My Conversion Story

It’s hard to believe that 10 years ago I converted to Catholicism.

I was raised in a family where my mother and sister were incredible examples of faith-filled women. My grandmother and my mom’s friends and sisters were equally committed to the faith. Being God-fearing, church-going women is just what we do!

One of my prayers for my future husband is that he would love Jesus more than me, though I still hoped he would think I was pretty awesome too!

My husband and I met in a Protestant church, married at an outdoor ceremony led by our dear friend and co-officiated by my brother in law (who ironically also later converted, as well), and began our life as a married couple in a non-denominational church.

A few months into our marriage, my husband decided he was ready to return to the Catholic church after being away for several years. He would attend Mass and then go to service with us on Sunday. (I thought he was crazy! What was the need to go to church twice in one day!? Because he loved me, and Jesus, AND believed in the Eucharist, that’s why...)

At the time, I could not understand why my husband had decided to return to a church he felt called to abandon years prior. Nor could I understand why my sister and brother-in-law had decided to convert to Catholicism after years of attending Protestant seminary.

To say I felt like an outsider was an understatement. At the time my mom was gravely ill, and the last thing I wanted to do was make her feel as left out as I had felt during those times.

Ultimately, her battle with an unrelenting disease took her life. After my mom passed away in 2011, I realized it was time to take a deeper look into the Catholic Church.

What I learned about the depth and beauty of the faith drew me in each week at RCIA. All of the stereotypes I had learned growing up were replaced with saints (friends) who can pray with us and a Holy Mother who can listen to our broken hearts and lead us to her Son. In her own way, my mother had wanted this very same thing.

Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Eucharist, and Confession in 2012 were life-giving. I am so grateful for the gift of our faith.

A quick story about our shop: My grandmother was Catholic and I believe she prayed for the future conversions of her granddaughters.

I inherited her jewelry after my grandfather passed away. Many of her vintage pieces needed a little reworking or repairs…so, I set to work repurposing some of her jewelry. Once I got started I never turned back!

I still enjoy repurposing both vintage and new medals into special pieces that accompany us on our journey of faith…and maybe someday, these beloved items can be shared with those we love.