1. Religion & Spirituality

"As Soon as I Walked Through the Door, I Knew I Was Home Again"

Reader Stories: Why I Converted to Catholicism

From Galiena Anderson-Lind

What I Was Before I Became a Catholic

I was Lutheran (ELCA)

Why I Converted to Catholicism

My parents were "holiday Lutherans," so I didn't attend church regularly, but I was required to be confirmed Lutheran. When I was little, my Catholic best friend would bring me to Mass at her parish every weekend. I kind of grew up in that church. Then, when I became an adult, I had the job of caring for mentally disabled adults, and one of my duties was to take this specific individual to this same church I grew up in on Sunday mornings. As soon as I walked through the door, I knew I was home again. Soon after that, I went through the RCIA program and became Catholic. Now my youngest daughter is Catholic as well.

How I Converted to Catholicism

I chose to convert to Catholicism because I had been searching all my life and I felt God's call upon me to come home to the Catholic Church. I have been a Catholic now since 2007, and I am constantly learning new things about my faith. Attending church, receiving the Eucharist, and being a part of the Body of Christ is such a blessing. The only regret I have is that I didn't make this choice earlier.

Advice

  • Ask questions. No question is a bad one.
  • Pray without ceasing. The Holy Spirit will guide you and give you a sense of peace about your decision.

Scott P. Richert, Catholicism Guide, says:

What a great story, Galiena. The example of Galiena's best friend is one we should always keep in mind. We should never be reluctant to invite friends to attend Mass with us; that may, in fact, be the best way to expose others to the truth of the Catholic Faith.
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