The joy of conversion, Christian community, and the Catholic faith
“I suggest that you use the experiences of the last few months. What has the Lord brought you through in the last couple of months? Think of one particular incident. Specifically, what story can you share of how God has given you hope when you needed it? Maybe, like me, you failed to trust him at times when you were so unhappy. Did he abandon you or reveal his merciful love to you in an unexpected way?”
Latest posts: Cause of Our Joy: How Mary helps us share our story – I discovered Mary’s place in my life and in the Church quite late into my life-long conversion as a Catholic. I began paying attention to what I accepted in my head but never got to my heart, like the importance of Mary. NewEvangelizers: Butterflies at Wal-Mart? Her touch seemed to freeze us in time. I barely was aware of the noisy crowd as if the three of us were invisible to them. Friars Corner: Jesus wants to be our best friend and savior – May the Holy Spirit pierce your heart and mind in these first days of the New Year with great amazement for all that God does for us each day. May you spend a little time each may just loving the Trinity from the depths of your heart. Prayer Companion: Come, Holy Spirit – How do we acquire the Holy Spirit when we are alone, frustrated, and confused? A prayer that works anywhere, anytime: “Come, Holy Spirit!” This calms us and brings us into communion with God. The Gate of the Year – And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” Best of 2019: I wanted an Everyday Church – I wanted to be part of that original church, to be in close relationship with Jesus like those kneeling, receiving his body and blood as often as they could, to know about saints and martyrs who went before us in faith.
Kendra was a cradle Catholic but without understanding or practicing the doctrine or engaging in the sacraments. This gifted, rich party girl, whose career and worldliness controlled her life, had a passion for well-being which led her to go on a diet that cleansed her body as well as her spirit. Following the plan, she went back to Catholicism by attending the nearest Catholic church for Easter Sunday Mass with a hangover and not sure what to do during Mass. She continued to go to Mass while catechizing herself.
She empathizes with others who might want to return to the church, telling them, “Jesus meets you where you are.”
Her description of her confession after 26 years is priceless:
It was as if I was fainting but still upright and coherent. I felt a bit like I was floating, yet I remained on my knees. My whole body radiated with a sense of peace .. like the best drug I have ever had.
