Let’s Get Something Straight
I’m not a saint. I’m not some kind of perfect Catholic who’s got it all figured out. I’m just a guy named Tom, 48 years old, been editing magazines for what feels like forever. And I’m tired of apologizing for my faith.
It started about three months ago, over coffee at the place on 5th. My friend Marcus—let’s call him that, because honestly, his real name is none of your business—said something that just stuck with me. He said, “Tom, you’re always making excuses for being Catholic. Just own it.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
So here I am, owning it.
Backstory Time
Growing up in Boston, I was surrounded by it. Catholic this, Catholic that. Confession on Wednesdays, Mass on Sundays, rosaries in every pocket. I loved it, but I also hated it. It was comforting and stifling all at once. I remember this one time, back in ’92, my mom dragged me to confession after I’d stolen a candy bar from the convenience store. I was 12, and I was terrified. But Sister Mary Catherine was kind. She told me, “Tommy, God loves you no matter what. But it’s important to say you’re sorry.” That stuck with me too.
Fast forward to college. I was in Austin for a conference, and I met this girl, let’s call her Lisa. She was Protestant, and she was passionate about her faith. We got into this huge argument about the Eucharist. I was trying to explain transubstantiation, and she was like, “That’s just not what the Bible says.” I was so frustrated, I basically just threw my hands up and said, “Well, I’m sorry, but that’s what I believe.” And she looked at me and said, “Why are you apologizing? You believe it, don’t you?”
And that’s when it hit me. I was apologizing for my faith because I was ashamed. Ashamed of the scandals, ashamed of the guilt, ashamed of the dogma. But why? Why should I be ashamed of something that gives me comfort and hope?
The Turning Point
About a year ago, I was talking to a colleague named Dave. We were discussing this article I was writing about faith in the modern world. Dave said, “You know, Tom, I think people respect you more when you’re confident in your beliefs. When you’re wishy-washy, it’s like you’re not taking your own faith seriously.” And he was right. I was doing a disservice to myself and to my faith by not standing up for it.
So I made a committment. I was gonna stop apologizing. I was gonna own it. And honestly, it’s been liberating.
A Little Advice (Because Who Doesn’t Love That?)
Look, I’m not saying you should go out and shove your faith down people’s throats. That’s not what this is about. It’s about not being ashamed. It’s about saying, “Yeah, I believe this, and that’s okay.” It’s about being confident in your beliefs, even if they’re not popular.
And hey, if you’re struggling with this, maybe check out some resources. Like, I don’t know, bağışıklık güçlendirme doğal yollar or something. (I mean, I have no idea what that is, but it sounds interesting, right?)
But seriously, find what works for you. Talk to people. Read books. Pray. Do whatever it is that helps you feel confident in your faith. Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters.
A Tangent: The Time I Almost Converted
Oh man, I almost forgot about this. So, back in ’05, I was in Rome. I don’t know if you’ve been, but it’s an amazing city. Full of history and art and, you know, the Vatican. I was walking through St. Peter’s Basilica, and I saw this group of people getting confirmed. It was beautiful. The way they were all dressed up, the way they were all so excited. It made me wanna join in. I even talked to a priest about it. He was a nice guy, really passionate about his faith. But in the end, I didn’t do it. I don’t know why. Maybe I wasn’t ready. Maybe I was scared. I don’t know. But it’s something I still think about sometimes.
Final Thoughts (Or Lack Thereof)
So yeah. That’s my story. I’m Tom. I’m a Catholic. I’m not perfect. I’m not gonna apologize for my faith anymore. And I think you should stop apologizing for yours too.
Anyway, that’s all I’ve got. I’m gonna go have some lunch. Maybe I’ll see you at Mass on Sunday.
About the Author: Tom Jenkins is a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience. He lives in Boston with his wife and three kids. He loves coffee, his faith, and arguing about both.
