Changing religions can be a controversial topic, and I'm not here to preach. I just wanted to share my experiences with all of you as marriage often brings up the issue of religion.
I grew up in a small, southern and religious town, yet I never was a regular church attendee. I was never baptised, never a member of a church, but I was always curious. My parents raised us with morals and values, but we never went to church and we never really spoke of it much throughout my life. I believe my parents had some issues with religion in the past, so they raised us to be open-minded and never really set any guidelines when it came to religion.
When Mr. Hydrangea and I began getting serious, he asked me to attend church with him as it was important in his life. He grew up Catholic, my sister-in-law is a practicing Catholic (my brother, however, is not), and my Aunt and Uncle are also Catholic so I wasn't completely unfamiliar with the religion. Although I've had struggles with my faith throughout my life, I enjoyed attending Sunday Mass with Mr. H and I feel as though it brought us closer together and helped us to discuss topics that we might not have regularly discussed.
About ten months into our relationship, I decided to attend RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation), the process by which one must go through to become Catholic. Mr. Hydrangea never asked me to do so, and never voiced any concerns about our future together being affected by religion. To me, it was important that if we were planning on one day starting a family, that our religious values be on the same page. I admire those who will be raising their children in inter-faith marriages, but since I didn't previously have a faith, I knew I wanted to become Catholic.
(Mr. H and I on the night of my conversion)
So, after about 6-7 months of weekly classes, last year, on the eve of Easter Sunday, I was Baptised, Confirmed and received Holy Communion all in one night. It was a long mass (3-4 hours), but one of the most beautiful and moving nights of my life, thus far.
I'd be lying to you if I said that I didn't still struggle at times with my faith, but overall I am more at peace with myself then ever before. I know this was the right decision for myself, and for my future.
What sort of a part has religion played in your relationship? Are you converting to a new faith?
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