Danielle’s Testimony

I was born into the Catholic faith. I attended CCD, but, once I made my Confirmation, life outside of the Church took priority. I always knew God was with me, But I never felt a strong presence of the Holy Spirit. Even when I got married, I managed to return just long enough to jump through a few hoops in order to get married in the Church, but fell away again shortly after.

During this time, my family was growing. But I could barely enjoy it because I was hyper focused on my career, the highs of success, and hitting high performance goals. So much so that work was becoming more important than my family. My husband stayed home with our children and the pressure to succeed and make more money, ruled my life. 

And then my 7-year-old daughter asked me one day, “Why don’t we go to church?” That question cut me like a knife.

I didn’t have an answer for her. I asked her if she wanted to go to church and she said yes. I was afraid to take her to a Catholic Church, so, we went to a Protestant church in town on Easter. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. It was very nice. But in the middle of that service, I felt this presence come down on me saying, “What are you doing here. You do not belong here.” It really scared me, but also pushed me to where I should have always been.

The very next week we were sitting in the pews of St. Katherine Drexel Parish and have never looked back.

A few months after we started attending Church, I heard about a program that would be starting called “Discovering Christ.”

It met weekly for 8 sessions. You’d get a beautiful meal and a time to really look at our relationship with Jesus. I wasn’t sure I felt comfortable with sharing my feelings about what I believe, but after some reflection, reluctantly I decided to sign up. I really thought that I’d show up and everyone at my table would find out that I’m a fraud and stupid and very uneducated in the Catholic life.” Everyone seemed way more Catholic than my family was.

But I signed up. And it was much different than I expected. These people were welcoming and humble. The experience showed me what is meant by the word “community.” Everyone was so authentic and were genuinely happy to be a part of this with me. Learning, sharing, discussing, and enjoying the Holy Spirt with others was such an amazing experience. 

Through Discovering Christ, however, I didn’t just make friends at my parish—my spiritual life changed.

Over the sessions, I had a couple of unmistakable Holy Spirit moments.

The retreat gave me an opportunity to recommit my life to Jesus, and my relationship with Jesus became real in a way I’d never known.

I began asking God how to serve, and even with a busy work schedule He showed me where to make room.

I felt drawn to the Sacraments more often. They became non-negotiable.

My prayer life kept growing, and my draw to know more became a priority.

Our family’s goal became clearer—heaven. And I noticed a new peace at home and at work.

Looking back, none of this would have happened if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone.

Discovering Christ was a pivotal experience that finally showed me what a relationship with God looks like.

I’m so grateful that our parish offered it. With a renewed commitment to my prayer life, this program gave me the courage to talk openly and comfortably about God, which led me to teach faith formation and occasionally help with OCIA. It has made our Parish Community much closer as we invite parishioners, fallen away Catholics as well as non-Catholic to our spring and fall sessions. It’s really amazing to see a table full of people from different faiths and political backgrounds be able to discuss what our relationship with Jesus is. Around these tables I have seen the Holy Spirit at work by bringing fallen away Catholics return to Mass, and non- Catholics beginning to attend and seek more.

The program blends solid Catholic teaching, mixed with thoughtful conversation. It creates an environment that makes our faith more approachable, relatable and mostly importantly, centered on the relationship we have with Jesus.

I’m convinced my spiritual life would not be where it is today without Discovering Christ.

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Danielle experienced ChristLife at St. Katherine Drexel Parish in the Diocese of Sacramento.

Danielle’s testimony was originally shared on the August 2025 Proven Path webinar.