Testimonies
Kellen, 40 Years Old, Attorney
Previous Formation: Unbaptized
Growing up, my religious background was shaped by sporadic church attendance and a general belief in God, but I never experienced a deep-rooted faith or completed any formal religious education. While my family valued kindness and honesty, our spiritual life rarely reached beyond special occasions or holidays. Before OCIA, I struggled with doubts about my place in a church community, often feeling like an outsider. During OCIA, learning unfamiliar prayers, traditions, and key teachings sometimes felt overwhelming. Would I ever feel fully accepted or understand the depth of faith others seem to possess?
St. Augustine’s story especially resonated with me as someone who came to the Church later in life. His famous words, “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you,” felt profoundly true as I reflected on my own journey. Like Augustine, I searched for meaning and fulfillment in many places, only to discover a persistent restlessness that nothing seemed to soothe. Since my conversion, I have found a deep peace and contentment in God through the Church and through daily practicing my faith. Augustine’s teachings remind me it’s never too late to encounter Christ.
Through OCIA, I discovered how much Jesus loves each of us, no matter our past or insecurities. The classes opened my heart to His sacrifice, forgiveness, and constant presence. I now realize the “still small voice” has been with me all along—just as it was for Elijah—patiently present, inviting me to listen and guiding me, even in my unawareness. I was especially moved by learning about the sacraments and how they connect us directly to Christ’s grace. The kindness of my fellow candidates, the guidance from our priests, and witnessing faith in action helped me recognize that the Church is not just a building, but a family walking together towards God.
At the Easter Vigil, Father Steve sparked the blazing Paschal fire and filled the church with candlelight. That same flame now continues to burn within me, a living reminder of the light of Christ guiding my life forward.
Now, after baptism and OCIA, I want to continue learning through Bible study, serve others in my parish, and support those who may feel uncertain about their own journey. I am grateful for the grace, community, and guidance that OCIA has brought into my life.
Amy, 34 Years Old, Registered Nurse
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
Prior to OCIA, I longed for a deeper connection with God. My heart's strings had been tugging me toward a more traditional and rooted structure of the church. I grew up as a non-denominational Christian, and witnessing my loving grandparents, married for over 70 years, sitting in the pew hand in hand every Sunday inspired in me ideals of true love, a marriage centered in Christ, guiding their way. I have witnessed throughout my life how this God-centered marriage created an umbrella of protection and set an example of great morality and inspiration for their community.
Unfortunately, my father and mother separated, and as a young child, and a product of divorce, I was exposed to unsafe situations that caused me to cling to prayer. I knew in my heart of hearts that the love and tradition my grandparents emulated was the way. I have observed what a life lived without Christ could expose you to, and I have learned how those with Christ in their lives live under his protection and serve to protect others. I know that clinging to the mercy of Christ and observing His commandments can allow one to offer a glimpse of true love to others, and this is what we were created to do: to love our God and to love and protect one another.
OCIA has strengthened my vocation as a nurse to protect and love others in our community, as I strive to serve Jesus and emulate His sacrifice and love. The Community of believers in this parish and this program have embraced me with the Love of Christ and have strengthened me to return my face to Jesus in prayer and dedication. I am so blessed to be able to receive the Eucharist now! As Jesus offers himself to us each Sunday, I am deeply moved to
have Him in this way. I had been longing for a deeper connection, rooted in the truth, and I am blessed to have been able to see more of a glimpse of our beautiful creator and Savior, Christ, our King, and to worship him in a way in which he desires!
Lindsay, 26 Years Old, Engaged, Personal Investing Representative
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
Before OCIA, I was a practicing Non-Denominational Christian and had spent many years away from any type of faith, outside of just believing in Jesus. I was raised in a faith-based household but when I left for college, I also left that integral part of myself back home. I became obsessed with worldly things like image and relationships and after graduating I felt very lost. I moved to Arizona and started to rebuild my faith slowly but surely through friends and was lucky enough to be introduced to the Church via my now fiancé. His love for the Lord impacted me so deeply I had to learn more. I began reading the Bible and attending weekly Mass with him when I fell in love with the liturgy and procession.
I was caught off guard, due to my lack of knowledge of the Catholic faith and being raised in a very “anti-Catholic” family, of just how reverent every aspect was. It got to the point where I couldn’t deny it anymore, I wanted to be Catholic! I started OCIA and my eyes were opened even more, to the depth and beauty of prayer, the sacraments and how the Lord shows His grace to us, and truly just the bible brought to life in a way I never experienced before. Now, the love and peace that fills my heart every time I walkthrough those doors into the sanctuary, I can’t lie, I am a little bummed I had been missing out on it all my life till now!
The struggles I had in my life are now opportunities to let God use me for His plan, the good days are all for His glory, and my outlook on my future doesn’t revolve around menial things anymore. My whole life has changed and continues to change the deeper I fall in love with Jesus and the more I let Him show His love to me. Since OCIA finished, I have been called to a new path that amplifies the gifts I was given and allows me to help those like me that just need someone to show them love and understanding. I can’t imagine my life now without God guiding me and OCIA helped me to realize the unseen truths and beauty around me.
Maya, 33 Years Old, Married, Two Children, Software Sales
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
As a millennial woman, I once leaned into the “girlboss” mindset, prioritizing career over faith. Raised in the Episcopal Church, I cherished the community—singing in the children’s choir and serving as an altar girl—but college brought questions about faith. Without a clear grasp of the Bible’s broader story, I drifted toward cultural trends. After reconnecting with God and starting a family, my husband and I sought a church grounded in biblical truth, not passing fads. We wanted a faith that highlighted the Bible’s historical and spiritual depth. The Catholic Church, through OCIA, became our home.
I initially struggled with praying to the saints and Mary. OCIA clarified Mary’s role in Scripture as Jesus’ mother and a model for the Church. As a mom, I now appreciate her example and intercession, knowing my prayers always reach Jesus, with Mary offering guidance for the challenges of motherhood. OCIA deepened my faith through the Eucharist, the heart of Catholic life, where we honor Jesus’ sacrifice. This teaching encouraged me to approach Mass with reverence. The sacrament of Reconciliation has been equally transformative, bringing peace to my marriage and strengthening difficult relationships through God’s forgiveness. I now see motherhood as a calling to guide my children toward Heaven. I want them to find comfort in their relationship with Jesus, trusting that a prayer-filled family life offers wisdom no social media trend can match. My faith, once sidelined by worldly priorities, now anchors our family.
Heidi, 52 Years Old, Married, Corporate Fitness Manager
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
I was raised Lutheran. I enjoyed church as a kid but wasn’t personally invested in my faith until I agreed resistantly to attend a foursquare Pentecostal church with a friend in 1996 which led to powerful personal conversion experience. My husband was raised Catholic, and although he was not practicing at the time, we were married by his uncle (a monsignor) in the Catholic Church. Early in our marriage after my experience, I started listening to prominent anti-Catholic preachers and got all the wrong ideas. In late 2018 early 2019 my husband had a conversion and came back to his faith. He started coming to the Baptist Church with me after getting up early to go to Mass on his own, praying the rosary, etc. I was baffled and thought he should just read the Bible and figure out this Catholic stuff was nonsense. I could not deny the profound changes I saw in him. I started becoming unsettled in the Baptist Church and secretly started “researching” without ever asking him anything. The more I opened my heart to the truth, the more I was drawn in.
One Sunday in 2022 I offered to go to St. Thomas with my husband. He almost fell over. From the first moment I walked in, I knew I was home. Realizing that the Catholic Church is the one Jesus established was one of the most humbling moments of my life. Once I swallowed my pride, was also the most beautiful moments. Everyone in OCIA was so supportive! Learning the meaning of the sacraments, liturgy, the truth about the magisterium, intersession of the saints, and how the Marian doctrines really lead us to a full understanding of Jesus increased my faith more than I can say. My prayer life became more intentional and structured, and I began to crave communion. Understanding the meaning of covenant and true worship transformed the way I understand how Jesus is the bridegroom, and we (His Church) are both His body and His bride. There are not words to explain what it is like to truly experience the fullness of faith
After OCIA, I took several courses through ICT which continued the formation I received. I look forward to taking more, learning more, and sharing the great gift I have been given.
Kevin, 39 Years Old, Married for 19 years, 2 Children, Project Manager, Construction
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
Growing up I had no religious guidance. I believed in God but that is where my faith ended. After high school, I joined the Army, where I spent 9 years. I saw the world, met the love of my life and had two beautiful children. After the Army my family and I lived in Colorado for nine years and later moved to Arizona. We were living the American dream. Shortly after moving to Arizona the world around me came crashing down. While in the Army I was a paratrooper and experienced my fair share of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but none of that prepared me for the next few years that life had in store for my family, especially my daughter. My daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia.
My life went dark. I felt so lost and had no idea how I was going to keep going. I tried to stay strong for my family but found myself breaking down and confiding in one of my best friends who I had also served with. He is a devout Catholic. He helped me see life in a different way. He shared his faith with me and explained things to me that made life finally make sense again. I feel that this is where my faith journey started. Where everything started to come together. Through OCIA, my relationship with God flourished. I found peace and purpose. My darkness turned to light. My daughter’s battle was won. My life was made whole again and has never been better. My wife and I completed OCIA together and I’m proud to say that this past Easter my children were baptized and brought into the church as well. Looking back I honestly don’t know how I went so long without this light in my life. The Lord’s love is real and I am so grateful for his grace and sacrifice.
Samantha, 30 Years Old, Teacher
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
I grew Lutheran and attended Lutheran school from preschool until my freshman year of college. My family was incredibly involved in my church and school growing up. I received solid formation and took my faith seriously from a young age. Even so, I always had questions for my Theology teachers and sought to go deeper. I wanted to know the "why" behind what we did and believed. Many of those questions were given shallow answers or brushed off entirely. At one point in college, I stopped going to church, partially out of frustration, partially out of stubbornness. I didn't lose my faith in Christ, but I didn't see the point in going to church weekly when I could pray and read the Bible on my own.
Fast forward a few years and I felt like it was time to find a church home. I initially looked into going back to a Lutheran church, but I didn't agree with some changes that had been made. Then I looked into non-denominational churches, but those churches didn't line up with my beliefs on Holy Communion and baptism. Finally, I stumbled upon an interview of a Catholic bishop and things started falling into place. I dove into researching the Catholic Church for the first time in my life, putting aside the prejudices I had formed during my years in Lutheran schools. What I discovered amazed me: the questions I had growing up were being answered in a deeply logical, satisfying way. I realized the Catholic Church was the home I'd been looking for.
It took me another two years to join OCIA, because I'm stubborn and dislike change. When I finally did join, it felt like being back in some of my favorite Theology classes. Although I didn't have many questions at that point, I benefited from the questions others asked during class and the discussions we had as a group. Work that year was proving difficult, but class on Sunday gave me something to look forward to and helped me push through some really hard times. During Holy Week, I realized God had used OCIA to heal something within me and restore my hope in Christ. Being Catholic hasn't always been easy, but my faith continues to grow deeper and stronger. I've found my home in the Church Christ established.
Rebecca, 48 Years Old, Married, Paralegal
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
Prior to beginning OCIA in 2023, much of my Christian life had been spent trying out one non-denominational church after the other, with several long breaks in between. Throughout that time, I believed if I could just find the right fit, then I could settle in with the right place, the right people, and feel right about myself in my faith. Finally exhausted, I realized I was wrong. I knew deep down that it was me, that I had to make my relationship with Christ a priority, and that I was longing for something more that I wasn’t going to find elsewhere. I wanted an authentic, profound spiritual life, and after working through some of the myths that I had been taught about Catholicism, I decided I really wanted to open up my heart and mind to where it all began― the Catholic Church. To experience the Christian faith to the fullest, to learn of its amazing history and beautiful traditions, to appreciate the celebrations and special attention paid to all things concerning Christ and His Church, to immerse myself in the loving community of the Church, to be held accountable, and most importantly, to finally nurture my relationship with the Lord under the best guidance possible… and OCIA was the only way.
Having visited St. Thomas a few times as a guest, I reached out to the OCIA program, and it was warm and welcoming right from the start. Never intimidating, rather, it was open, encouraging, respectful, and met everyone where they were at on their individual journeys. The instruction was thorough and engaging, and I was even provided with a sponsor, who is now a great friend, since I came into the program without one. The OCIA team takes great effort to make the experience special, and that Easter Vigil truly became one of the best days of my life! OCIA laid a great foundation for me to spend the rest of my days building on. In fact, the classes were so enlightening, I followed up with the fall and spring ‘Study the Catechism in a Year’ classes, Called & Gifted class, summer Bible studies, and just became a new member of Sodality. Between work, family, and a long drive, the momentum OCIA brings has kept me wanting to stay connected. I am incredibly blessed!
Tina, 27 Years Old, Accountant
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
I grew up in a Lutheran home, but I was guilty of going to church for an hour and then not thinking about God the rest of the week unless I needed something. It wasn’t until I matured more as an adult and came to realize all the blessings in my life that I truly understood the depth of my being and that something greater was responsible for these blessings. I attended a Catholic University and surrounded myself with people who had such devotion to the teachings and were bountiful in their faith which truly peaked my curiosity in the Catholic Church.
The OCIA classes were very enlightening and covered the Bible and other Catholic prayers/traditions which were imperative for my foundation as a Catholic. Discussing each of the sacraments put things in perspective for me and truly made me recognize the gift we’re given through these encounters with Christ. Going through the classes as an adult really built upon what I had learned as a child but challenged me to conceptually think about the teachings and realize the magnitude of the miracles and gifts in our lives. The people I met during the class were all there for different reasons, but we all united in our quest for knowledge and truth through Jesus Christ.
I felt welcomed from the very beginning of OCIA and felt even more unified at the end having all gone through the same journey to accepting Christ into our lives and being disciples of his word. I feel a universal connection with other Catholics and have a new external demonstration of my faith through worship, service, and charity. I truly feel that this new relationship with God is one of love and trust; I have found such peace within myself and the world around me. I have overcome my anxiety over the unknown and have put my trust in God’s will. I feel tremendous love and truly take pleasure in the little things knowing that with God’s love, grace, and mercy, we can make it through anything. My journey has just begun, but OCIA was a crucial stepping-stone to help me in living a fulfilling Christian life.
Matt, 32 Years Old
Previous Formation: Baptized In the Catholic Church as an Infant
I was baptized Catholic as an infant and was in and out of the Church until my adult years. In 1999 I married a life-long Catholic. At that time, I started on the road to participating in the sacraments of First Eucharist, Confession, and Marriage with the intent of getting Confirmed at a later date.
Being a new parishioner in St Thomas I looked at different ministries. Knowing I needed to be Confirmed, I thought that the OCIA process would be a great way for me to understand the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church and be a great way to meet fellow parishioners.
The only thing I really struggled through the process was reconconciling Church teaching with my political values. I was able to reconcile the two. I have gotten to know Jesus on a different level, but more importantly I feel that I have gotten to know the Church on a different level. Having the fact in the back of my mind that I was never Confirmed, I always felt a little of an outsider during Mass and other Church functions. After going through the OCIA process, I now am more comfortable being involved. I believe that knowing the Church better and being more involved automatically brings you closer to Jesus.
Sandra, a 'Baby Boomer'
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
My experience of the Catholic Church was mixed before OCIA. Historically, the music and the art the Church has inspired speaks to me of the enormous beauty we can create when we reach for God. On the other hand, wars have been fought and power abused in the Church's name. Closer to home, my paternal grandparents were Catholic, and several great aunts were nuns. The Rosary sustained my grandmother. My father, on the other hand, believes Catholicism is the Great satan, and he and his two sisters left the Church. My own spiritual journey had taken me on many paths, as a Protestant, a Buddhist, a Sikh, a Native American.
I was attracted to OCIA after the Pope died. I had been fortunate to be in his presence at close range when he visited Chicago shortly after becoming Pope. Nobody knew then who he was. He stayed at the Cardinal's residence, a block from my house, and, out of curiosity, I walked my dog across the little park to see him. I was stunned to find myself in the presence of a Holy Man. The light poured off him. We went back for his blessing seven times. At the time of his death, I was glued to the news for a week. It brought me to my knees for reasons I couldn’t explain. A friend said I belonged in OCIA, and I went simply because I couldn't not go.
The OCIA process was a huge struggle of faith for me because I'd been raised since infancy to believe the Catholic church was terrible (and Dad was very vocal on the subject). I also had deep knowledge of the teachings of many other traditions. So the process forced me to re-evaluate almost every aspect of my belief system and identity.
In one class, we learned that the Catholic Church defines Original Sin as "the condition of separation from God." It was the best explanation of human experience I'd heard. During Lent, I came to realize that Jesus closed that gap -- that separation. He did it under amazing circumstances. In today's terms, He was fired from his job (as Rabbi), publicly humiliated (imagine the media taking pot shots), stripped naked, and nailed to planks without anesthesia. All the time, He never lost His connection with God -- He closed the gap. He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Wow! That role model works for me. Now I realize that I'm part of an unbroken connection directly back to Christ. I'm part of a wonderful local community. Best of all, Communion blows my socks off.
Carl, 41 Years Old
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
Before I entered the OCIA, I had many positive experiences with the Catholic Church starting from when I was much younger and continuing in my teens and early adulthood when I would attend mass with friends. In 1987 I was fortunate to have been in Tempe to see John Paul II when he was in the valley. I wanted to really be a part of all of that. I had planned on going through the process at that time, but my heart was not in it then as it is now.
After that, while I was in my 20s and 30s, my interests turned elsewhere and the idea of God all but disappeared from my thoughts. Because of that, I now see, I felt empty and alone. I realize now that I was never alone. God was always with me, carrying me through the dark times and the bright. Now that I look back upon my life, I recognize that I was wrong to believe that God had ever abandoned me, even in those moments of deepest despair. The truth is it was I who abandoned Him. I know now that God loves me and always had. He wants me to be with Him and share in His love; and I hope to be able to do just that. I am so grateful that I have been given this knowledge through my involvement in this parish. I am never alone now because I know that he is with me always.
I was attracted to the OCIA process because I have always felt that the Catholic Church really is the one true church that has what I was seeking-- the truth. I wanted to become Catholic because I yearned for spiritual truth and guidance in my life. After my mother died three years ago, I began returning to the Church and I am so glad that last summer I discovered St. Thomas because it is here that I have found that “truth”- thanks to my involvement in the OCIA.
Of course, I had some struggles with some of the teachings of the Church, such as contraception, and had to change the way I lived my life in certain ways, but even if I struggle with one thing or another, I know in my heart that what I have been taught in the process is the absolute and indisputable truth. I have learned that loving Christ means following His commandments and that those commandments are not there to restrict my freedom, but rather, to give me even more freedom! What a relief it has been for me to shake off the things of this world that actually enslaved me and to follow the example set by Jesus Christ!
The best thing about being Catholic today is that I get to fully participate in all of the Sacraments, particularly Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Any apprehension or fear of judgment I had before going into confession was gone as soon as I received absolution. When I left the confessional, I felt like I had scored a touchdown for God! What an exhilarating experience to know that I had been forgiven for my sins and that I was going to make a clean start on not committing those same sins again. I am also deeply filled with such grace when I receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. I know that I am not a “finished Christian” yet and that I have much more to learn. Each mass I attend is another opportunity for me to get to know Jesus on a deeper level and realize the “agape” kind of love the pope speaks of and that I feel throughout my body and soul when I am in the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Thanks be to God!
Jennifer, 36 Years Old
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
I have had various experiences with the Catholic Church throughout my life. Starting in early childhood I occasionally attended Mass with friends who were Catholic. At age 18, I was an exchange student in Mexico and attended Mass every Sunday with the family I lived with. I always felt that something very powerful took place there. As an adult, I attended Mass infrequently but always sensed that something or someone was calling to me. I can only say that I always felt a strong spiritual connection upon entry to any Catholic Church even though I could not explain or understand it at the time.
I was attracted to the OCIA process for a variety of reasons. I have always felt drawn to Catholicism as if I should have been a Catholic all along, but I always ignored the call. After trying out various religions and never feeling quite at home with the message or the environment, I finally had an epiphany that, yes, I was meant to be Catholic. I had thought about it on and off for 18 years while searching for a spiritual identity and I had always tried to brush it off. I now believe in my heart that God had been sending me messages all along.
Other perks to the OCIA process include the following with regards to format:
- The time commitment. I knew it would take a year or so to complete which sounds like a lot at first. The OCIA process really allows for the time required to learn what the Catholic faith believes and provides the time needed to reflect upon those core beliefs in order to ensure that you can agree to live your life by them.
- Laying the groundwork. I did not grow up going to church so I never really had an opportunity to learn what the Bible says. After the birth of my children I knew I wanted a deeper relationship with God and wanted my children to have the foundation that I lacked as a child.
- Community atmosphere. We all have different backgrounds with regard to how and why we were there but we are all on the same journey of faith formation. There were never any judgments made or questions too ignorant to ask in class. And because of that, I can only tell you that over time my OCIA group felt like a second family to me.
My main struggle of faith had to do with the fact that I was going through this process alone. I am the only Catholic in my family and would have loved my husband to go through the process with me, but as I have learned, we must all walk down our own road to faith. I can only pray that he finds his.
I have gotten to know Jesus on a deeper level through learning about his life, through prayer and Mass attendance. The best part about being Catholic today is that I finally feel like I have arrived home. I know that sounds trite but it’s true.
Randi, 26 Years Old
Previous Formation: Baptized Outside the Catholic Church
Before participating in the OCIA process, I started out feeling uncomfortable with the Catholic Church. I was raised Baptist and had never stepped foot inside a Catholic Church until I met my husband. He was raised Catholic and I started to get asked to go to church with his family while we were dating. I can remember feeling like I had no idea what was going in the Church. I didn't understand anything because I wasn't really listening. I can also remember feeling like everyone was looking at me when I didn't get up to partake in the Eucharist. I felt strange not knowing what to say when everyone in the Church was responding back to the priest or saying prayers.
So, I started asking my husband and his family questions about the Church so I could better understand it. I really had the desire to understand what my husband was taught as a child and what he practiced. Each time I would go to church I kept feeling more and more comfortable there.
Every time I would attend the Catholic Church everyone was so friendly and genuine. I loved seeing all of the families together and really started enjoying the fact that the people at the Catholic Church are so involved in the Mass. I started really feeling the desire to partake in the Eucharist and understand the meaning of it better. I loved all of the traditions that have been going on for years within the Catholic Church.
Most of all I did not feel pressured by my husband to become Catholic. I was pregnant with our baby and started really thinking about how I wanted our child to be raised. In January 2005, I decided to take part in the Inquiry process of the OCIA program. I was so excited to learn more about the Catholic Church and that is what attracted to me the OCIA process.
Honestly, the struggles that I had with the Catholic Church before I entered the OCIA process were all resolved for me once I got some answers and explanations.
One in particular was the fact that contraception was not to be used as a Catholic. Once I was in the OCIA process we were given a talk called Contraception: Why Not? I was forever changed by that talk after listening to it and my husband and I are now taking NFP classes together. If I had any reservations with the Catholic Church before I became Catholic, then I would not have gone through Confirmation. I have such peace within after learning all that I did and I have no struggles at this point in regards to the Catholic Church. The OCIA process really prepared me and taught me so much!
I would say that I have gotten to know Jesus on a deeper level in many ways but especially through prayer. I never really knew the power of prayer until going through the OCIA process. I feel such deep respect for Jesus and that is because of what goes on in the Catholic Church. There are so many ways to be in communion with Jesus Christ as a Catholic. Particularly for me with the Eucharist and Confession. The Sacraments are ways to have a "guaranteed encounter with Christ." What could possibly be better?
For More Information
Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology