Dear Marie,
I have just spoken with another young woman in almost the same situation as yourself, the same characteristics at home, but she is close to finishing her studies at a prestigious university and all her parents want is for her to be 'successful' - which means for them to make lots of money herself and marry someone rich as well- but she has felt for some years now the call to give her life to Christ and does not want to say no to him.
The first question I think you should find an answer to is, where is God calling me? It probably will no do much good approaching your parents before you have a good idea of where God wants you to go. Once you think you know where God is calling you, ask them (where you want to join) when they think you should. Some groups have high-school programs, for others you will have to have finished your CEGEP (I hope I got that right), and still others will want you to have finished college before joining. As you can imagine each of these possibilities puts you in a different situation regarding your parents. Then you should see how you can get more involved directly with the group from now. (Doing apostolic work with them, visiting them, etc...) so as to strengthen your call and to discern more concretely. Ask one of them to be your spiritual director, and as she gets to know you and your situation better she will be able to give you more concrete advice as regards your parents, when to tell them, and how. Naturally, anything you can do to bring your parents back to the faith will help their understanding of your call. I'll say a prayer for you. God bless. |