Committing to Catholicism feels more like an ongoing negotiation than a once-in-a-lifetime choice. Sure, I took the name Cecilia that Saturday morning when the bishop smeared what felt like too much oil of chrism across my forehead, together affirming my parents’ decision to baptize me. But that didn’t prevent me from continuing to question the tradition I claim as my own. And that questioning isn’t a matter merely of voicing doubts, either; it’s not a lack of faith. On my best days, it’s part of an earnest and hopefully lifelong journey of sincere faith honestly seeking genuine understanding.─ Jen Owen
