Why am I Catholic?

I guess you can call me a "cradle Catholic." As an infant I was baptized into the Catholic Church and I was confirmed when I was 16. Just because I was born and raised a Catholic, it isn't the reason why I am one today. I have come a looooooong way in my spiritual journey. I must tell you, that when I was younger, I never really valued the importance of God in my life. I was more concerned with other things in life such as getting the best grades in school or whether or not I had the newest thing out there in the market. I used to hate going to church because I thought it was a waste of my time. I would rather be doing something else rather than do repetitious acts of standing, sitting, kneeling, and listening to boring homilies that put me to sleep. When it came to Christmas, all I thought about was Christmas shopping and gifts. I didn't care that Jesus was the real reason for the season. I didn't feel the need to have God in my life. I had other things to worry about such as myself... I never took time to appreciate God's blessings and gifts he has given me. You can say that I was a terrible, selfish brat.


God was always with me. He didn't go anywhere. Only I did.

It took a miracle for me to realize that God's presence. Actually--it took many miracles! There have been a lot of times in my life where I thought I could not go on, and there have been many times I had been discouraged and frustrated that I felt I had no one to turn to. There have been quite a few serious close calls---and I knew that it was the work of God when he gave me and my loved ones another chance to life. When I experienced these certain events, I've experienced God's miracles. He gives me hope and comfort that I will get through life's obstacles and darkness. He allows me to see the world in His Light in which everything is so beautiful. When I put God in the center of my life, I feel so much peace and love within myself.

I am Catholic because I believe in the Eucharist and the communion of Saints. I believe in devotion to Mary, Mother of God. Most importantly, I believe in the universal love of Christ--that is his Church, his BODY. There is nothing more beautiful in life than to experience that same Love for God through others. Through the Love, I know God is present.