In 2022, I had the opportunity to take part in a course called Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of God at a local Roman Catholic Church. The course, written by Bishop Robert Barron, followed his video series each week and provided a space not only for learning but for deep reflection and dialogue.

Each week, we engaged with challenging ethical questions, abortion and euthanasia, and considered how faith traditions approach these topics. These conversations weren’t always easy, but they pushed us to reflect more carefully on what we believe, why we believe it, and how faith intersects with politics and the ethical debates of today.

Alongside ethical discussions, the course introduced us to Catholic dogma and practice. We explored the meaning of festivals, ceremonies, and especially the sacraments. Although I had already studied sacramental theology during my undergraduate degree, it was valuable to revisit these themes in conversation with those in the church who hold firmly to Catholic teaching. This dialogue deepened my understanding of how sacraments are not only theological concepts but lived realities at the heart of Catholic worship and identity.

One particularly memorable aspect was being welcomed into the rhythm of church life itself. During Lent, we visited Bristol’s Catholic Cathedral and witnessed the moving moment when candidates preparing to enter the Catholic Church signed their names in the Book of Life ahead of their formal reception at Easter. Later, we joined the community for the Easter Day service, sharing in one of the most significant celebrations of the liturgical year.

For me, this journey carried a personal significance. Although it enhanced my theological training, my family history gave the experience a deeper resonance. My grandmother was Catholic, and my mother was raised in the Catholic tradition before becoming a Baptist. Taking part in this course allowed me to reconnect with a part of my heritage and better understand the faith that shaped my family.

Ultimately, the experience was more than an academic exercise; it was a time of encounter, dialogue, and reflection. Walking alongside others in their journey toward the Catholic faith gave me insight into both the beauty and challenges of Catholic life, while also deepening my own theological formation.