Step-In programme and becoming Catholic has changed my life. I was born into a protestant evangelical family in South Africa and raised in a school and church that was evangelical. My family was Christian but we never really spoke about God nor did I see my parents really pray. Being a Christian didn’t feel super important when I was growing up.

I joined the Anglican Church when I was 16 and was baptised. I preferred the structure and order of the Anglican Church. However, in my twenties during my university years, I completely fell away from the church and God. I believed I didn’t need God and rejected all Christian teachings.

In my thirties, I moved to Brussels and for a while things were really good, but then I hit a personal crisis and life felt meaningless and pointless. I felt the pull to go back to church and seek God once more. I briefly attended an evangelical church in Brussels but after a few months it felt empty, and I longed for deeper spiritual growth.

This led me to the Catholic Church and Step-In. This programme has been amazing, so warm and welcoming, and all questions are welcomed. Becoming Catholic has given me a peace and joy that I have never experienced before. The day I was confirmed and received into the Catholic Church was so wonderful and special, one of the happiest days of my life.

The way I live my life has changed a lot. I have learned so much through the Step-In, and the friends I have made through this journey are a blessing and joy. After the first session, I had a dream about Jesus  in my dream, he touched my face and gave me beautiful new clothes. This dream feels like a reflection of my journey: I am a new person, renewed.

I know that I made the right decision to join Step-In, and I could not recommend it enough.

Kate Conradie