My “conversion” story is different than others you may have read since I have always been Catholic.
I am a “cradle Catholic.” I went to Catholic school for 12 years, went to Mass each week, was in the youth group at my church and basically went because I had to. I, like many, did not get anything out of it because I was forced and I really didn’t understand the true meaning of it all.
It wasn’t until 2005 that I finally woke up.
After high school, I went away to college and stopped going to Mass. I dated and eventually married a Methodist man — we even got married in a Methodist church. We attended Methodist services every week and we felt a part of that world.
When our oldest son was born, we inquired about getting him baptized. The Methodists refused to do it — they wanted me to formally convert. For some reason, even though I was not practicing, I did not want to convert. That was the last straw — we stopped going altogether.
Life went on. We had two more children and everything was fine.
Then, in 2005, Pope John Paul II was in his last days. For some reason, I felt an overwhelming desire to return to the Catholic Church. I can’t explain it — I can only surmise that it was God pulling me back. I went to Mass and prayed for our pope. After he died, I knew I had to return.
I met our wonderful parish priest who was so compassionate and patient with me. He explained what I had to do to get back into the fullness of the faith. I went to confession for the first time in over 20 years. It was hard but felt so right. I was so free after it was all over — praise God.
I also learned that I had to be married in the Catholic Church in order to receive the sacraments again. My wonderful husband agreed that we could have our marriage convalidated — in other words, recognized in the Catholic Church. My priest friend performed the ceremony and it was as nice as the first one.
Now, I love my Catholic faith. My 14-year-old daughter went to RCIA and was baptized, confirmed, went to confession and Holy Communion in 2006. We go each week — although she is not too crazy about going — and I can certainly understand that.
I also teach second grade CCD and serve on my pastoral council. I just love being Catholic!
I know I didn’t convert from another faith, but I did experience a conversion. I am so blessed and so grateful to my Lord and God for loving me so much as to send the right people into my life. Thank you God!
Clare Lafferty is a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown.
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