By Grace Siener

Faith develops the lives and personalities of people across the globe. Once one of those lost in an ocean of beliefs, I’m now finding my own path. After a decade-long journey, I officially became Catholic at this year’s Easter Vigil.

My father (Joseph Siener), a man of unwavering and kind morals, helped me take that first leap. I live in a household where two faith traditions co-exist: United Methodist Christianity and Catholicism. For years, I attended church with my loving mother—whom I absolutely adore—but, although it went well, I knew it wasn’t exactly my place. I didn’t feel connected to God, even while in a sacred space. Naturally, 7-year-old me grew curious and figured I would attempt to follow in my father’s footsteps. Soon enough, come Sunday, I was at a Catholic church with him where I met the sweetest individuals.

I grew to love not only the community of the various Catholic churches I attended but also the consistency the Church insists upon. There is something so utterly passionate and striking about the Eucharist being the true Body of Christ, about the Sacrament of Confession, and about other events—Adoration, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Christmas—because they are invitations to be vulnerable and give ourselves to God and His creation.

After converting to Catholicism, I felt closer to God in ways that are hard to put into words. There is so much of our Faith rooted in creation, history, music, Scripture, and the saints—every singular piece has purpose, whether figurative or not.

I have sung in two church choirs, one since middle school and the other for a couple years now. And while I am familiar with the Mass setup and prayers, I still have so much to learn. I’m proud to say that during this past Lent I picked up the rosary daily and grew in my relationship with our Lord. But through the OCIA program, a never-ending world of literature and theological conversations opened for me. I still have a long and exciting road ahead of me!

With that same curiosity that brought me to the Catholic Church, I have explored churches and cathedrals across Cincinnati with my father. I recommend this to everyone: just go and see the art across the area, even if you are not religious, because there truly are many breathtaking sites that are terribly underrated and yearning to be explored.

I am blessed to be someone willing to ask questions and tend to be on the outgoing side. At school, I began our newspaper, run and attend various clubs, play tennis, engage as cast or crew in theatre, and participate in many school-wide events. I meet many young people just as curious and involved as I am, but they struggle to cross that threshold of questioning religious beliefs.

To reach more young people, I believe Church leaders need to consider these two questions more deeply: “What is stopping the youth from exploring their faith?” and “What assisted me when I first took that leap?” Many “cradle Catholics” fall from their faith because they assume Catholic school taught them everything, such that the complexities of Catholicism are laid out simply and you have to be absolutely certain on particular topics.

Yet, honestly, what helped me step past that threshold were all the open-minded souls who simply sat there, listened to me, then carefully constructed responses in relatable terms. They shared with me the wisdom that it’s okay to not understand everything, just observe and be humble.

The Catholic Church should never change any core values, but people within the Church should develop innovative communication to enable individuals in various circumstances to feel comfortable asking complex questions.

Above all, don’t be the uneducated, aggressive, or conceited Catholic. Because as someone who has seen the beautiful side of this Faith from my father, my sponsor/best friend (Eva Winchester), and from my confirmation saint (St. Thérèse of Lisieux), it’s the little things that can adjust your perspective for a lifetime.

Due to negative experiences, many find the Church to be unsafe when, in reality, a true Catholic provides the safest home there is, no matter the person or predicament. And as I step into college and pursue my journalistic and Catholic passions, I pray that I honor the people who gave me such a home. I pray that I innovate, explore, and assist in constructing a community for the next group who are willing to ask, “How do I join OCIA?” Because I know just how much an intimidating question like that can remarkably and eternally alter one’s life.

Grace Siener is a member of the Mercy McAuley High School class of 2026.