I’ve always loved stories. From fairy tales and folktales to sci-fi and fantasy novels, I’d read anything I could get my hands on growing up. There were Catholic books in the mix, too—Bible stories and lives of the saints. But for a long time, I thought all the best stories had nothing to do with God.

I went to Mass for over a year before I converted. Around the same time I attended Methodist, Baptist, and non-denominational churches searching for answers, hoping God would give me peace somewhere other than the Catholic Church.

I did not plan on attending CCO’s Rise Up last year. The year prior was difficult so I thought that it would be better for me to have a lowkey and more quiet Christmas season.

It wasn’t until the second half of my studies at Brock University that I was reintroduced to the Catholic faith through a ministry called Catholic Christian Outreach.

I walked through much of my life in a kind of slumber. I went to Catholic school from the time I was little until I graduated, but the faith was never something I truly lived.

Hey everyone, it’s AJ. I grew up always being the life of the party. I loved sports, and I’ve always been an extrovert.

Everything changed when I met a girl whose peace and joy seemed to indicate that she had found what I was searching for all those years. I asked if we could talk, and long story short I experienced the love of Christ in a real, tangible authentic way through that friendship.

Hi, my name is Grace Foy, I’m 21 years old and I’m from Donegal, Ireland. I’ve just finished three years of mission with NET Canada.

But the deeper I studied, the more I fell in love with the Church Christ Himself established. And on Easter of 2025, I said “yes” again—this time to His Church—and was confirmed Catholic.

From my childhood, I was Southern Baptist, where I was very involved starting in my teenage years. I was involved in youth group activities, bible studies, and even played guitar in the youth group band. I was never really anti-Catholic, but I knew why we were Protestant.

I joined the Jesuits after undergrad in 2015. Through missionary activity, community life, and intense studies, the Jesuits have taught me how to grow in the joy and love of the Gospel. I am very much looking forward to ministering at a Parish and a Jesuit High School in Winnipeg this Fall.

My journey has been one of restoration; learning to see myself as God’s beloved daughter and encouraging others to do the same. Every step, from my struggles to my successes, has drawn me closer to Him.

My name is Fr. Sebastian, and I was ordained a priest with the Companions of the Cross this past May 24th. Although I grew up Catholic I had a deeper conversion to my faith through Catholic Christian Outreach.

When I was 17, I signed a record deal in Nashville and began living my childhood dream.

If you’re searching, wandering, or waiting — I encourage you, He’s already near. And four simple words are life’s answer…Thy Will Be Done.

He healed us and not only made our family whole, but also completely renewed. He gave us all and more than what we asked for, and it was that trustful surrender, perseverance, and hope in Him that saved our family. 

So say “yes” to God. Even if your voice trembles. Even if all you can offer is your broken heart. That’s more than enough.

“Michael, you are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” Hearing those words and being struck with this love, a love that I had been craving and looking for my whole life, I could not help but decide on a relationship with God, inviting Him to be the center of my life.