My mother was born Jewish; therefore I was considered Jewish by their law. My mother and father married but did not follow any religion. So when I was growing up, my parents never gave myself or my sisters and brother any religious or spiritual guidance.

As I got older and school friends talked about going to church, I became curious and some classmates invited me to attend their church with them and their parents. I felt like I was always searching for something but didn't quite know what it was.

In 1980, I started working for a company and met Ruby de Vera, a wonderful person who always had time to answer the hundreds of questions I would ask her about religion, church and God. Ruby always had the answers to my questions but, more importantly, she had an inner peace and great faith.

Life seems to get more difficult the older I get, and the people who have befriended me seemed to all share that inner peace and faith that Ruby has. Most of these friends have been Catholics.

When I joined the RCIA at St. Dominic Church in Eagle Rock under the direction of Notre Dame Sister Joyanne Sullivan, I felt I was on the right path. I finally found that inner peace and faith that I have long searched for. My baptism, confirmation and first Communion at the Easter Vigil was so very exciting and I feel refreshed and happy to say I am a Catholic.

During the Easter season, new Catholics of the archdiocese are sharing their stories of conversion. Stories and photographs may be emailed to mnelson@the-tidings.com.