Debbie’s Testimony

To say that I was a willing participant in Discovering Christ would be a lie. Let me begin by saying that when my husband approached me with the idea of attending a 7 week religious course , I simply ignored the email. 

First, some background. My husband goes to Mass daily, never misses a weekend Mass, and has a deep faith that I was always impressed by. Me? I was what I like to call a “Holiday Catholic.” I’d go for the big days like Christmas and Easter, but all those other days? Not me. That’s not to say I didn’t pray on my own, but I wouldn’t say I had a “relationship” with God. I had not received Communion in years and hadn’t been to confession in close to 10 years.

So to say I was not enthusiastic about attending the class. I agreed, unwillingly and almost to spite him, to attend one class. I never intended to come back. 

On the first day of what I referred to as “Jesus Class,” I realized my husband and I were not sitting together. I thought, “ok weird, but I’ll give it a shot.” I knew most of the women at my table as regular church goers, members of the parish family. I made it clear from the start I was not a willing participant and most definitely not like them because I was strictly a holiday Catholic. As the evening progressed, I found myself intrigued. Our discussion at the table was interesting and we all openly shared things starting that first day. On the drive home that night, I knew I wanted more. And to my surprise, I was looking forward to the following week’s class. 

As each week progressed, our conversations were always interesting. I found myself truly enjoying the videos. The speakers were relatable and not “preachy” as I had expected. I even found myself listening to the “Praise and Glory” station on Spotify; a total departure from my usual music. 

As the retreat approached, I began to feel like this was going to be something big for me.

The facilitators recommended going to confession if possible. As I said, it had been years since my last confession and I wasn’t sure I even wanted to go. However, on that particular Saturday just a few days before our retreat, while I was out shopping, I just felt like I needed to go. Something in me felt strongly that this was what I needed. God was speaking to me. I felt it.

So I googled a few churches and off I went in search of reconciliation. The first church I arrived at was locked. No confession happening there. More googling and off I went to church #2. Again, locked. At this point, maybe I misheard the calling? Should I just give up? After all, it was getting late and dark and I had dinner plans! But that feeling wouldn’t go away. God was calling to me and I knew what to do. Church #3: my home parish. At last, the church was open and a priest was there. However, he wanted a face to face confession which I felt a little nervous about.

The moment I sat down, my tears started flowing. These were tears of pure joy, relief, and gratitude that brought me there. The Holy Spirit was with me and I felt it in my soul. The next day, Sunday, I went to Mass and received Jesus for the first time in many years. I saw my tablemates from “Jesus class” and I knew they were happy I had come so far. Our parish priest who sat with me while I cried was the one to give me the Eucharist.

I felt like I had come home. 

When the day of the retreat arrived, I was excited to see my tablemates and share with them my experience. Little did I know, the Holy Spirit would again call to me that night. I decided to get up and have the prayer team pray with me. I felt that calling again and I knew what I had to do. When they put  their hands on my shoulders, once again the tears came. Tears of such gratitude and joy. It’s a feeling I wish I could bottle and give to everyone.

The Holy Spirit was with me and letting me feel the love. 

I have now completed the entire series. Yes, the holiday Catholic attended all three courses! Since that time, I have continued in my spiritual journey in ways that surprise even me! It is because of Discovering Christ that I discovered my own faith.

I say “discovered” rather than “recovered” because I didn’t have much faith before.

I am more thankful for this gift than words could ever convey. It is through my faith that I have been able to navigate the highs and lows of life. When a dear friend passed away this fall, I used my faith to get through it. I prayed with her sister and encouraged her to help my friend receive the gift of reconciliation. I was so happy she was able to have that complete sense of forgiveness and could pass with peace in her heart, knowing Jesus loved her and forgave her. I recently became a lector for my local parish. If you asked me a year and a half ago if any of these things would have happened, I would have said not a chance. 

My advice to anyone who is on the fence about “Discovering Christ” is this: try it! Even one session. I am so glad I did! 

Debbie experienced ChristLife in the Archdiocese of New York.

Debbie’s testimony was originally shared on the February 2025 Proven Path webinar.