from Tim, Pat, Ryan Grace, and Nathan Ehlert
Tim, Pam, Ryan Grace, and Nathan Ehlert made their decision to convert to Catholicism as a family. Our journey began with Pam’s health crisis in 2021. Pam had a cardiac event; the family wasn’t sure if Pam would survive and, if she did, what her quality of life would be like after everything that happened. It was during this time Tim began to contemplate his religious beliefs and values. He started to research the Catholic faith. Pam did recover and with work was able to return home.
In late summer of 2024, Tim contacted Todd Gale at St. John’s and began to ask questions about converting to Catholicism. Pam and Tim discussed the possibility of converting, but Pam had strong ties to the Lutheran (ELCA) church. She had been raised Lutheran since birth. Both Ryan Grace and Nathan were baptized and had their first communion as Lutherans.
During this time, the Lutheran (ELCA) church seemed to shifting to more liberal beliefs and values. It was a difficult decision, but Pam finally made the decision to leave the Lutheran Church. We were feeling that the Lutheran (ELCA) church was not aligning with our religious beliefs and values. Tim and Pam sat down with Ryan Grace and Nathan and discussed the Lutheran church and the option of converting to Catholicism. The decision was made as a family to begin OCIA classes, after we met with Todd Gale. Todd had made us feel at home and welcome at St. John’s. After attending church and classes, meeting members of the congregation and Father Chas, we knew that we had made the right decision to convert and to become members of the St. John’s Parish.