I am Catholic because last year, God chose me to join the Church. This was surprising, because I entered college as a Lutheran who had no intentions of becoming Catholic. God, however, had other plans.

I grew up Lutheran and was very involved in my church. I went to VBS (Vacation Bible School), church camp, mission trips, youth group — you name it. I was confirmed during my sophomore year of high school, but I struggled with my faith for the next few years. I felt stuck and distant from God. During mission trips with my church, I was hoping for some breakthrough in my faith that would change everything. That never happened, and while I never lost my faith, I seemed to be at a standstill. I knew that I wanted to dive deeper into my faith. My parents, adult leaders at my church and teachers encouraged me to find a Christian organization or church in college.

When I arrived at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, I found a community that was on fire for Christ. These people had a strong sense of identity and were full of so much joy; and I wanted that. I didn’t fully realize why I was drawn to them, but looking back on it now, it’s obvious. They loved me for who I was, even though I wasn’t Catholic. They supported me in seeking the truth and in following God’s plans for me, whether those plans included joining the Catholic Church. They helped me find answers and to take a leap of faith.

As I learned more about the Catholic Church, I struggled with a lot of her teachings (and to be honest, I still do). However, everything changed once I realized that Jesus truly is present in the Eucharist. I wanted to receive Jesus, which ultimately brought me into the Church. It certainly wasn’t an easy process — I went through OCIA twice before I decided to be confirmed — but Jesus was patient with me. Over the course of three years, he gently brought me out of the place of confusion I was in and called me to follow him.

Joining the Catholic Church was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, but it has brought me countless blessings. I’ve been Catholic for over a year now, and although it has been anything but easy, I can confidently say that I made the right decision. I praise God for that.

Ostaffe, 22, is an elections assistant in voter engagement for Hennepin County and a recent graduate of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul with a degree in marketing and business communications. She is a member of Holy Name of Jesus in Wayzata. She is involved with young adult ministry and is a member of a small group. She is the oldest of triplets, all born a minute apart. Ostaffe enjoys writing, reading, singing in choir and rock climbing.