Elliott Moore
I did not expect to become Catholic and only by the Grace of God have I experienced His perfect plan working itself out in my life. I was baptized Presbyterian, raised in a Presbyterian family, and my father is a Presbyterian Pastor. Through visiting a vast variety of churches over the years, I came to realize that no matter where I was, everyone had slightly different answers on the most important questions regarding sacraments and salvation. I was unable to know with certainty who was right and who was wrong. I was left with no ground under my feet, and I could not tell without a doubt whether I was standing on The Truth. All I had was my own personal interpretation and opinion which was wholly insufficient. It became evident to me that if Christianity was true there had to be some sort of higher authority that might mediate denominational disputes and unify Christian belief. This authority I could see was absolutely necessary because without it truth became shifting sands of differing opinions leaving inquiries to sink without a foundation under their feet.
This realization naturally led me to Catholicism despite previously being avidly against The Catholic Church. I started researching and understanding the Catholic arguments surrounding church authority, apostolic succession, the Pope, prayer to saints, beliefs in the holy Virgin Mary, the sacraments, salvation, and most importantly the Eucharist. Inconsistencies in the Protestant churches drove me to Catholicism, but the Eucharist is what caused me to stay. Being in the physical presence of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ in Eucharistic adoration melted my heart. Despite my initial lack of understanding and acceptance of Catholic teachings on Mary, The Holy Rosary also played an instrumental role in guiding my heart to absolute surrender at the feet of Jesus.
In light of these new revelations of truth pointing me home to the Church Christ established, I started posting content on Instagram talking about my journey exploring Catholicism. And to my great surprise a very large account @platinggrace reached out and invited me on a pilgrimage to Baltimore to explore the oldest Catholic Churches in the United States. Previously, I had only experienced the theological side of The Church but now after meeting Fr. Leo and being exposed to real people living out their faith in the overwhelmingly beautiful cathedrals we visited in Baltimore the pieces started coming together. Upon returning home, I made the decision to surrender to God‘s Will no longer relying on my own erroneous understanding. I joined OCIA and almost 1 year later I was officially received into the Catholic Church!