Let me be blunt: joining the Catholic Church as a convert requires spiritual maturity. If you visit as a seeker, don’t expect to be “love bombed” by volunteers eager to take you on a tour and boast of all the programs and amenities. Don’t expect to walk out with swag in the form of branded coffee mugs, books, pens, toys, and other free goodies. Guests are absolutely welcome. But that does not mean you are permitted to receive Holy Communion. It may shock you to realize that the church will not accommodate your every whim and desire. Other churches may say “you are perfect just the way you are, you don’t need to change a thing!” in order to be inclusive and validate your feelings. But that is not true Christianity. The process of becoming Catholic is often spiritually demanding. While other churches may require a simple meeting for membership, the Catholic Church designates a period of formation, during which catechumens can properly learn the faith and prepare themselves to receive the sacraments. Catholic theology is complex and deep, with thousands of years of rich history and tradition to soak in. A year’s worth of initiation classes only skim the surface of material. This is in contrast to the “prosperity gospel” churches whose message boils down to “Name it and claim it! If you think positive about your wealth and health, God will reward you!” Having gone through the conversion process myself, I can tell you it is challenging, but is absolutely worth it. I had to abandon my ego and self-serving mindset. I endured nearly a year-long period of spiritual attacks (which completely stopped after I was in full communion). I sacrificed a great deal of time and energy to attend RCIA membership classes. My husband and I, along with our two children, are now fully received into the Catholic Church. My faith grew much stronger as a result. Becoming a Catholic is not the easy path. But it is the narrow path, and it is the path that leads to life.