Introducing Our OCIA Candidates

Emiliano’s Journey Home

What first sparked your interest in the Catholic faith? 

It was about a year and a half ago. I was trying to reconnect with my faith because, for most of my life, I had been lukewarm. I always believed in the essentials, like the Nicene Creed, but I never took it seriously. It wasn’t until around COVID that I wanted to take a more serious step. That summer, I started exploring the intellectual side of faith. I wanted to dive deeper into theology and philosophy, looking at different denominations like Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and the many branches of Protestantism. Though I was baptized Catholic, I had never attended a Catholic church. Instead, I grew up in an evangelical background, specifically Pentecostalism, a more low-church form of Protestantism. Coming from that background, I had a lot of theological questions. I wondered why there were so many divisions in Christianity. What made each denomination distinct? That curiosity led me to research Catholicism more seriously. Shortly after a conversation with a friend, I decided to focus on OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults), and that became my biggest connection to the Newman Center. 

Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize you wanted to become Catholic? 

I think it was about a year ago. I had this deep feeling inside me, like a knot in my chest. As I got to know the people at the Newman Center, I saw how genuine they were in their faith—not just in name, but in practice. I started to feel like a “departed brother,” like I wasn’t in full communion with these amazing people. I had never attended Mass before, but during finals week last year, I went for the first time. It was a completely new experience. Before that, I had been hesitant because of the beliefs I had grown up with, but seeing the people here live out their faith changed my perspective. I came in with an open mind but also some skepticism, shaped by the strong arguments I had been taught my whole life. But then, when I actually engaged with Catholicism and its history, I realized that many of those preconceptions weren’t true. 

What were some of the biggest questions or doubts you had along the way? 

One of my biggest doubts was papal infallibility. At first, I misunderstood it, thinking it meant the pope was always right about everything. But after studying church history, I saw that even Peter—the first pope—was called out in the Book of Acts. Papal infallibility doesn’t mean the pope is perfect; it means that, under specific circumstances, the Holy Spirit protects him from teaching errors on faith and morals.

Another struggle was understanding the Immaculate Conception. I had always been told that Jesus was the only one without sin, so learning that Mary was also conceived without sin was difficult to accept. But over time, I saw the logic in it—if Mary had been born with sin, she would have been in opposition to God rather than fully open to His will. The biggest struggle, though, was the veneration of icons. Coming from an evangelical background, I had always been taught that it was idolatry. My family viewed it that way as well. It took time for me to understand that Catholics don’t worship images but rather use them as a way to honor and remember the saints, much like how we keep photos of loved ones. 

Are you still struggling with any of these doubts? 

Not necessarily. I think our minds are finite, and we’re never going to fully understand everything. There are still questions, but I’ve learned to trust in God. 

How has the Newman Center played a role in your journey? 

The Newman Center has had the biggest impact on my journey to Catholicism. Before this, I had never personally known practicing Catholics – only other evangelicals and Protestants. Being here, I’ve been able to ask people like Teo, Ian, and Patrick questions. I look up to them because they’re incredibly knowledgeable and have helped me understand so much. I came in with so many questions, and talking to them felt like opening an encyclopedia—they had answers for everything. It was like a teacher-student or even a parent-child dynamic, where they guided me through what the Church teaches and helped correct my misunderstandings. 

What was it like to go through this process with others in OCIA? 

It was comforting to know I wasn’t alone. Going through OCIA with others, especially Aaron, made the process more meaningful. We shared similar backgrounds, particularly with family dynamics, so having someone who could relate made a big difference. It created a sense of closeness and support. 

How has your faith grown or changed since you started this journey? 

My faith has grown tremendously. During COVID, when I first decided to take my faith seriously, I was doing it alone, which was really difficult. Even though my family is Christian, they left the Catholic faith, and I felt somewhat embarrassed to re-engage with it. Without a community, I lacked accountability. But coming to the Newman Center changed that. Here, I found people who encourage and push each other toward a deeper relationship with God. Now, even though I still stumble sometimes—as everyone does—I’m in a much better place spiritually than I was a few years ago. 

What part of the Catholic faith resonates with you the most? 

Communion. Being part of the Church. A year ago, I felt like a “departed brother” because I wasn’t in full communion with the Church. Now, I get to be united with my brothers and sisters in Christ. That connection is so meaningful. Beyond that, knowing that this is the Church that Christ established. He gave the keys to Peter. That resonates with me deeply. It gives me a sense of belonging and purpose. 

How do you hope becoming Catholic will impact your life moving forward? 

My life is definitely going to change. There will be new dynamics with friends and family some might respond positively, others negatively, but this is something I truly want. I think about Saint John Henry Newman, who converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism. He valued intellectual honesty, and I relate to that. I’ve had to ask myself: What do I actually believe? Am I believing this for myself or because of others? Ultimately, I believe this journey will impact me positively. I’ll continue growing in my faith, strengthening my relationship with God, and deepening my friendships in Christ. No matter how people view me, I know this is the right path for me. 

Stella’s Journey Home

What first sparked your interest in the Catholic faith? Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize you wanted to become Catholic? 

My whole family is Catholic, and I was baptized into the faith. However, what really pushed me to explore it further was when my cousin asked me to be the godmother of her baby. I had never received my First Communion, so I realized that I needed to reconnect with my faith in order to fulfill that role. Growing up, my family wasn’t very close to our Catholic faith. We moved around a lot, and I never really found a church where I felt completely comfortable. We attended services here and there, but not consistently. When my cousin asked me, I felt honored and motivated to take my faith more seriously.

At one point, my parents gave me religious freedom to explore different ways of practicing Christianity. I attended other churches, but something always felt off. It didn’t feel genuine, as if I wasn’t going for God but rather because of the people around me. When I came to the Newman Center, everything changed. I met Via, a FOCUS missionary, and the welcoming community here, and they immediately invited me in. Then, during the first week of the semester, Fr. Tim gave a homily that spoke directly to me—it felt like he was calling me out in the best way possible. It was different from any other church experience I had ever had. That was the moment I felt truly comfortable and ready to fully embrace my faith again. 

What were some of the biggest questions or doubts you had along the way? 

My biggest doubt was whether I would be accepted, not just by the people here but also by Jesus and God. I worried that because I hadn’t been practicing much, I wouldn’t be truly welcomed back. I wondered if people were just being nice to me because they had to, or if they genuinely wanted me to be part of the community. That doubt made it hard for me to put in the effort at first. But I pushed myself to be consistent, to attend community events, and to stay engaged. Over time, I found myself genuinely enjoying it. Every time I prayed, it felt real, I wasn’t just talking to nothing. Eventually, I realized that I was accepted, and that made all the difference. 

How has the Newman Center played a role in your journey to Catholicism? 

The Newman Center welcomed me with open arms from the start. Everyone was so accepting and eager to get me involved, which helped take away a lot of the fear I had. I used to find practicing religion intimidating. When I met people who knew all their prayers and practiced so devoutly, I felt inadequate because I didn’t have that same knowledge. But here, people take the time to teach me. That has made such a huge difference. At other churches I attended, I often felt lost and disconnected, like I was just supposed to figure things out on my own. At Newman, they guide me and help me understand my faith in a way that feels natural and welcoming. 

Have there been any particular people who have helped guide and encourage you? 

My mom, my aunt, and my cousin have all played a big role in encouraging me. My mom was the one who brought me to the Newman Center for the first time this year. Via was the first person who really introduced me to the Newman community. Crystal and Lizbeth have also been amazing, especially through the Bible study they lead. The Bible study has helped me grow so much in my understanding of my faith. 

What was it like to go through this process with others in OCIA? 

It was incredibly comforting. At first, I was embarrassed because I thought everyone else would already know everything. But once I got there, I realized we were all learning together. That made me feel so much more at ease. Having other people on this journey with me meant that they asked questions I hadn’t thought of or voiced concerns I shared. It created a connection not just between me and them, but also between me and God.

Recently, in OCIA, we practiced a form of prayer where we read a Bible passage and reflected on what resonated with us. We read Matthew 14:22, about Jesus walking on water, and even though we all had different interpretations, we all felt the power of the passage. It was a beautiful reminder that while we are on our own individual journeys, we are also in this together. 

How has your faith grown or changed since starting this journey? 

For the longest time, I wasn’t very close to my faith. When I was younger, going to Mass felt like a chore,  something my mom made me do. But now, I want to go. I actually get upset when something prevents me from attending Sunday Mass. I have a much better understanding of my faith now. Through OCIA, I’ve learned about the sacraments and the reasons behind Catholic practices. This deeper understanding makes me feel more connected, and it reaffirms that I truly believe in what I am practicing. 

What part of the Catholic faith resonates with you the most? 

The fact that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. It’s something we talked about in Bible study, and it’s so powerful to think about. Jesus didn’t just sacrifice himself, God sacrificed His Son for us. That level of love and devotion is incomprehensible. None of us are perfect; we all sin, sometimes unintentionally. But despite that, we are forgiven because of Jesus’ sacrifice. I wrote about this in my notes because it struck me so deeply. It reminds me of the kind of love a parent has for their child—a willingness to sacrifice everything. It’s a rare kind of love that’s hard to find, yet Jesus offers it freely to all of us. That’s what resonates with me the most. 

How do you hope becoming Catholic will impact your life moving forward? 

Honestly, this was a hard question to answer because it’s difficult to put into words. But I feel like continuing in my Catholic faith will help me experience love and care in ways I never have before. I already feel more secure and connected to my faith. Every day, every week, I feel that connection growing stronger. It gives me the confidence that even if the whole world were to turn against me, I would still have love and acceptance from Jesus and God. Moving forward, I hope that my faith continues to give me that sense of comfort, security, and belonging. I know that I am accepted and loved now, and I trust that this will only grow stronger as I continue on this journey. 

Sara’s Journey Home

What first sparked your interest in the Catholic faith? 

I’ve always been Catholic. I went to church a lot when I was younger, and while my parents are Catholic, they never forced the faith on me. They gave me the freedom to choose, so I never committed until I got older. I can’t pinpoint an exact moment or spark, but I’ve always felt comfortable in the faith and knew God was there. When I came to college, things got difficult. My freshman year was really hard, especially as a commuter. I felt like I was doing schoolwork and had no time for anything else. One day, I walked into church because I was so stressed, and surprisingly, I found peace. After that, I kept coming back. Eventually, I decided it was time to return to my faith more fully. 

Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize you wanted to become Catholic? 

I always wanted to be Catholic—it’s what I grew up with. I never explored other religions, mostly because Catholicism already felt familiar and comfortable. It just made sense to me. 

What were some of the biggest questions or doubts you had along the way? 

The first challenge for me was language. I had only ever gone to Spanish Mass, so coming here felt a little isolating. I still pray in Spanish because that’s what I know best, and sometimes I felt out of place because of that. Another doubt I had was whether I deserved to be confirmed or receive communion. I didn’t feel perfect or like the kind of person who should receive such important sacraments.  

How has the Newman Center played a role in your journey to Catholicism? 

The Newman Center has been so welcoming. From the moment I walked in, everyone was sweet and kind. I love that people greet each other and that it feels like a tight-knit community. I especially love Fr. Tim—he makes Mass fun and meaningful. He explains the scriptures in a way that connects with young adults, which makes a huge difference. 

Have there been any particular people who have helped guide and encourage you? 

My mom has been a huge supporter. She was overjoyed when I told her I was taking classes and getting confirmed. I didn’t think it was a big deal at first, so I didn’t tell my extended family. But when I picked my godfather to be my sponsor, he was so excited, too. Their reactions made me realize how meaningful this is, not just for me but for them too. 

What was it like to go through this process with others in OCIA? 

It’s been comforting. Growing up, I never got to go up and receive the Eucharist, and I always felt insecure seeing people my age or younger participating when I couldn’t. But now that I’m doing it as an adult, it feels like I truly understand it. It’s also been reassuring to go through the process with others. I used to worry that everyone else would know more than me, but we all learned together. We share questions and experiences, which helps us grow closer to each other and God. Practicing prayer together, like when we read Matthew 14 about Jesus walking on water, has been incredibly powerful. Even though we each interpreted it differently, we all felt moved. It’s beautiful to know we’re all on individual journeys but walking the path together. 

How has your faith grown or changed since starting this journey? 

My faith has gotten so much stronger. I used to question it a lot and felt guilty about that. I talked to Fr. Tim about it, and he reassured me that questioning is normal—even people in the Bible questioned God. Through OCIA, I’ve learned so much about the Bible and different forms of prayer. It changed my perspective and helped me trust God more. Understanding that faith isn’t about being perfect, it’s about trusting God and it has been life-changing. 

What part of the Catholic faith resonates with you the most? 

What I love most is the sense of unity, that we’re all one in our faith. We each have our own relationship with God, but we’re also connected through the Church and through our priests. That sense of connection keeps us grounded. It’s beautiful to appreciate each one and feel protected and supported in that way. 

How do you hope becoming Catholic will impact your life moving forward? 

From a personal standpoint, I hope it helps me take better care of myself spiritually. Before, I only went to church on Christmas and special occasions. Now, I try to go once or twice a week if I can. I love hearing the homily of the day and applying it to my life. We recently practiced a form of prayer in OCIA, I think it was Lectio Divina, and it was such a calming experience. We read from the book of Matthew and reflected on what stood out to us. It was peaceful, meaningful, and something I’d never done before. Now, started implementing that practice into my life, and it’s helped me feel grounded. I’ve grown so much through this journey. I’m learning to listen more, to be less judgmental, and to understand others better. My faith has taught me to trust God more and love others more deeply, and that’s something I want to carry with me going forward. 

Oby’s Journey Home

What sparked your interest in the Catholic faith? 

Honestly, I grew up Catholic, so having that background and familiarity was definitely a push. As I got older, I realized that I had the choice to either continue in the faith or step away from it. Even though I haven’t been baptized yet, I still felt connected to Catholicism and wanted to deepen my understanding of it. From a personal perspective, I’ve read all three major monotheistic religious texts. Catholicism made the most logical sense to me. It aligned with my beliefs and even with science. In comparison, certain aspects of other religions didn’t sit right with me—for instance, the idea of a prophet marrying a young child or the allowance of multiple wives. On the other hand, some religions don’t believe in Jesus, which also didn’t align with my understanding. Catholicism stood out to me as the most rational and cohesive belief system. 

Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize you wanted to become Catholic? 

Honestly, no. I feel like I’ve always been Catholic, but as I grew older, I made the conscious decision to be more active in my faith. It wasn’t a sudden realization; rather, it was a gradual deepening of what had always been a part of me.

What were some of the biggest questions or doubts you had along the way? 

One of my biggest struggles has been understanding the parables of Jesus. The Bible says that by the end of our lives, we should be able to understand all of them, and that scares me. I sometimes doubt myself, wondering if God doubts my faith because I don’t fully grasp it yet. Another struggle is with the concept of forgiveness, especially in extreme cases. It’s difficult for me to understand why God would give a second chance to someone who has committed something as serious as murder or worse. I struggle with that, but my friends here always reassure me that God sees our hearts and intentions. He is infinitely merciful, even when we don’t fully understand His ways. 

How has the Newman Center played a role in your journey to Catholicism? 

The Newman Center has been the first Catholic place where I have truly felt a lack of judgment. Growing up in Indiana, after coming from Nigeria at the age of five, I often felt unwelcome in certain churches because of my skin color or the way I worshipped. It didn’t feel right to see people calling themselves Catholics while judging others. The Bible teaches that we should welcome those who are lost or still figuring things out, not push them away. At Newman, I never feel judged. Fr. Tim always reminds me that I’m on my own journey and that it’s okay if I’m not in the same place as others. What matters is that I’m moving forward. This is what it truly means to be Catholic, and this is what Newman has provided for me: opening their doors to everyone, never judging, and embracing people at whatever stage they are in their faith journey. 

How did you overcome the fear of stepping into church after feeling out of place? 

I kept repeating a verse from the Bible: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” That gave me strength. I reminded myself that God wasn’t judging me. The Bible says, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am among them.” So if I’m stepping into a church to worship, why should anyone try to push me away? I also came to see that feeling judged in church is a test of faith. The devil wants us to feel unwelcome so that we stay away. But I refuse to let him win. 

Have there been any particular people who have helped guide and encourage you? 

Lily, a FOCUS missionary, was the first person to welcome me to Newman, and she has been incredibly supportive. Fr. Tim has also been a great source of guidance—whenever I don’t understand something, he’s just a text away. The people at Newman have been so kind and patient, bringing me under their wing and truly helping me grow in my faith. 

What was it like to go through this process with everyone else in OCIA? 

It was amazing. It felt very nurturing. The people in OCIA didn’t just want to teach me about God; they wanted me to truly experience and embrace the faith. They were patient and kind, always willing to answer my questions. They made me feel included and supported, which helped me grow even more. For example, I’ve been trying to understand the rosary better, and Fr. Tim has been there to guide me. If I have questions about Bible verses, there’s always someone at Newman willing to help. It’s been such a reassuring and uplifting experience. 

How has your faith grown or changed since you started this journey? 

I’ve realized that even in my lowest moments, God is with me. The Newman Center has helped me understand that hardships aren’t always bad – they can be lessons. In the past, when I had a bad day, I would ask God why he was allowing it. Now, I see that struggles can serve as reminders of the blessings we often take for granted. Simply waking up every day with the ability to walk, see, and hear is a blessing. Many people don’t have that. Newman has helped me develop a deeper sense of gratitude for even the smallest things in life. 

What part of the Catholic faith resonates with you the most? 

Mother Mary. I love Mary. Of course, Jesus is at the center of everything, but Mary resonates with me on a deeply personal level. She reminds me of the strong women in my life, especially my grandmother. As a woman, I connect with her story, her symbolism, and the way she is honored in the Catholic faith. I love that we have the rosary as a way to connect with her. She stands out in such a powerful way, sometimes even on her own pedestal next to her son. I truly admire her and the role she plays in the faith. 

How do you hope becoming Catholic will impact your life moving forward? 

I hope it helps me grow as a person and reassures me that everything will be okay. I want to continue learning to be more forgiving and understanding. I’ve realized that sometimes it’s not my place to judge others, only God knows their hearts.

I also hope that my faith pushes me to be a better person in daily life. For example, if I see a homeless person, I want to remember what God teaches us about charity and give if I can. The Bible tells us to help others whenever possible, and I want to live by that principle. More than anything, I want to continue growing in my faith and understanding the teachings of Jesus, especially His parables. That’s something I still struggle with, but I trust that God will guide me to a deeper understanding in time. This journey is ongoing, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. 

Aaron’s Journey Home

What first sparked your interest in the Catholic faith?

I met Patrick during my freshman year—we were randomly assigned as roommates. At first, our conversations were just debates about theology. I didn’t take it seriously. It was just something interesting to argue about. We lost touch after that semester, but when I ran into him again the following October, my life was in a dark place. I’d been dealing with existential dread —crippling fear of death and a constant feeling of despair.

That semester, I started secretly watching The Chosen. One ad showed the scene where Jesus heals the paralyzed man. When Jesus said, “You’ve been having a bad day for a really long time… You only need Me,” I just broke down. It felt like He was speaking directly to me. From there, I started coming to the Newman Center more often—mostly just to be around people. But I could sense something in them that I didn’t have, and I wanted it.

Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize you wanted to become Catholic?

Yes—during a really painful breakup. I was looking for worth and healing in relationships, but they left me feeling even more broken. I ended up going to Mass, sitting in the pews during finals week, not really participating—just there. I felt this overwhelming sense that I had been praying to Jesus all along without realizing it.

A few days later, I told Patrick I believed in Christianity, and he pulled me aside and helped me understand what that meant. At first, Catholicism felt like the obvious path just because of where I was—it was the community I was in. But over time, I realized the truth of it. It was a slow process of learning and elimination—questioning Protestantism, Orthodoxy, and then seeing that Catholicism was the one that made the most theological and historical sense.

What were some of the biggest questions or doubts you had along the way?

Catholic teaching felt confusing at first, especially things like praying to saints or Mary. Coming from a non-religious and partly Hindu background, I wasn’t sure if those things were okay. But the more I learned, the more it made sense. I used to think Catholics worshipped Mary or icons, but I came to understand the distinction between worship and veneration.

Sola Scriptura, for example, never sat right with me. How could the Bible be the only authority if it was the Church that canonized it? That line of questioning helped me realize the necessity of tradition and apostolic succession. I even had a dream where I shouted “Sola Scriptura!” while walking away from a fake baptism—it was strange, but it stuck with me. Eventually, I saw that Scripture alone doesn’t hold up without the Church behind it.

How has the Newman Center played a role in your journey to Catholicism?

It became the place where I felt seen. I didn’t talk to many people at first—just Patrick—but I kept coming back. One day, Allison remembered my name and shouted “A-A-Ron” across Cor Coffee. That simple gesture made me feel like I belonged. From there, I started showing up more, attending Bible studies, and eventually got my own Bible. People at Newman showed me what it means to live the faith with joy.

The lavender matcha helped too.

Have there been any particular people—friends, mentors, or staff—who have helped guide and encourage you?

Patrick, without a doubt. He was my spiritual guide and is now my sponsor. I always looked up to him. Over time, I realized I had become someone that others started coming to for advice, which has been both a blessing and a challenge. Elena and Allison also made me feel welcome and supported. Fr. Tim prayed over me when I shared about my spiritual struggles and brought a real sense of peace and protection.

What was it like to go through this process with others in OCIA?

It was comforting. I wasn’t alone. Everyone in OCIA was patient and kind. They didn’t just want to teach me facts—they wanted me to experience the faith. That made a huge difference. They took the time to answer my questions and never made me feel like I didn’t belong. I felt nurtured, supported, and safe to grow at my own pace.

How has your faith grown or changed since starting this journey?

My faith is no longer abstract—it’s deeply personal. I see Jesus as someone I know, not just believe in. I’ve had miraculous experiences, like my knee being instantly healed through prayer. That moment changed everything. I’ve also experienced spiritual warfare—real, terrifying experiences that confirmed for me the reality of evil and the power of prayer. Invoking the names of Jesus, Mary, and Saint Michael has brought protection I can’t explain.

Over time, prayer has become more like conversation. At first, it was like submitting a list of requests to God. Now it feels more like talking to someone I have a relationship with. I’ve also seen changes in myself. I used to have a terrible temper and a bitter outlook. Now I feel peace. I’m no longer trying to get revenge on the world for my pain. Christ changed that.

What part of the Catholic faith resonates with you the most?

The Eucharist. Even though I haven’t received it yet, I feel its power during Adoration. I’ve had moments where it felt like it was just me and Jesus in the room—like everything else disappeared. That intimacy is real.

I also love the saints. King David stands out to me—he was overlooked, struggled, but always returned to God. I relate to that. He’s one of my confirmation saints. The other is St. Benedict. He’s been a protector in the spiritual battles I’ve faced. I had a moment in prayer where he appeared to me with a raven that flew away, revealing chains—like he was showing me that I’m being called to help others find freedom from spiritual oppression.

How do you hope becoming Catholic will impact your life moving forward?

I finally have peace. I’m no longer driven by anger or a need for control. I have purpose. I’ve become someone others come to for spiritual support, which is humbling. I want to raise a Catholic family someday—something totally new in my bloodline. I’m the first Christian in generations. That responsibility is heavy, but it’s also beautiful.

I know there will be struggles. My family doesn’t fully understand. Some of them don’t know yet. But I’m learning to be patient. I want to live a life that reflects what I believe—to love my enemies, to forgive, to serve. I want to break generational cycles and start something new. I trust that God is writing a bigger story through all of this, and I’m just getting started.