Ss. Mary and Joseph parishioner in Carlinville shares his conversion story

CARLINVILLE — He is a union ironworker. He travels to work on windfarms, bridges, metal buildings, hospital expansions, and stadiums. During his young career, coming home from work, or during other occasions of thought, Eddie Ray says he considered getting baptized. Over the years these thoughts filled his mind and soul which slowly led him to becoming more of a faith-filled person he says — but it was meeting his wife, Lauren, that would ultimately lead him to Catholicism.

Ray said when he started to think about marrying Lauren (they were married in 2020), that is when he started to realize that he wanted to share in her Catholic faith. They talked about it for a long time, and eventually, they contacted Father Mike Haag, pastor at Ss. Mary and Joseph in Carlinville.

On April 20, 2019, with Lauren by his side as his sponsor, Ray became Catholic, receiving the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist. Catholic Times Editor Andrew Hansen interviewed 29-year-old Ray about his journey to Catholicism, how things are going in his faith journey, and the inspiration we can all take from his conversion story.

Q. What originally attracted you to Catholicism? Was there someone or something that happened to you that make you think you want to become Catholic?

A. I had attended Mass with my wife several times. I realized how important faith was to her. The more I attended Mass, the more comfortable I became. Her parish was very welcoming. I knew that if we ever had children, I wanted them to grow up in the church. This made my decision pretty easy.

Q. Did you ever have a moment during your RCIA process where you struggled or even doubted this was the faith for you, and if so, what did you do?

A. Our RCIA meetings were very open and casual. I was able to ask questions, which provided reassurance on the spot. I never doubted this was the faith for me, but I also have not explored many other religions in depth.

Q. What was the hardest aspect of becoming Catholic? Was there a teaching you had to dive deep to fully accept and how did you overcome that?

A. Putting in the work to complete the RCIA process is what deterred me for a few years. The RCIA process was rather time consuming, as it should be. I thoroughly enjoyed the process, but the reason I didn’t do it a few years prior was because of traveling for work. Looking back now, I’m sure it would have been possible. Father Mike was very accommodating. I really enjoyed discussing the history of Catholicism and early teachings. I didn’t feel like the lessons were difficult to accept.

Q. During your RCIA process, you were what the Catholic Church calls a catechumen, someone who was unbaptized. On the day you were baptized, you also received confirmation and the Eucharist, officially becoming part of the Catholic faith. Describe the joy and emotions you felt?

A. Relief and a sense of accomplishment. All of my hard work and dedication paid off. The ceremony itself was fun and exciting.

Q. What was it like receiving the Eucharist for the first time?

A. Just what I had expected! I had been waiting for that moment for a long time.

Q. What was it like going to confession for the first time?

A. A little intimidating. The more you talk, the easier it gets though. The feeling after reconciliation is worth it.

Q. You have now been Catholic for a couple of years now. What do you love about it?

A. I enjoy praying more. I feel like I pray with a purpose now. I also enjoy going to Mass with my wife.

Q. When you look back on your faith journey, what stands out?

A. I can’t believe it’s almost been two years since I became Catholic. I was going through the RCIA process at the same time as my best friend, but he was in St. Louis. It was awesome to share that experience with him. We are both married now.

Q. For people who have fallen away from the faith, for cradle Catholics, or people who go through the motions, what is your message for them?

A. Just keep praying. I prayed for a long time about this, and now I have zero regrets. He led me right where I was meant to be.