Becoming Catholic TestImonies 2025

- Sacraments

JOURNEYING HOME TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
At this year’s Easter Vigil, we joyfully welcome four individuals who will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Each of them has walked a unique path of faith, led by the Holy Spirit and supported by the love and witness of those around them. In the testimonies that follow, they share 1) what first drew them to the Church, 2) the challenges they’ve faced along the way, and 3) the moments of grace and discovery that have deepened their faith. Their stories are a powerful reminder of God’s gentle call and the beauty of saying “yes” to the journey home.
Jamin Ivers

1. My wife was raised Catholic and I have been attending the Catholic Church since we started dating (married for 12 years). I grew up in a non-denominational church, but we wanted to raise our family Catholic. Recently, I woke up on a Monday morning with a heavy stress from my job and the song “Living God” was stuck in my head from the Sunday service. I opened YouTube to hear that song, and got a strong message to cast my burdens onto the Lord and to trust in Him and His plan. That day I messaged Liz Lockhart about OCIA. I knew I was ready.

2. I didn’t understand the flow of Mass, nor did I understand the traditions and relationship with the saints. The OCIA classes, and specifically Liz and Father Jim’s openness to answer questions during our evening study sessions has been immensely helpful in building my understanding of the traditions, magisterium, dogma, and doctrine.

3. I am mostly surprised by the depth of taking part in the Eucharist, the power of the magisterium, and the lifelong sacraments. First, the meaning of the Eucharist, and the community oneness is much deeper than expected. Next, the importance of one, apostolic magisterium that represents the same interpretation of liturgy throughout the world greatly impressed me. Lastly, each sacrament helps each person live a more fulfilling life by deepening our relationship with God providing us more peace.

4. Why are you participating in OCIA at the Church of Saint Paul? The Church of Saint Paul has many unique characteristics which draw people in but also keep them coming back. Mainly, Father Jim has a way of connecting with the congregation unlike anybody I have seen before, not only from his homilies, but also from his welcoming demeanor. Next, the music and ability to praise/worship is like no others I have experienced. Music, to me, is a form of prayer and closeness with God and helps me feel the effects of the Holy Spirit.
Chad Stearns

1. Having been baptized Catholic as an infant, it has always been something I’ve wanted to pursue and “complete” my journey through confirmation. After a recent tragic passing of a loved one, I experienced a calling to open up to Christ and transform the suffering of a difficult loss into a restoration with Jesus’ love.

2. Like all great things, it requires effort to achieve new potential. It’s daunting how much depth and richness exists in Catholicism. Luckily, there are many incredible, gracious minds and resources available to help you grow in your faith at your own pace.

3. I’ve come to appreciate the gravity of the Catholic Church’s traditions and its ability to breathe true clarity in a cloudy world. It’s led me to challenge myself in new ways I hadn’t grasped before becoming Catholic.
Amanda Nissen

1. My fiancé Michael grew up Catholic and attends Mass every Sunday. I have been going to Mass regularly since 2019 with him. We will be getting married at this parish in May and I’m looking forward to continuing our Catholic journey together.

2. I grew up Lutheran, and there are certain teachings and practices that we did not have in the Lutheran church that took awhile to fully understand. By going through OCIA I have learned so much and they have answered all my questions. There is always more to learn and I’m excited to keep growing in my faith.

3. Before this process, I never fully realized how sacred and powerful the Eucharist is.
Kaylyn Rhode

1. The vision for our family started both myself and my husband on this journey for him to rejoin the Catholic church and for me to enter into it. We want our children to grow up having a strong relationship with the Lord —knowing him and His word and knowing and growing in his love. There was a deepening void at our prior church — feeling more distant in our relationships with the Lord and lack of connection as a spiritual family.

2. We have discussed as a cohort the key difference between Protestant and Catholic faith: Protestants believe that mere belief ensures heaven, while Catholics emphasize living the faith daily. The discussions with the group and further understanding of Catholicism has helped me overcome this shift in belief. I want to live a life of daily focus and to be the best person I can be, which cannot happen with my faith.

3. I have really come to appreciate the focus on the family and the gift of life. Being a Mom is such an amazing blessing and the Catholic faith really recognizes that and the importance of life at inception and that God has a plan for each of us from the very beginning. I cannot say enough great things about Family Formation at the Church of Saint Paul. My family looks forward to attending the first Saturday every month and we have all learned so much! In addition, the process to become Catholic has been such a rewarding experience. It has required dedication and focus — a challenge for me at times to set the time aside and really tune everything else out. I respect the Catholic Church and its deliberate mission to make sure all who enter understand the faith and what they are entering into. The process has allowed for questions, understanding, and acceptance and I am eager to continue building on my faith journey at the Catholic Church of Saint Paul.