Just Open

I’m 28 years old, born and raised in Danville, and I was recently confirmed at St. Isidore after being away from the Catholic Church for quite a few years.

For a long time, I felt this quiet pull toward God, but I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t grow up deeply involved in my faith, and honestly, I didn’t feel like I belonged in a church setting. I questioned whether I was ready, whether I’d be accepted, and even whether I deserved to start a faith journey. When I first thought about joining RCIA, I was nervous. I imagined walking into a room full of people who had it all figured out — people who had been “better Catholics” than me. I really didn’t think I’d fit in.

But what I found was the complete opposite.

From day one, I was welcomed with warmth, kindness, and absolutely no judgment. Everyone in the group came from different backgrounds and experiences, and it was comforting to know I wasn’t alone in feeling unsure. RCIA gave me a space to ask questions, be honest about my doubts, and grow at my own pace. It helped me learn more about the Catholic faith, but also helped me learn a lot about myself.

Looking back, I realize one of the biggest reasons I stayed away for so long was because I carried a lot of unspoken resentment and pain. I had been through some hard things and found myself blaming God for a lot of it. I didn’t understand why certain things happened or why I had to go through them, and that left me feeling distant and discouraged. For years, I held on to that pain quietly — it made me feel heavy, disconnected, and alone.

Through this process, I came to see that God had been with me the entire time, even when I couldn’t feel it. I learned that suffering isn’t a sign of God’s absence — it’s a space where He can meet us in a really personal way. Everyone carries something. And while I didn’t get all the answers, I did find peace, perspective, and a renewed relationship with God.

Today, I feel more grounded in my faith. I’ve found a community at St. Isidore that feels welcoming and real — people who are also figuring things out and walking their own journeys. My path with God is still unfolding, but now I face it with a lot more trust and a lot less fear.

If you’re feeling unsure or curious about the Catholic faith, I’d really encourage you to look into RCIA. You don’t need to be perfect, or even totally sure about it — just open. That’s exactly how I started, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

You don’t need to be perfect, or even totally sure about it — just open.

—Sophia, St. Isidore parishioner