A New Beginning: My First Mass Experience

For the first time in sixteen years, I stepped foot inside a Catholic church. Sure, I’d been to Mass in high school, visiting friends’ families who practiced in Spanish, but I never understood much. It was an experience that felt foreign to me then, and honestly, I didn’t really engage with it at all. But this time, when I entered that church, something was different. This time, I felt the pull of something greater — a deep and undeniable invitation to reconnect with my faith.

The Mass was centered around Luke 9:1-2, when Jesus gathers the twelve apostles and sends them out to evangelize. That passage struck me deeply because Luke was the first book I ever read in the Bible. My journey began with that book, and now here I was, beginning again in church, with Luke as the starting point. It felt like full circle in the best way.

The priest’s homily was especially impactful. He spoke about how people don’t leave the church because they’re lazy or unwilling to follow the faith; they leave because the church has hurt them. He went on to address how the clergy must do better at being messengers of God — not just through words but through actions that welcome everyone. Everyone. He emphasized the importance of creating space for those who feel excluded, whether they’re unbaptized, divorced, or even part of the LGBTQ+ community.

That message resonated with me in a way I hadn’t expected. It was such a raw, honest acknowledgment that people often feel pushed out, not just by society, but by the very church that should be offering them refuge and love. As someone who’s been hurt by the church in the past, but is now reclaiming her faith, this was a powerful statement.

And then there was me — a single mom, still navigating the ups and downs of life and faith. I’ve received my fair share of judgment for seeking God in the midst of my brokenness. People have questioned my right to pursue faith, to grow in my spirituality, as if my journey was somehow unworthy because of my past. But that sermon? It was exactly what I needed to hear. It was an affirmation that no matter where we are in life — whether we’re hurting, broken, or feeling like we don’t belong — God is still calling us. He’s still inviting us to step into His love, His grace, His healing.

What I loved most about this experience was the sense of welcome. I’ve often felt like I didn’t fit the mold of a “perfect” Christian. But what I heard in that homily was a message of radical inclusion. The church, at its best, is a place for everyone, regardless of where you’ve been or what you’ve gone through. And that’s exactly how I feel when I think about my relationship with God — like He’s inviting me to just be me. To come as I am.

So, here I am, on this journey of healing, with so much more understanding than I ever thought possible. I’m not ashamed of my past, and I’m not afraid to continue stepping forward. God has been so good, so faithful, even when I didn’t know how to walk in His love.

This church visit marked the beginning of a new chapter — one where I’m fully embracing my faith, flaws and all. I’m ready for this next step, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come. No more hiding, no more waiting for perfection. Just me, showing up, open to whatever God has planned.

To all the single moms, the broken souls, and the ones who feel like they don’t belong — know that God’s love is for you. His door is always open, and His arms are ready to embrace you. Wherever you’re at in your faith journey, you have a place. You belong here.

Scripture Reflection:

Luke 9:1-2
"When Jesus had called the Twelve together, He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."

This passage serves as a reminder that we are all called to share God’s love and healing in our own unique ways. Whether we’re ready or not, He equips us to do His work. And maybe, just maybe, that includes showing up and being vulnerable, even when it feels hard.

Let this be a reminder that faith isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, trusting, and allowing God to use us in the ways He sees fit.