Some of you asked me to tell about the first time I received Communion as a new convert. I realized that I have never actually written about that…so here goes.
Before I met my husband, I was engaged to another guy. He was fine, but as my dad said, “we were unequally yoked.” That was true, but I was unwilling to concede that for a long time.
However, I had lots of doubts in my mind about marrying him, doubts that I shared with no one. To keep a long story short, I eventually broke up with him.
I fell in love and married my cradle Catholic husband. On the day of our wedding, I had no fears, no doubts, just pure, solid confidence that becoming Dustin’s wife was the best decision ever. He was and is my home.
After years of debating and arguing with my husband over Catholicism, I finally started to let my guard down and actually look into it. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the Catholic Church was not a smallish cult that believed the pope was Jesus and didn’t worship Mary as a goddess. So, I looked more.
Once I realized that the Catholic Church was right about the Eucharist, I knew I had to become Catholic and it had to be immediately. Because I was getting ready to move for the military, with the bishop’s permission, I got my own special Confirmation Mass in 2009 with my family and friends.
Just like I felt with marrying my husband, there were no fears, no doubts, no worry; it was one of the surest decisions I’ve ever made. I had pure, solid confidence about becoming Catholic and I knew it was and is my home.
The first time I received Communion worthily, there was no tears or big emotions, other than relief. Relief that after eight solid years of fighting against the Church, I was finally home and could receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
As one who once took communion as purely symbolic and one who pridefully took the Host before becoming Catholic, take it from me, there is a difference. A difference so vast, Catholic Pilgrims, that I don’t have words to really describe it.
Live the Faith boldly and travel well this Tuesday.
