EVERYBODY HAS A STORY
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I have tried to tell the story of my journey to the Catholic Church. And words always fail me.
I was raised as a protestant.
Suffice it to say, I was the very model of how to mess up a life.
I stumbled into St Theresa's in Austin, Texas, because I knew the doors would be open. I only thought to find the closest Catholic church because I had just watched a nun on TV (yes, it was Mother Angelica of EWTN) and she was saying God will always take you back...and I knew she meant me.
And so on a September day in 1992, I found myself on a kneeler in St Theresa's. I was sure this was my last hope. I hoped all I had seen in older movies was true...that I would find some peace.
In an amazing and surprising way...I did. I still had many hard days to get through to get out of the hole I had dug for myself, but I made it. I began RCIA in Oct of that year. I read everything I could find and I found myself falling in love with Jesus and His church.
I was received into the Church at Easter Vigil 1993.
What has been most surprising of all...is that the is no end to the depth of His Church...no bottom of the ocean in His grace.
I am now a lay Dominican. I made my two year profession in August 2010.
There is no better, deeper, wilder, richer, amazing journey than this walk of faith.
May God grant grace to all seekers to find His radiant fullness in this beautiful family of the Catholic faith.
May God Bless you Fr. Barron, and all who endeavor to strengthen us, and lead the way for those searching.
- Karen K., Salt Lake City, UT United States -
I had become disenchanted with the Catholic Church in my youth because the nuns told us if you weren't Catholic, you wouldn't go to heaven; my brothers were admonished for the normal growing-up function of "pleasuring oneself" which was a "sin" in the Catholic Church among other things, and when I left a bad, abusive marriage I was told I would not be received at the communion rail (mind you, this was in 1980) and my mother who bore my beloved brother at 42 was told her decided use of birth control was against the church's teachings and she would be ex-communicated. When I finally found the man of my dreams after being nine (9) years on my own, I joined the Episcopal Church (TEC). Now that the church is fractured on political ideology and has abandoned its Traditional Orthodoxy save an effort by the Anglican Council, I am feeling disenfranchised and have not attended church, except for the Holidays, in years.
I am (as is my husband) seriously considering a return to the Traditional Catholic church (no folk masses, or proselytizing on liberal ideological nonsense, etc.)
We yearn, like others, to return to the original church and the fundamental understanding of Christ's teachings, either through the Catholic Church or the Traditional Orthodoxy of the Episcopal Church, not the faction that TEC has become.
- Laraiza A., Southington, CT United States -
When I was young I was not religious because my parents also were not also religious. My family seldom went to Holy Mass so I grew up not close to the Church. When I was 24 yrs old I was sick and I said the God that if I got healed I would serve Him. I got healed but I searched God outside the Catholic Church. I landed to a cult which made me suffered but miraculously I was moved out from that cult. After my confession to a priest I experienced healing and restoration of life. My debts were paid. My family got a new house and I found a job. God is great and He is with Catholic Church.
- Jacinto B., Tagbilaran City, Philippines -
We’re the People of God
My name is Maxine Miller, commonly known in computer circles as Jmax because of the Jmax Bits computer newsletter I send around the world.
I was born on Sept 15, 1934 in a rural area of Jefferson Davis County near Prentiss, Mississippi.
Age 4 was a most important year of my life. It was at this tender age that I heard Jesus calling my name and went forward during a revival at Mt. Zion Methodist Church to received Jesus as my personal Savior.
During my teenage years, besides working very hard on our little farm, I was leader of our MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship group), sometimes Sunday school teacher and often times substitute ‘preacher’ for Mt. Zion Methodist Church. My life then as now, was filled with interacting with others. I could not imagine then as now living without community. I need community as surely as I need air to breath.
In college, I was taking a required course in Philosophy during the fall semester. The prof was not very popular as he was known as “really tuff”. The main requirement for the course was to do a paper on one of the great philosophers which would count as 90% of your entire grade for the course. No one had chosen to do their paper on St. Augustine. In my mind, I said, “I don’t give a hoot who this guy is, I’m not fighting for research material, I’m taking him”, St. Augustine. Little did I know that the whole course of my life was about to change.
I knew very little about Catholicism and what I knew was not positive. I knew that they drank alcohol, danced with the opposite sex all hugged up, expected the priest to forgive their sins and had strange food laws, all of which was off limits to a good little Methodist girl from Prentiss, Ms.
However, before I finished that paper, I had begun to ask questions in my religion classes about Catholics and what they believed. Not getting answers, I gathered my courage with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to visit a nearby Catholic church and asked to speak with someone who could answer some questions about Catholicism. Soon coming down the long dark hallway I heard footsteps and a clanking sound. A man dressed in a blank gown wearing sandals and with a rope of wooden beads appeared. The clanking I heard had been the Rosary beads he wore. He looked really strange to this little country girl. But God had sent me here for answers to St. Augustine’s probing dialog and I wasn’t about to let go without those answers. This began a bi-weekly session of questions and answers. The priest never gave more than the answers to my questions. I don’t even remember him smiling or exchanging any chitchat….just answers. Upon reflection, I wonder if this really was a ‘priest’…???
I also talked with a number of my professors who tried to persuade me I was making a big mistake to even look into Catholicism. That in itself posed a big question for me…there must be a reason….what was it….
When I went home for Christmas…the paper was done…the questions were asked and I was a mess!!!!! I told my parents what had happened…They were very upset and would not even discuss this outrageous idea….The word spread quickly and I was suddenly an outcast in my own church community. One church member even dropped to his knees before me and begged me to not make this terrible mistake…..What was I to do? I was 19 years old…these were mature adults whom I loved and respected…yet my heart was dragging me toward this UNKNOWN…..
So I went to New Orleans, got a job in an insurance company, and went to the Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua on Canal Street. There I told the person at the desk of my desire to learn more about the Catholic Church. He told me that they had RCIA classes that met once a week but he didn’t think that was for me.
Next Tuesday when I arrived, he said that there was a priest who had been hurt in a bad auto accident, burned over 80% of his body who was recuperating there and he had agreed to take me one on one to learn more about this church so I could make an informed decision about the rest of my life. I agreed. Soon I again heard the shuffling of sandaled feet and clanking of wooden beads. This time, however, it was a short little priest dressed in a white gown. Later I was to learn that he was a Dominican and this church was under the direction of the Dominican friars.
Twice weekly for the next 6 months Fr. Pendis and I met. At first, it was questions later it was the Baltimore Catechism. This was the most devastating time of my life and the most exhiliarting time of my life. I was totally alone. No family, no friends, a strange city, barely getting by on the job I had. Without a degree my education thus far appeared to be a waste. Fr. Pendis gave me a booklet on the rosary and in the gift shop I found a little book on Mary. She became my mother during that time. When school began that fall, I rode the streetcar to work, crying and saying my rosary because I could not go to school and had absolutely no earthly idea what was to happen to my life but I knew I could not turn back. I knew I had found the Church established by Christ when he said to Peter, “To you I give the keys of the kingdom”…. And I also echoed the response of Peter when after that first consecration, and most of the Jews went away upon hearing they were expected to eat His body and drink His blood when Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “And you, will you also leave me?” and Peter responsded, “Lord, to whom would we go, you only have eternal life”. I knew that I had found what St. Augustine found under the bush there in the garden……(quote).
I received conditonal baptism since I assumed I had already received infant baptism Each time we sing that song, “At that First Eucharist” my mind travels back to not only when Jesus proclaimed this bread to be His Body and His Blood of the new covenant, but also to my first Eucharist. I would say without any hesitation, that day was the most outstanding day of my life. It was a plain, sunny ordinary day in New Orleans there on Canal Street at ST. Anthony’s church but it was far from ordinary to me…my Lord, my Saviour deigned to come to me…a mere creature and to give Himself to me under the appearance of bread and wine…to confirm the covenant He made with me way back there in that upperroom because He desired to be with me, more than I can every desire to have Him with me. So great is his love for each of us individually and for us as CHURCH.
Update: 9/20/2011
I did go back to college and get my degree and then did a 12 month internship and became a registered MT(ASCP) = Medical Technologist per the American Society of Clinical Pathologist.
I was active in my Church and enjoying having time to volunteer at Catholic Social Services. When the nun was reassigned to Italy, I was hired as Executive Director of this 5 parish Deaneary CSS. During my time we received the State award for work done for the homeless. Also, I invited CNN to come and learn of the terrible conditions of the migrant workers in the peach industry and the potatoe farms. They created a documetary which they named Slavery in our Times which aired nationally 3 times to bring attention to the plight of migrant workers.
During these years I married, had 5 children. The children were now grown and on their own, my husband had retired, so we moved to The Villages, Florida.
In Florida I was looking around expecting Our Lord to find work for my hands. The assignment came as a person to help seniors learn to use and maintain a computer so that they might have a way of communicating with friends and relatives often and a means to obtain anything they needed as their health failed and they became more homebound. In this endeavor, I created a news letter, Jmax Bits, with computer tips and other info of interest to help them use their computers. This free newsletter is still active today and has subscribers in most countries around the world.
Last week I celebrated my 77th birthday.
- J. Maxine M., The Villages, FL United States -
Where is the schedule for Texas - Houston - not on the chart on the Schedule?
- Kathy H., Houston, TX United States -
Having eagerly awaited for the delivery of the Catholicism series in the mail...they finally arrived last week! After quickly downloading them to my iPad so I could watch them after work (I travel all week throughout the state of AZ), I dove into episode 1. To say I was blown away is an understatement. This film WILL change the way we and others view ourselves and the Catholic Church.
Having been raised in a devout Protestant congregation and traveled the mid-west with an evangelical singing group, I witnessed many different denominations and forms of Christianity. I always felt that something was missing. After hearing John Michael Talbot sing and share his inspirational life story,I understood what the "gap" in my search was...I needed to get back to the original church and the fundamental understanding of Christ's teachings. To me, this is through the original apostles and the communities they formed. This is now what we call the Catholic Church.
Fr. Barron's description of the "church" as a living organism that is fully connected in every facet of life truly struck a chord with me. I feel very compelled to share this message with my Catholic friends and Protestant friends.
Thank you Father Barron. I look forward to seeing you again soon (St. Pat's in Scottsadle is always open for you to visit again).
- Ron H., Scottsdale, AZ United States -
Baptized and raised Methodist. Went to church, Sunday School etc until about 18 years old. Inactive for years but still believed in the Trinity and prayed if needed. Married Catholic woman and promised to raise my children in the Catholic faith. We did everything and they were confirmed etc.. Hurricane Katrina hit and we took on 3.5' of water in our home. Many other things happened, but I started saying small prayers like God, please help Yvonne and I make it through the next day. Many more small prayers that were answered. The Holy spirit touched me and got my attention. I started going to St. Jane De Chantal in Abita Springs La. and decided to become a Catholic, They have a great RCIA program there and I started before Easter of 2010. Went to mass and classes every week and knew I really wanted to convert. This was the best decision I have made in my whole life. I previously went to mass, but didn't understand. I didn't understand why I couldn't take the Eucharist , but did after all of the training/classes. I am so happy I made the decision I did. God was directing me - I have a long way to go, but I am praying and trying harder every day. I can't praise the folks at St. Jane enough - what a great great group of folks. I have learned so much, but realize the process is ongoing. I am so proud to be a Catholic.
- John D. S., Covington, LA United States -
I'm not Catholic in fact I've never been baptized but both my wife and daughter are. I interested in learning more about being a Catholic and Catholicism in general. I believe in Jesus Christ is our savior, but I'm confused as to why there are so many denominations that have spun off of the Catholic faith. I want to make the right decision not only for my family but for my soul.
- Roy S., Kirkland, WA United States -
If you want to make God laugh, Tell him your plans!
I am a catholic from tradition. When I was younger we would go to mass every single sunday and I would attend Bible study so, I can receive my sacraments. I would tell my mom that when I grew up I would become a catequist. After my first communion God and my religion became a memory. For about fifteen years I knew nothing of God and my family and I went through a dark period. I had set m mind to becoming a doctor. About a year ago I attended a retreat and I had my conversion. I know realize that I do not want to become a doctor, I want to be a catholic school teacher! God works in amazing ways and sometimes what we decide is not what he wants for us.
- Andrea J., Memphis, TN United States -
As a child my Catholic faith was based on the fear of hell. That weak foundation crumbled and for about 45 years I was away from all religion. I stayed away due to my inability to understand the Misteries of the Faith. Then, after retireing I got a dog. One day while thinking about God, I looked at my dog lieing by my side and it was as if the dog spoke to me. What the dog "said" was "just as I can not understand many things that you humans can, you can not understand the Misteries of the Faith". I got the message and, with great fullfillment, returned to Catholicism. It was good to find that todays' Catholic Church is rooted more in the love of God than the fear of hell.
- James H., San Diego, CA United States -
My Story
- Vincent Jordan Niklaus T., Santa Rosa, Philippines -
I, my husband and four children, are recent converts. I was raised United Methodist, but considered myself an Evangelical for all of my adult life. I came to Japan with the desire to be a missionary, and had been firmly ensconced in the Evangelical community here for roughly 15 years. My husband was raised cultural Buddhist, but was baptized in a Protestant church as an adult, and is a teacher at a Protestant mission school (even now). About two years ago we both started studying about the Catholic church, and to make a long story short, both fell in love with the mass, began having a strong desire for the Eucharist, and knew that we had to become Catholic. I am still amazed that God brought me to the Catholic Church in a country where only about 1% of the population is Christian, and only roughly half of that is Catholic! Thanks be to God!
What I really want to know is: when will we be able to get this series with Japanese subtitles? I would absolutely love to see this being shown and studied in parishes all over Japan!!!
- Sue U., Saitama, Japan -
I'm a cradle catholic. I was raised in Denver Colorado. I attended St. Joseph's Polish elementary school and church. Mass was in Latin homily in Polish. My four years of High School were at Cathederal High also taught by nuns and priests. I went into the service for 6 years then married. We had two children who were baptized then religion fell away somehow. I got divorced and for the next 20 years did not attend mass. In San Diego I started to attend Fr. Maximillion Kolbe Mission, Polish Church in Pacific Beach California. I was married again and could not receive communion. I attended church on Sundays but the other two sacraments I could not partake. I moved to Poland and then returned to the US. I got divorced and immediately went to confession after 20 years. It was a great relief and put me at piece.
I attend a small church here in TN St. Bridget's. It was my first confession face to face. I have been one of the regular readers at mass now. It is great to be back in the church and whats more to stop offending God and live in grace, especially if something should happen to me. It is interesting ab out the response changes coming this advent season. They are the prayers I remember from the past. So I'm ready to go.
- Kuba P., Evensville, TN United States -
I'm a cradle catholic. I was raised in Denver Colorado. I attended St. Joseph's Polish elementary school and church. Mass was in Latin homily in Polish. My four years of High School were at Cathederal High also taught by nuns and priests. I went into the service for 6 years then married. We had two children who were baptized then religion fell away somehow. I got divorced and for the next 20 years did not attend mass. In San Diego I started to attend Fr. Maximillion Kolbe Mission, Polish Church in Pacific Beach California. I was married again and could not receive communion. I attended church on Sundays but the other two sacraments I could not partake. I moved to Poland and then returned to the US. I got divorced and immediately went to confession after 20 years. It was a great relief and put me at piece.
I attend a small church here in TN St. Bridget's. It was my first confession face to face. I have been one of the regular readers at mass now. It is great to be back in the church and whats more to stop offending God and live in grace, especially if something should happen to me. It is interesting ab out the response changes coming this advent season. They are the prayers I remember from the past. So I'm ready to go.
- Kuba P., Evensville, TN United States -
My Story
- Sandra G., Dublin, Ireland
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Dave Brenner responds to William J. Bennett's article on the CNN website about "Why Men are in Trouble," offering some valuable suggestions on how to reverse the trend. Fr. Robert Barron's Word On Fire - Culture: Let’s get our act together, fellas
www.wordonfire.org
Today, on the Word on Fire blog, contributor Dave Brenner responds to a recent article about women outpacing men in education and the workplace, and urges his male contemporaries to "think different" when it comes to responsibilities to family, work and spirituality.
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Excellent Documentary. -
Is there a way to get the Catholicism Series available for mobile devices like Ipads etc... -
Bobby Mixa gives some philosophical food-for-thought on today's blog post. Read it to learn more about "personalism" and Emmanuel Mounier... Fr. Robert Barron's Word On Fire - Philosophy: Personalism and Emmanuel Mounier
www.wordonfire.org
Word on Fire's resident philosopher, Robert Mixa, shares his thoughts on the philosophical theory of personalism and how it relates to Christianity, most notably in the influential works of Emmanuel Mounier, in today's Word on Fire blog.
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We attended a viewing of the first episode at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church yesterday. Catholicism is a triumph! Can't wait for the next episode...
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Tune in October 2...http://t.co/UCJ7FkIs -
http://t.co/2aQOYxUv - Article on Father Barron and the Catholicism series. -
Father Barron interview in National Review today...http://t.co/Xao4XCga -
If you live in the D.C. or Maryland area, Catholicism is airing tomorrow night, check it out....http://t.co/4EMI3nqq -
World Over Tonight: Father Robert Barron on his new Catholicism series and your questions about the news of the week. EWTN 8PM Live...
