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WHY DID I DO IT?

I have been asked to write a little of my faith journey. What is there to say.

What is my faith journey? Is it the story of why I became a Catholic and what has happened to me since, or is a story of my spiritual feelings?. A little of both I suspect.

I was brought up as a Methodist and continued to go to church until I left home at 18. Two years later I met Sarah. Before we got married, my older family members said to me things like “They worship Mary” or “They give a tenth of their pay to the church” or “They are a funny religion”. After 20 years I now know there was a lot of misunderstanding amongst my familY.

Over time, I have come to realise that Catholics aren’t all that bad, even priests have their good points! (I have been very fortunate to have been involved with some very good priests and I thank them for their understanding and acceptance).

Now the big question, WHY. Sorry, no big flashes of light or miracles. About 12 months ago I started to wonder what these Catholics had that I didn’t. They always seemed happy with who they were and where they were headed in life. Not long after that, I was at a Passionist retreat one weekend when I came to the slow realisation that there is something out there. How do explain it? I can’t. I just knew within myself that I started to believe. That realisation was made that much easier for me by having all these wonderful loving people around me.

I started by being close to our Lord just at the mass. The Eucharist was and still is a very special time. Then it slowly progressed to whenever I was involved in parish things. I am now at the point where I regularly have a little talk to our Lord asking to help somebody in need or just a little guidance to where I’m headed (or a little help in writing this).

I still get the occasional ‘why’ or ‘is this going to last’ but I have learnt to ignore these people and say to myself this is my life and if people have doubts about me, that’s their problem not mine.

Just a few observations

- Mass used to be a bore and took forever, now I look forward to mass and even enjoy it.

- I tried think of just one or two people that helped in my decision, but there were too many people to choose from.

- Writing this has made me think why. Up until now I have just known. Is that what they call faith.

- Lastly, don’t tell your wife that want to became a catholic while she is driving a car. At the very least wait until she has stopped at a red light.

The journey has only just begun.

Glen Forrest
New Plymouth