A New Life

Drifting Away

My name is Tommy and I am 23 years old. I was baptized as a baby and received my First Holy Communion when I was young, but when the time came to be confirmed in high school, I chose not to participate.

Four years later, I was living in San Francisco and not living the best lifestyle. I would party Thursday through Saturday and sulk in bed on Sundays. I felt hollow and didn't really have a passion or purpose anymore. Eventually, I heard about a young adult program at St. Dominic's on Wednesday nights. I went for two months, which brought some faith back into my life.

A Turning Point

After that, I moved home to the East Bay in fall 2024. I began attending Mass with my grandma. In November, I decided to go to confession. As I stood in line, I did an examination of conscience. I began to feel very nervous. Eventually, it was my turn. I explained how long it had been, shared all of my sins, and stared at the ground in shame. When I finished, I looked up and saw Fr. Wayne smiling, as he welcomed me back to the church. I left with a feeling of warmth that I had never felt before.

Joining OCIA

Several weeks later, I sent an email to Lesli on Christmas Eve, asking if it would be possible to get confirmed. She called me back that night and invited me to join the OCIA group. My grandma, who agreed to be my sponsor, and I were welcomed into the group with so much warmth, embrace, and love.

In the following months, I met my fellow candidates and their sponsors, who all had such remarkable and inspiring stories. I felt a huge sense of belonging, love, mentorship, and growth. Being around people who were so strong in their faith helped me to look inside and open my heart to the Lord. I was confirmed on Mother's Day 2025. This strengthened my faith for upcoming challenges that normally would have broken me, but instead, I was able to bounce back even stronger.

Becoming Catholic has been the best decision I ever made. My life is 1000 times better than it was before.

I look forward to the friendly faces and community at St. Isidore every week. I enjoyed last year so much that I volunteered to serve as a sponsor this year to pay it forward. To anyone new at this parish, know that you are in the right place.

—Tommy, St. Isidore parishioner