Thank you for visiting me here. Please subscribe to build this community and get notified when I make a post. Now, let’s jump into how being a Catholic after being protestant has changed me.

I was almost Catholic for many years and a Protestant minister for over 40 years. I have worked internationally with many different protestant traditions. During that time, I became curious about church history, which ultimately introduced me to the Catholic Church. Then, in late 2023, I made the huge decision to become Catholic. I converted in July 2024, when I left the Protestant ministry for good. Now, as a Catholic, I also enrolled in the Brown Scapular.

Many find the journey from Protestantism to Catholicism transformative, as I did. This change was more than just a shift in religious affiliation. But it was also a profound reorientation of my spiritual, intellectual, and emotional life. Here’s how embracing Catholicism has reshaped me.

A Deeper Sense of Belonging to the Universal Church

As a Protestant, my faith experience was often tied to the community of my local Church. While this was meaningful, it sometimes felt fragmented. Denominations varied significantly in their interpretations, doctrines, and worship styles.

Becoming Catholic connected me to a tradition that spans continents and centuries. The Catholic Church’s unity and universality gave me a deep sense of belonging to something greater than myself. It is rooted in the same faith as billions of believers worldwide.

A Fuller Understanding of Scripture

Protestantism instilled a love for Scripture, but Catholicism deepened my understanding of it. The Catholic Church’s emphasis on both Scripture and Sacred Tradition provided a richer, more nuanced interpretation of the Bible.

Learning about the early Church Fathers and how they understood Scripture added a historical depth to my reading that I hadn’t experienced before.

Embracing the Sacraments

One of the most significant changes has been the role of the sacraments in my life. The Eucharist, in particular, became a source of profound spiritual nourishment.

The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist transformed Communion from merely a symbolic ritual into a deeply intimate encounter with God. Reconciliation (confession) also offered a new perspective on God’s mercy, helping me experience forgiveness in a tangible, healing way.

A Deeper Relationship with Mary and the Saints

In Protestantism, my relationship with Mary and the saints was almost non-existent. In fact, Mary didn’t get a mention throughout the liturgical year. Mary was relegated to a brief nod to her role at Christmas time.

Transitioning to Catholicism helped me see Mary as a model of faith and humility. And the saints are examples of holiness and companions in prayer. This connection has enriched my spiritual life immensely. I was reminded that faith is a communal journey involving not only those on earth but also those in heaven.

A Richer Liturgical Experience

The Catholic Mass introduced me to a level of reverence and beauty in worship that I hadn’t encountered before. The structure of the liturgy, the symbolism, and the focus on the sacrifice of Christ brought a solemnity and sacredness to my worship. Not only that, but it has deepened my awareness of God’s presence in my life.

A Greater Appreciation for Tradition

Protestantism often emphasises personal (subjective) interpretation of Scripture, which can sometimes lead to theological uncertainty.

Catholicism, with its emphasis on the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church) and its continuity with 2,000 years of tradition, provides a sense of stability and clarity.

It is comforting to trust in the Church’s collective wisdom. It’s a big task for each of us to be solely responsible for deciphering the truths of faith. It is confusing to hear the latest popular preacher with special revelation, with no checks and balances on their claims. The Catholic Church brings assurance of the correct interpretation.

A New Perspective on Salvation

The Catholic understanding of salvation as a lifelong process involving faith, works, and grace gave me a more holistic view of my relationship with God.

Moving away from the “once saved, always saved” mindset and the reformed Calvinist view of predestination was liberating. It was also liberating to see salvation as the born-again experience as a lifelong ongoing journey of transformation and cooperation with God’s grace, which is indeed illuminating.

Challenges and Growth

Adopting Catholicism wasn’t without challenges. Friends and family sometimes questioned my decision, and I had to wrestle with misconceptions about Catholic beliefs.

However, these challenges pushed me to deepen my faith, study more, and articulate why I made this choice. They also taught me patience and understanding in explaining my faith to others. The doubts of others also led me to start “Almost Catholic: The Journey Home.”

Becoming Catholic has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It has deepened my relationship with God.

Converting to Catholicism has expanded my understanding of faith and connected me to a rich and ancient tradition.

While I remain very grateful for my Protestant roots and the foundation they provided. I now feel more fully at home in the Catholic Church.

This journey hasn’t just changed my religion, it has changed me!

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I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40 years, 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.

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