From Confusion to Clarity: My Journey as a New Catholic

If you spend any time on YouTube, you’ve probably heard all kinds of conflicting opinions about the Catholic Church. As a new Catholic and a former Protestant pastor, I found this incredibly confusing at first. Everyone seemed to have a different take and I didn’t know who to believe or what to think.

Over the past few months, we’ve all seen worrying developments coming from Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica. Many Catholics are unsettled, feeling helpless and unsure about what’s happening. The Church that once felt like a solid moral compass now seems, to some, to be softening its stance for the sake of ecumenism.

Some people have chosen to walk away — from Mass, from the Church, even from faith itself. Others have grown indifferent, saying, “What can we do?” and simply going with the flow.

But I decided to respond differently.

A Fresh Start: My Retreat and Renewal

Hello, I’m Paula Rose, and this is Almost Catholic: The Journey Home.
Welcome if it’s your first time here — and a heartfelt welcome back to my regular readers. Thank you for your support! You’re helping me share the simple, powerful message that Jesus loves you.

I used to be almost Catholic — but now, by God’s grace, I am Catholic. My story has taken me from atheism to Protestantism, from pastoring many churches to finding my spiritual home in the Catholic faith.

Like many of you, I became confused by all the voices and opinions swirling online. So I decided to unplug completely. No social media, no noise. I took four days for a home retreat, spending that time in prayer, silence, and Scripture, seeking God’s guidance on my mission.

During that time, the Lord spoke clearly to my heart, reminding me of the vision He gave me back in the 1970s: to travel the world and tell people that Jesus loves them and He is coming soon.

The Heart of My Mission

That message has always been, and remains the foundation of my life and ministry. The Gospel truth is simple and eternal:

“There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12

Only Jesus Christ saves.
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
And yes — He is coming again.

That message isn’t one of fear or condemnation. It’s one of love and grace. When you warn someone of danger, you do it because you care about them. Jesus’ warning of judgment is an act of love. A desire to rescue us from eternal separation and bring us safely into His Kingdom.

So my mission, renewed and reaffirmed, is simply this:
to share God’s unconditional love and prepare hearts for the coming of our Lord.

Why I’m Grateful for the Catholic Church

I am proud to be a Christian Catholic. The Catholic faith gives me both structure and guidance for my mission.

Scripture First
The Church teaches that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is our first and highest authority.
The Catechism as a Guide
The Catechism of the Catholic Church helps us understand Scripture in practical, everyday ways. It translates eternal truths into modern life without watering them down.
Faithful Development, Not Compromise
The Magisterium has refined and clarified teachings over centuries, adapting to new times without changing the Gospel itself. The Catechism is not a replacement for Scripture but a companion to it a helpful tool, not an end in itself.

If one day the Catechism were to drift from the truth of Scripture, I would remain faithful to God’s Word above all. My obedience is to the Lord first.

Guarding My Heart and Focus

I’ve also made the decision to stop consuming all the negative chatter whether it comes from Protestants, Catholics, or anyone else. Instead, I’m choosing to focus on sources that uplift and encourage.

One such source I recommend is The Fatima Center because it’s message is deeply relevant for the times we’re living in and offers practical hope and guidance.

The Road Ahead

Moving forward, my ministry continues on YouTube and over here at my blog, AlmostCatholic.blog.

Please re- visit, read the articles, and subscribe. Once we reach enough subscribers, I’ll be launching a monthly newsletter with encouragement, updates, and reflections.

Alongside this, I lead a bereavement group at my local parish, which is another way to live out God’s love in practical service.

Regardless of what’s happening within the Church or in the world, my commitment remains steadfast:
to proclaim that Jesus loves you and He is coming soon.

We all share the same mission — to save souls — but each of us lives that mission differently. My tools are writing, teaching, and sharing online. Yours might be something else entirely, and that’s beautiful. God uses all kinds of people for His purposes.

A Final Word

Thank you for being part of this journey from atheism to Protestantism to Catholicism. I pray that something in my story encourages you in your own walk with God.

Please let me know in the comments:

What is your mission?
How is God calling you to serve Him?
If you’re discerning a vocation or feeling lost, I’d love to pray for you.

And please, pray for me too.
Together, let’s spread the Good News that Jesus loves us — and He is coming soon.

God bless you,
Paula Rose

☕ If you’d like to support what I am doing: Buy Me a Coffee. If you find my videos & writing inspiring and uplifting, consider supporting what I do. Buy me a coffee. Your support makes a difference in my life and helps me create more of what you and I like. Thank you

I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40, and now a Catholic convert. After a powerful encounter where Jesus audibly called me to follow Him, my life was forever changed. I’ve ministered across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and today, I share my journey of faith, hope, and transformation.

This channel is a place for seekers, converts, reverts, and the curious. Here, you’ll find honest conversations about Catholicism, personal testimony, theological insight, and encouragement for those walking toward (or wondering about) the Catholic Church.

🕊️ From Atheism to Faith. From Pastor to Catholic.

📖 Read my blog: www.almostcatholic.blog

🕊️You can also find all my Books by following the links to Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

🙏 Subscribe, like, and share if you find something meaningful here.

Jesus loves you — and He’s calling you home. Welcome to the journey.