- Feb 5, 2002
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An intellectual search for structure in various denominations blossomed into a profound spiritual homecoming to the Catholic Church.
“I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” These are the words that thousands of catechumens around the world are preparing to hear on Easter night when they are baptized. Throughout Lent, Aleteia is sharing with you the stories of some of these men and women, who are happy to become children of God. Read all of the testimonies here.
Quentin Maiwald's spiritual journey began with a search for structure and ended with finding his true spiritual home. The finance professional, who will turn 30 shortly after joining the Church this Easter, traveled a winding path to Catholicism.
“Looking back, I would say I was a Christian in name only as a child,” he said.
In his early 20s, Maiwald began taking faith more seriously. Despite his growing conviction in Jesus Christ, he struggled to put down roots in a church community due to frequent moves.
“I was moving a lot for my career and school and kept telling myself I would get involved ‘eventually,’” he recalled.
During this period, Maiwald maintained a connection to his childhood church through online sermons and podcasts. He appreciated the “structure, discipline, and commitment to doctrine” of that church, and he craved even more of it.
When he finally settled in Chicago, he felt that he finally had the stability to take faith seriously and get involved locally. Yet he found himself in a dilemma:
Continued below.
“I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” These are the words that thousands of catechumens around the world are preparing to hear on Easter night when they are baptized. Throughout Lent, Aleteia is sharing with you the stories of some of these men and women, who are happy to become children of God. Read all of the testimonies here.
Quentin Maiwald's spiritual journey began with a search for structure and ended with finding his true spiritual home. The finance professional, who will turn 30 shortly after joining the Church this Easter, traveled a winding path to Catholicism.
Maiwald's early faith was nominal at best. His professional life took him from Texas to Florida, then to graduate school, and finally to Chicago for work. Throughout these transitions, his Christian identity remained undeveloped.
“Looking back, I would say I was a Christian in name only as a child,” he said.
In his early 20s, Maiwald began taking faith more seriously. Despite his growing conviction in Jesus Christ, he struggled to put down roots in a church community due to frequent moves.
“I was moving a lot for my career and school and kept telling myself I would get involved ‘eventually,’” he recalled.
During this period, Maiwald maintained a connection to his childhood church through online sermons and podcasts. He appreciated the “structure, discipline, and commitment to doctrine” of that church, and he craved even more of it.
When he finally settled in Chicago, he felt that he finally had the stability to take faith seriously and get involved locally. Yet he found himself in a dilemma:
His search for a spiritual home coincided with growing disillusionment with the “casual, self-help” vibe of non-denominational churches.
Why would I want anything but the full thing?
Continued below.
Quentin, soon to be baptized: ‘I want the wholeness of the faith’
An intellectual search for structure in various denominations blossomed into a profound spiritual homecoming to the Catholic Church.
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