Coming Home to the Church—A Full-Circle Faith Journey

Today is a day I’ll never forget. After leaving the Catholic Church at the age of 9 when I moved away from New York, I’m returning—stronger, more grounded in my faith, and fully called by God to come home. 🙏

First Holy Communion at St.Mary's with my siblings and Aunt

The photo above is from my First Holy Communion at St. Mary’s in East Islip, New York. I wasn’t a carefree little girl full of innocence and wonder. The truth is, my childhood was marked by pain, abuse, and brokenness. I endured things no child should ever have to face. But even in that darkness, God was there. He was the quiet strength holding me together. ✝️

I’ve carried that pain with me for much of my life. But instead of letting it define me, I’ve allowed God to use it. The trauma and abuse I endured led me to a closeness with Him that became my lifeline. Through the broken pieces, He met me. He loved me. And He began to rebuild me. 🕊️

Over the years, I’ve walked into many churches—each one beautiful, Spirit-filled, and rooted in the Word. I’ve worshipped, grown, and found healing in those spaces. I’m thankful for every church, every message, every moment that brought me deeper into the love of Christ. The people and pastors who welcomed me in played a vital role in my journey.

But still, something deep inside kept calling me back.

Back to the tradition and reverence of the Catholic Church. Back to the prayers I whispered as a little girl in pain. Back to the sacraments and the sacred stillness I longed for. And today, I return. Not as the wounded child I once was, but as a woman on fire for God—restored, redeemed, and rising in His name. 🔥

To my Aunt Nooch—my Godmother, my rock, and my greatest earthly example of unwavering love, thank you. Your prayers have been a covering over my life, and I’m beyond grateful that you’re here with me at St. Gerard’s today. And Jon… you’ve been God’s gift to me. Thank you for loving me through the hard stuff, for seeing my light when I couldn’t, and for being my sponsor and my constant source of support. 💗

There was a time I didn’t believe I had any light left.

But God never let my flame go out. He fanned it back into life. And now, I will never let anyone extinguish or dim my light again.

I am a daughter of the King. I am whole. I am home.

If you’re walking through your own valley, I want you to hear this: There is hope. There is healing. And there is a God who sees every scar and still calls you worthy. He is waiting—arms open wide—to bring you home, too.

This is more than a return to church. This is a reclaiming of who I’ve always been. This is my resurrection story. And I give all the glory to God. 🙌