I'm Catholic

My name is Bryce McWhirter, and I’m Catholic.

My journey to Catholicism began about two years ago when I became friends with some Catholic coworkers. As someone with an interest in theology, I started picking their brains about different theological topics and personal stories about why they remained Catholic. That curiosity led me to explore voices like Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bishop Barron, Pope John Paul II, Trent Horn, and Matt Fradd. It wasn’t until a coworker invited me to attend Mass for the first time that things really began to shift.

Walking into Mass, I was immediately struck by the silence. I saw families praying together and people quietly holding rosaries, contemplating the crucifix. There were so many beautiful things about the Mass such as the three readings from scripture, the unity of the Lord’s prayer being said together, and this celebration and reverence of the Lord’s supper every Sunday. Something about it just kept drawing me back every week.

From there, I started getting more involved. I began using Hallow and prayed my first the Rosary. I went through RCIA, where I discovered the significance of Mary, the continuity of faith through the Saints, and the depth of Jesus’ words when He said, “This is my body.” I joined the men’s ministry and participated in Exodus 90 (though I didn’t finish 😅). I got involved in the young adult community, attending adoration nights, joining a worship ministry, and building friendships with some incredible people. On top of it all, I got to visit Italy. I stayed in the hometown of my confirmation saint, St. Francis of Assisi, and stood in awe of the architecture and beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica, and experienced many of the places that shaped my new faith

As I’ve praying for who God is making me to be, I’ve realized that he doesn’t make us all at once but he forms us along the way. Just like St. Francis, my prayer is to do what he has made me for today and fully give myself to what he wants for my life.

“The world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.”

• 1 John 2:17