Overview
This episode features a detailed conversation with Lorelei Sovereign about her conversion from Evangelical Christianity to Catholicism, exploring her spiritual journey, key turning points, and the impact on her family and faith life.
Early Faith Background
- Lorelei was baptized Catholic as an infant but raised in Evangelical Protestantism, particularly Nazarene and Assembly of God churches.
- She developed a deep childhood faith, participating in Bible clubs and worship, but inherited subtle anti-Catholic biases.
- Growing up, her relationship with Jesus was emotionally driven and focused on spiritual highs.
Meeting Her Husband and Initial Catholic Encounters
- Met her future husband, JP, who was raised Catholic, in college, sparking exposure to Catholic practices and beliefs.
- Early experiences with JP’s large Catholic family led to discomfort with Catholic rituals like Marian devotion and communal prayer.
- Attempts at RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) were initially unsuccessful due to theological barriers and attachment to Sola Scriptura.
Marriage and Faith Struggles
- Married in a Catholic ceremony, though Lorelei did not yet fully understand Catholic sacramentality.
- Faced ongoing struggles and disagreements about faith, particularly concerning how to raise their future children.
- For unity, JP stopped attending Mass, and they attended various Protestant churches, including Lutheran and Baptist congregations.
Spiritual Crisis and Turning Point
- Both Lorelei and JP experienced periods of spiritual dryness and questioning, living as "practical agnostics" despite church attendance.
- Experiences leading worship raised questions about the authenticity of her faith.
- Explored deeper theological issues, including doubts about "once saved, always saved," predestination, and Calvinist doctrines.
Search for Historical Christianity and Catholic Return
- Lorelei's curiosity about the early church led her to research Church history, noting the logical and historical consistency of Catholic answers.
- JP began privately reading Catholic theology, reigniting his interest in Catholicism.
- A pivotal moment occurred when Lorelei suggested attending Mass, leading to renewed engagement with Catholicism and RCIA.
RCIA and Full Reception into the Catholic Church
- Entered RCIA with rigorous questions, all of which she found sufficiently answered.
- Described powerful experiences with Catholic sacraments, particularly adoration and confession.
- Family support and previous prayers played a significant role—her former critic became her confirmation sponsor.
Post-Conversion Family and Faith Growth
- Lorelei and JP now raise four children in the Catholic faith, appreciating the rootedness and richness of Catholic tradition.
- Observed a transformation in their family life, marital relationship, and openness to Church teachings on sexuality and Theology of the Body.
- Active in Catholic education and community, with children embracing sacraments and liturgical practices.
Reflections on the Catholic Faith
- Values the tangible, sensory nature of Catholic worship (Eucharist, confession, incense, holy water).
- Emphasizes the historical continuity of Catholic practices and the importance of authority and magisterium.
- Finds new depth in prayer life through Ignatian spirituality and renewed Bible engagement.
Impact and Resources
- Lorelei shares her journey through writing on her blog (thiscatholicfamily.com), contributions to Catholic Mom, and Catholic-themed children’s books.
- Encourages others on similar journeys, highlighting the importance of community, logic, and spiritual support.
Recommendations / Advice
- Explore the history and teachings of the early Church when questioning faith traditions.
- Engage in honest, thorough questioning during the conversion or discernment process.
- Embrace the depth and tangible aspects of Catholic sacramental life for spiritual growth.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- How can families maintain faith unity when converting from one tradition to another?
- What are effective ways to share and explain Catholic teachings to children and former Evangelical friends?