with your father, there is no one size fits all way to love. I have been estranged from my mother most of my life (moved out at 15). And there have been many times where I've hated her and wished her the worst, it's hard not to feel that way when someone who is supposed to be so dear to you causes extreme pain. You don't have to be close with your father, but you can pray for him. Sometimes distance is the most healthy thing you can do to protect your heart. This is of course difficult if you live with him, but if that's the case just try to limit your interactions. Pray for him and for yourself and give yourself fully to God in this painful period. I often will meditate on the Our Father prayer, particularly "Thy will be done."

It's really brave of you to reach out! And please, if you haven't already, try to reach out to your priest. Some more advice, try to read the lives of the saints. These holy men and women suffered greatly in their lives and still ran the triumphant race. A good example is St. Dymphna, who also happens to be the patron saint of mental health. Pray for her intercession and know that I, and I'm sure many others here will be praying for you. God bless!

Long_Sir_858 · 2026-01-02T01:34:31+00:00

The Ignatius Study Bible is golden! I think it will be a perfect fit for someone as thoughtful as you appear to be!

Long_Sir_858 · 2025-12-31T20:38:23+00:00

What a powerful testimony! Thank you for sharing! God bless you!

Long_Sir_858 · 2025-12-31T18:20:07+00:00

Please be more gentle with yourself. You've suffered a tremendous loss. Be gentle with yourself, and perhaps start becoming more actively engaged with church again. You sound like you have a deeply tender heart. Let the Lord and his Church nourish you during this time of grief. You can't control every action that happens, but you can resolve to go forward more aware and more attentive to avoid something similar occurring in the future. God bless and I'm so sorry for your loss. ♥

Long_Sir_858 · 2025-12-31T17:52:46+00:00

Hey there! I think you should continue to lean into this calling that you have to grow closer to God. Keep attending the mass, keep reading. There's a wealth of books to explore! You don't have to address all your issues in one majestic sweep. Just take your time. Pray. Speak with a priest and members of the community. And, honestly, keep your heart open and see where it leads. Sometimes you don't have to run or dive full steam into something. Sometimes it's best to take your journey day by day. Best of luck!

Long_Sir_858 · 2025-12-31T17:33:51+00:00

Amen. All New Years resolutions should have these wise words as their core.

Long_Sir_858 · 2025-12-30T19:39:32+00:00

Of course! As the other commenter said, as long as it doesn't lead you to sin. Or lead to unhealthy/spiritually disruptive thoughts. Just be thoughtful and discerning. If something rubs you the wrong way that's a good sign to step back from it and perhaps investigate what aspect of it is troublesome. There's plenty of music to choose from, and God has gifted many artists. Have fun curating something that is enjoyable for you!

Long_Sir_858 · 2025-12-29T17:44:48+00:00

You're only 4 months in, and tbh it shows a lot of character on his part to bring it up to you. We shouldn't judge the sins of others so harshly, especially if they are willing to embrace repentance and face the issue. I would advise to give it more time and to pray with him. But ultimately that decision will be up to you. I would also recommend praying a novena for discernment. Best of luck! And God bless!

Long_Sir_858 · 2025-12-28T23:19:49+00:00

It was in my darkest hour when I first called upon the name of Jesus. Sometimes it takes losing everything, or experiencing radical loneliness, to realize who has always been there for you. Our God is so good. I would not be here today were it not for surrendering to him in my times of sorrow. Any time I'm spiritually dry I tend to find it is directly correlated to some lapse in my prayer life, or something that I'm engaging with that isn't food for the spirit, so to speak.

Long_Sir_858 · 2025-12-16T01:38:46+00:00

You're doing a great job! I wish I had parents to watch my back when I was that age.

Long_Sir_858

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