What comes next? Challenges of a convert

An adult convert once told me that joining the Catholic Church was like stepping out of a dark room into the sunlight. I can relate. Never once have I regretted making this life-changing decision to become a Catholic. I was not knocked

The unofficial newcomer’s guide to the Church

You’re a brand new Catholic. Welcome! As you begin to get acclimated to the many traditions of the Catholic Faith, it is natural to be both joyful and perhaps even a little bit confused. There may be a thousand little details, customs and

5 steps to becoming an intentional disciple

Sherry Weddell’s book “Forming Intentional Disciples” (OSV, $16.95) is, I think, one of the most important Catholic books of this decade. In it, she addresses the core issue facing the Church in our time: How to foster a culture in which all

Former Satanist becomes Catholic leader, teacher

Editor’s note: Portions of this story are graphic and may be difficult to read. David Arias is an exemplary leader among Southern California Catholics. Working in the Hispanic community, Arias has been involved in many evangelization efforts in the Diocese of San

The real story behind Constantine’s conversion

A sculpture of the head of Roman Emperor Constantine. CNS/Paul Haring Oct. 28 is the 1,700th anniversary of a truly pivotal moment in the story of Western civilization and in the story of Christ’s Church — an event so decisive, in fact,