Catholic vs Baptist + Marrying young

Are you so very set against a long engagement? It would give you time to save money, attend the counseling, and build a solid foundation for the future if you wait until you're done with your educations and established in your respective careers.

I'm not a devout anything so I can't comment on the religious aspects here. But it is a medical fact that your brain doesn't stop developing until your mid 20s, so a lot could change in the next ~5 years. I don't mean that you can't make decisions or have a serious relationship, but only that the next few years may bring you a lot of change.

I completely side with you here. You know if you know that he is the one and just because you're young doesn't mean you can't know that. It's VERY true that I'm different from when I was 18, but I also was straying from God... I am a Christian as well and as you know, being with/ without God changes EVERYTHING. I'm also pretty young (21). But you are strong in your faith it sounds like, and if that's true you are probably much more mature than many of our college age peers. I also understand that being actually married makes a huge difference for people of faith and you don't want to just wait years for what you already know you're ready for. My biggest advice from the info you gave is that you need to keep talking to God about this and definitely get married since you already know he is the one! keep asking for clarity on the details.

As far as marriage preparation goes, each diocese has its own particular policies on marriage preparation and even within each diocese it varies from parish to parish. Discuss the particulars with the parish you wish to get married in. I know that with my marriage preparation I only needed to attend a few meetings and a retreat and the bulk of this took place within a five month period. If you are in a long distance relationship, the parish should be able to accommodate that.

As far as your FH being baptist goes, is he willing to get married in the Catholic Church? Even if his family is uncomfortable with it, his opinion should have some weight. The rite of marriage usually used in a mixed marriage focuses on the Christian faith the couple shares and omits communion so that one spouse is not in the position of being unable to receive. I have to admit, I am as a general point of fact very in support of marrying in the Catholic Church, so do take my bias into account. I can also see that this is important to you. It is possible to receive a dispensation to marry outside a Catholic church if pastoral reasons deem it prudent. If you FH's family is opposed to marriage within a Catholic church, this could qualify. Again, it depends to some extent on the diocese.

As far as your families go, that's tough. I do encourage trying to build better relationships with your FH's family as well as your own. I know that's way easier said than done. If part of the reason for the difficulties with your family or FH's family is your age, then act in a very mature and thoughtful manner. Be courteous even if others are rude to you. It will take time (probably a lot of time), but if people see you consistently acting maturely then they will start thinking of you as a mature person. (I'm also not trying to imply that you don't act maturely already.) Be courteous even when others are rude. Build bridges with people by focusing on what you agree with. Try explaining your point of view when someone seems open to it. Back off if the mood changes. It's general advice, but I hope you are able to find it some use.

You and your FH share a faith in Christ together. This is a wonderful thing in and of itself and can also be an advantage to your relationship. Pray together. Live your lives in such a way that Christ is at the center of all you do.