I was baptized Catholic when I was two and growing up I was partially involved, but I wasn't fully committed. I personally did not find an interest or love for it until this January. I really felt a tug at my heart to be more involved and really to be a part of the Catholic Church. 

I was never confirmed as a child and had never been any part of catechesis. And so in January, I got the courage to chat with the chaplain of Detroit Catholic Campus Ministry, and I joined OCIA to start the process to get confirmed and to receive my First Communion. 

I had a deep conversation with Fr. Matt, chaplain of DCCM, during which I discussed my desire to be confirmed. And after that conversation, I was really unsure of what exactly I had just committed to. This was a huge, life-changing decision for me. I was excited, but I was also very anxious.

The day after I had this conversation, I went to adoration. I went to the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica and visited the adoration chapel. It was my first time at that church and also my first time in adoration. I just brought those concerns with me — OCIA had already started months before, I wasn't sure if I could jump in late, or if I was even ready to make this commitment. 

But when I brought all these questions into prayer during adoration, I just had my eyes closed and, in my mind, I saw this hand reaching out to me. And I've never experienced anything like that in prayer before. But with that, I just felt safe in knowing that Jesus wants to lead me on this path. I am not walking this new journey alone. Jesus is watching over me. 

I was able to join OCIA and received Confirmation and my First Communion at the Easter Vigil this year. Now, going to Mass, it's a totally different experience. Every time I step into line, it’s so exciting. At the Vigil, I thought to myself, “That’s not just a Vigil thing. It's for every Mass.” It's just been so cool to be a part of that.