What I Was Before I Became a Catholic
My father is a non-practicing Catholic and my mother is a non-practicing Methodist, so I grew up with some "glimpses" of Christianity, but not much. I attended Catholic school for two years (for the academics) and I studied all of the religions but never followed one.
Why I Converted to Catholicism
I was always drawn to Catholicism through my experiences with Catholic school and then teaching in a school that was run by sisters. I loved the traditions and rituals that unite all Catholics, throughout the ages and throughout all countries. I loved the idea of the Sacraments and that Catholics venerated Mary. Finally, I ended up at a Catholic church on Ash Wednesday. I received the Eucharist (I didn't know I wasn't supposed to) and I couldn't stop crying. I didn't fully understand what had happened but knew that I had encountered something profound.
How I Converted to Catholicism
I had studied all of the religions intently so I was familiar with Catholicism. Once I accepted Jesus, I knew the Catholic Church was the church I would want to be part of - only the Church has the Eucharist! I went through RCIA and was confirmed in February 2010 (right before my fourth baby was born). I have two close friends who were so patient in helping me with my doubts and questions and one is my baby's godmother. My husband was a non-practicing Catholic but has now come home.
Advice
- I was surprised to receive resistance from non-practicing Catholics who couldn't understand why I would want to go into the Church they left and this makes me so sad. I think sometimes converts have an easier time seeing the beauty of the Church compared to cradle Catholics because converts have made the choice as adults. The other obstacle is waiting to become Catholic. Once I chose Catholicism, I wanted to be a part of the community, right now! My advice is to read, pray, and in particular, pray the Rosary, even if you're not Catholic yet. See what happens!
