I used to work full-time for a Protestant, evangelical megachurch. Then one day, I found myself drawn to Catholicism. How that happened is a story for another time. For now, I want to share some insights if you, too, find yourself interested in the Catholic Church and discerning Catholicism.
First Things First
Before we go any further, I invite you to pause, breathe, and welcome the Holy Spirit into this conversation. You may be feeling a range of emotions as you peek into the doors of Catholicism, and I want to assure you that Jesus is with you and for you. He is faithful every step of the way.
Ultimately, only one voice matters—His. He is a Good Father, and you are His sheep. As you read this and discern a possible conversion, I encourage you to pray these words: “Jesus, all I want is You. Please reveal to me the truth.”
During my own conversion, I read books, watched debates, met with both non-Catholics and Catholics, and cried many times in prayer as the weight of this decision grew. So I hope you can trust me when I say, I understand how you feel.
But more importantly, so does Jesus.
Jesus is proud of your search for truth, sister. In John 14:6, we read that He is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” In the wise words of my former pastor, “There is only one reason to be Catholic; because it is true.”
The Dissemination of Truth
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen once said, “There are not a hundred people in America who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church—which is, of course, quite a different thing” (foreword to Radio Replies, p. ix).
This quote resonates deeply with me, because I used to perceive the Catholic Church to be something She was not. Discovering the truth changed my life in the best way.
In fact, I used to think many things in the Catholic Church were distractions, but I have come to find out that they are actually the opposite. The Mass, the Sacraments, the liturgical calendar, Mary, the angels and Saints, ornate churches, and sacramentals are profoundly beautiful gifts that point towards the truth that Jesus is Who He says He is.
You Are Not Alone if You Are Discerning Catholicism
These very Catholic things also offer us a sense of belonging. For the enemy tries especially hard to make us feel isolated. But sister, I assure you, millions of people worldwide are looking into Catholicism, asking similar questions, and finding a place in God’s family that welcomes them in. I hope you can take comfort in this!
My best advice is to pray for and seek out a supportive community. This can be found at your local Catholic parish or right here within the Blessed Is She sisterhood. Connecting with women at Blessed Is She significantly eased my own journey into the Catholic Church more than I could ever articulate.
A Good, Old-fashioned Phone Call
At some point soon, I hope you feel enough grace from Jesus to contact your local Catholic parish. You can simply say, “Hi, my name is _______ and I am interested in Catholicism.” God-willing, the receptionist will respond with a warm welcome and invite you to join their parish OCIA class (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), which offers a place to ask more questions about the Catholic Church. This is also the formal process for becoming Catholic.
You’re Just a Girl (Sheep)
“I’m just a girl” has become a popular internet phrase. I have personally started using it as a trendy way to say, “Jesus, I need Your help. I’m weak.”
In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep know My voice.”
Well, my sister, you are His sheep, and you are so loved! He will stay close to you as He leads you to the truth. He will speak to you and you can trust that, according to the Bible, you will be able to hear from Him.
After all, you are just a girl (His sheep!), and Jesus knows that better than anyone.
World-class Resource for Those Interested in Catholicism
While working on my bachelor’s degree in journalism, I learned the critical importance of using reliable sources. My professors taught me that one bad piece of journalism could ruin my reputation beyond repair. How much more seriously should we approach our spiritual journey and our own pursuit of truth?
When looking into Catholicism, half of the battle is finding trustworthy sources. Misinformation can spread like wildfire, so carefully vetting your source is of great importance. And I’m here to help you navigate this process.
One particularly trustworthy resource is Catholic Answers, a reliable hub for nearly every question you might have about Catholicism. Visit catholic.com for sound information on the Catholic Church’s teachings and on all things Christianity, especially for everyone interested in Catholicism.
A New Blessed is She Series: Catholicism for Catholics
There may be some here who have been baptized Catholic but who haven't been formed as much as they wish they had. Blessed is She has a new series for you, and it's called Catholicism for Catholics. This is for anyone and everyone discerning Catholicism or interested in Catholicism. Every month we'll break down a Catholic teaching for you and yours in an easy to understand, relatable, and joyful way (the Blessed is She way!).
Enjoy the intro video from Beth Davis right here:
Subscribe to Blessed is She's Youtube channel to stay up to date right here.
Justine Donahue is a wife, mother, and convert to Catholicism residing in sunny Florida. She holds a Master's degree in Catholic Theology and her life mission statement is 'to be an empty vessel used to reveal that Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life.' A former gymnast of many years, Justine can still be found walking on curbs, doing cartwheels, and coaching gymnastics in her free time. She is the self-proclaimed biggest fan of the Blessed Is She liturgical planner and is passionate about helping women discover the truth, beauty, and goodness of Catholic Christianity.
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