Parishioner Testimonies: Journeys Home to the Catholic Faith
One of the greatest blessings in parish life is witnessing how God continues to call people closer to Himself. Every person’s journey is unique, yet each story reveals the same faithful God who patiently invites us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
This week, we are honored to share the testimonies of two parishioners preparing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Their stories remind us that God is always at work, drawing hearts toward His truth, His mercy, and His love.
Alaina Brown
I was baptized Catholic as a baby (here at St. John’s, actually), and I grew up going to Catholic school at Queens where I received my First Reconciliation and First Communion. While my parents sent me to Catholic school and I received these sacraments, my family was Protestant and I went to a Protestant church on Sundays. I switched to public school for middle school and high school, meaning I was no longer going to Mass or doing any Catholic things. Throughout this time, I grew really strong in my Protestant faith.
I met my fiancé, Wesley, who is Catholic, in high school. At first, when I started going to Mass or Adoration with him, I really struggled. I had grown very strong in my Protestant faith, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, I was being met with something different. To be honest, I would cry almost every single time I went to Mass because I felt so lost and confused. I’m very thankful that Wesley stuck with me throughout all of this!
Even though I had a really hard time trying to understand Catholicism, I felt a pull toward it that I couldn’t shake off. I really wanted to understand the history and theology behind the faith, so I read a ton of books, did a ton of research, and asked a ton of questions. The more I did so, the more I saw the beauty and truth found in Catholicism. I was met with facts that I just couldn’t ignore. As this happened, I found that I made a complete switch. Instead of crying at Mass, I was able to sit and appreciate everything that was happening, seeking to understand without getting overwhelmed. Then, eventually, I got to a point where I started to love going to Mass, and I wanted to be able to fully participate.
I am thankful that God saw me through, even amidst my stubbornness, anger, and many, many doubts. I have seen His faithfulness and patience so evidently in my life. I’m so excited to be able to enter into full Communion with the Church at the place I was baptized around 20 years ago (a full-circle moment)!
— Alaina Brown
Alexis May
My faith journey has been shaped by both struggle and growth. For a long time, I wrestled with anxiety, depression, and feeling like I didn’t belong. During some of the hardest moments of my life, I often felt alone and unsure of where to turn. Even though I had heard about God before, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to have a relationship with Him.
Over time, I began to realize that God had been present in my life even during those difficult moments. Through supportive people around me, moments of reflection, and experiences that challenged me to grow, I started to feel called to deepen my faith. I began learning more about Jesus and what it means to live a life rooted in love, forgiveness, and purpose.
As I explored different ways of living out my faith, I felt especially drawn to the Catholic Church. The sense of tradition, community, and sacramental life helped me see faith not just as something personal, but something lived together with others. The teachings of the Church and the example of Christ have helped guide me toward healing, understanding, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Choosing the Catholic Church now feels like a natural step in my journey. I am at a point in my life where I want my faith to be something active and intentional. I want to grow closer to Jesus and continue learning how to live a life that reflects His love. Becoming part of the Catholic Church is my way of saying yes to that calling and committing to walking with Christ moving forward.
— Alexis May