Catch a fire: My reversion story

Today's Gospel of the Prodigal Son, the wandering sheep, the lost coin, made me think of my story, and the fact I haven't written about it here.

It's nothing new - you've probably heard something similar many times - but here it is. I'll try to keep it short. ;-)

I am a cradle Catholic. My mom was Catholic, my dad a self-described "home Baptist."

"I stay at home," my dad would say with a smile as I complained about having to get up and go to Mass on Sunday mornings. I wanted to convert, I was always denied.

I did the usual route of CCD and received all my Sacraments. And pretty much after I shed that red Confirmation robe, I slipped out of Mass attendance, too. I "didn't get anything out of Mass." I sat there, wondering what I was doing wrong. Why don't I get anything out of Mass when so many people do? I never found an answer in my teens or 20s, so I didn't go to Mass.

I never stopped believing in God, nor did I ever consider converting to another faith. I just "didn't get anything out of Mass," so I stopped going.

In my 20s I'd have brief "reversions." I'd faithfully attend Mass again for several weeks, but I couldn't get that fire started. I thought it was me.

When I was expecting my first child, now in my 30s, I felt a strong pull to return to Catholicism. I'd see other people really on fire for the faith and I wanted that so badly. But I couldn't figure out how to get it. Regardless, I decided to give it another go. But, this time, I thought Pray the Rosary.

Now I don't think I ever prayed an entire Rosary in my life. Again, I didn't understand what repeating the Hail Mary got you. But I bought a Rosary CD and listened to it in the car, Hail Mary-ing as I drove along. Nothing.

Well, I thought, it must be me.

About a week later I was at work and I saw a story on "Godcasting" - religious podcasts. It mentioned a podcast directory site and I thought, "Wonder if there are Catholic podcasts?" When I got there, I didn't type "Catholic." I typed "Rosary." Up popped Rosary Army and life has never been the same since.

Via RA and its forums, I learned the difference between saying the Rosary and praying the Rosary. I started praying the Rosary and I got it. The Blessed Mother heard my prayers, took me under her mantle and gently set me on the right path to her Son.

I started reading about my faith and relearning (or just plain learning) stuff I should have known. I caught fire - finally! - for my faith.

Through the RA forums, I "met" all sorts of Catholics - lifelongers, newbies and reverts like me. They were welcoming, patient and sweet, and answered many a question. I was exposed to so many great resources - prayers, novenas, books, talks and much more. (I continue to visit the RA forums every day and I keep learning more.)

The Blessed Mother and the Lord have been so incredibly good to me. Despite two decades of sin and loving that wide, easy path they still came after me and guided me onto the right road. I am still learning and I am far, far from a model anything, but I am having the time of my life.