Why I became Catholic: Kate Mepham speaks with The Record’s Debbie Warrier.
I wanted in on the glow and self-confidence that Catholic people seem to have. At first it was curiosity and I wanted to learn about the Catholic religion from a student point of view. However, I got so interested and involved in it I ended up doing three Catholic study units as part of my Bachelor of Education degree. My reasons for becoming Catholic evolved and many small reasons all came together to make it feel right and something that I truly wanted to do.
I am fourth generation Australian. My father is atheist and my mother grew up Catholic but let it go when she was in her late teens. She chose not to baptise my brother, my sister and me. We had very little to do with Church as a family.
Now I am 22 years old and have been with my partner for five years. He is Catholic and his family is too. He had a big influence on my decision because we plan on getting married, having kids and bringing them up Catholic. I wanted to convert for him as well as myself. Also my grandma and aunty (on mum’s side) are strong Catholics and were very supportive of my decision. Initially, my father was concerned I was converting just because of my partner but when he understood why I wanted to convert he supported me.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from becoming Catholic. I went to Church about twice growing up for weddings and had no idea what was going on. I went to public schools and was hardly exposed to religion of any form.
Then I met my partner and went to Church with him a few times. That’s how I got curious. I found out about the RCIA at my parish and it started from there. I met some absolutely inspirational people during my RCIA experience and really enjoyed it. We share a special bond and really hope to get together more often.
The night of my baptism I felt truly special and part of an extraordinary and happy group of people. It was one of the most positive and uplifting moments of my life. I became a Catholic in Easter 2009 at John Paul Church, Willetton.
Since my baptism I generally feel more optimistic. I feel like my life has direction. I feel the presence of something great and beyond human. It makes me feel at ease in a way I didn’t feel before. I feel more balanced and that everything happens for a reason.
Now I feel like I have something special with me that I wasn’t aware of before. I met a lot of new people and have a stronger relationship with my partner and my family members. I feel a lot more knowledgeable about the Catholic religion and have more meaning in my life. I feel like I want to share my new, fresh knowledge and understanding with young children as a primary school teacher. I can’t wait to begin.
John Paul Church is a fantastic and uplifting Church that has some amazing people involved. It’s by going to Church those initial few times, seeing the people’s glowing faces and listening to the wonderful singing that fed my curiosity and made me want to be Catholic.
If you have a story to tell please contact
Debbie via dwarrier75@gmail.com