ᎡᎪᎬᏞYN ᏴᎡᎬᎬ ᏴᎪᏞᏟᎾᎷ

This past Sunday, I completed all three Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church 🕊️

Almost two years ago, I felt a deep conviction to return to my faith, particularly to Catholicism. God was calling me back home after spending nearly all my twenties away and living life at my own will.

I had already felt I was outgrowing spaces & behaviors, so I was ready to give the Lord my obedience. I knew honoring this wouldn’t be an easy journey, nor would many understand, but I was prepared to fully surrender.

I joined St. Clement the beginning of last year and have been an active parishioner since. I’ve developed my faith through many classes, immersed myself in its incredible community, and have partaken in some amazing opportunities to give back to fellow Chicagoans in need.

Earlier this year, I again felt called to go deeper and officially undergo the OCIA process for baptism, confirmation, and to be able to receive communion in the Church. I spent the last five months prepping with 70+ others who felt the same desire in their hearts, and I’m eternally grateful for my cohort I’ve gotten to know & love.

While this has been a liberating season, it’s also been one of the most confronting periods of my life. God led me into the wilderness – isolation, hardships, losses, anguish. But it hasn’t been without greater purpose – I’ve been pruned, my heart’s been postured, and I’ve learned how to lean on the Lord in a capacity I’ve never been able to before.

My cup’s overflowing with gratitude.

Special shoutout to @ashlingelizabeth for sponsoring me in this process 🤍 I’m overwhelmed with appreciation for those who’ve guided & supported me on this personal odyssey, and for the trials that led me here.

Thank you, Jesus!