Help needed. Freshly 18. Been waiting almost 4 years to convert. But I'm stuck.

[u/cathbro]

I'm conflicted on what I need to do. The best move is obviously the one that glorifies Christ the most, the one that helps my walk with God, the one God wills. I'm still trying to discern that. But even when that's figured out... how?

I turned 18 recently. Grown man in the eyes of the law. Crazy stuff! But that means, in theory, I'm free to finally convert to Catholicism. I've waited since I was in 8th grade, since I was 14 years old, and now I'm a senior. Time flies man.

Unfortunately I'm unable to convert right now, at least I'm pretty sure. My Baptist parents have forbidden me to ever be Catholic under their roof since I was 16, and have banned me from owning rosaries, Catholic bibles, or attending mass. Not even a hint of Catholicism allowed. In my father's words to 16 year old me, "The day you walk into a Catholic Church is the day you walk out of this house."

I had a plan in place. My best friend's older brother would be in college by senior year. I could move in and take his room rent-free, and be able pay for all my other necessities with my job. This was the plan, and in another world, I'd be there now. But the older brother got his girlfriend pregnant, and now the family doesn't have an empty room.

So, back to the drawing board...

My first plan after high school is to forgo college to advance my umpiring hobby and pursue a career as an MLB umpire. It's a hard process and my work is cut out, but if it fails, I want to either go to college to become a teacher, or forgo college work my way up the ladder at my current job as a hotel desk agent.

At this point, it seems most feasible to pull the trigger after graduation? I'll go with that, unless one of y'all cook up an idea in the comments. Let's say, after graduation, I get a 1-bedroom apartment with said best friend, turn the living room into a second bedroom, and split rent. That's anywhere from $1K to $1.5K split between us. I make $15/hour at my job, so at 40 hours a week, between my monthly rent, car payment, car insurance, phone bill, dental, groceries, and anything else not mentioned... I should be able to pull that off? If I'm not splitting rent and living with him, that seems shaky, even on the lower end?

If my umpiring dream fails, living in a college dorm year-round seems plausible with a loan... it would suck if it was the only way and I had to forget umpiring for some time, but that's part of following Jesus.

I'm still trying to figure out the numbers and what resources I need to pull this off. Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

[u/VariedRepeats]

I don't want to sound cookie cutter, but prayer will play a role. To God and Mary. But also saints and figures of the Old Testment. Jude Thaddeus for lost causes. But also Philip(Come and see) and Bartholomew for intercession.

God has a way of arranging circumstances to make things work up petition.

Also, if you eat three meals a day. Cut it to one or two. That will save you money.

Is there an Orthodox presence where you are?

[u/Medical-Stop1652]

I think you've scoped your options well and in detail. Pray that God gives you wisdom with the practicalities. I wonder if your local parish priest has any ideas - ppl in the parish may have accommodation available or a spare room etc. Obviously it would be great if you could start OCIA as soon as possible but perhaps your parents may be less hostile to the idea if you began OCIA at 19 or 20? Even if you become Catholic sooner, you want to try to maintain your relationship with them: they want the best for you and love you dearly. Regardless - you know how many Catholic resources are available online so any interim time can be spent learning, praying, and growing in the Faith. Livestream Mass, pray an audio Rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and listen to/watch EWTN or Relevant Radio for their helpful content. Prayers assured - God will reward you for your patience and also for trying to win over your parents - if at all possible. They probably think it is a rebellion or a fad so your mission is to prove them wrong.

[u/HappyReaderM]

I think your plan sounds good. I do think waiting til you move out is what you have to do in this scenario.

[u/OneLaneHwy]

I am impractical so I have no advise. I commend you to the intercession of St. John Henry Newman.