Teen decides the Catholic Church is for him

March 25, 2024

Alex McCulley, 15, wanted to grow closer to God.

With his mom being ill for a while, he wanted to ask God for help.

“I reached out to my friend. He brought me into the Wednesday classes, where I started learning and becoming closer to God,” he said.

About this time last year, he went to his first Mass with his mom at St. Michael Parish in Harlan. 

It was Easter Sunday and he admits he was nervous.

“I was kind of shy because I didn’t know much about the prayers or what was going to go on,” he said.
But he kept coming.

“The feeling the Mass gave me, just coming in and walking out, was really indescribable,” McCulley said. “It made me feel really good.”

He took classes from the former religious education director and with Father Clement Owusu, the pastor. 
He’s learned about prayer, which helps him.

“If I ever need to pray about something, it takes a lot off my mind and my chest,” he said.

At the Easter Vigil in a few weeks, he will be baptized, confirmed and receive his first Holy Communion. 
For now, he goes up the communion line with his arms crossed for a blessing. 

For anyone who might be considering coming into full communion with the Catholic Church, McCulley says: “Go to Mass. Pay attention. Keep on praying because it’s helped me a lot. And read the Bible.

“It’s definitely changed me for the better.”