YOUNGSTOWN — For Zoe Madgar, Class of 2030, the journey to Catholicism began with curiosity and grew through prayer and personal discovery. Zoe first began thinking more seriously about Catholicism after conversations with friends who were attending CCD in sixth and seventh grades. Their experiences sparked her interest, and by eighth grade, she found herself wanting to learn more. She began reading the Bible and incorporating prayer into her daily life, discovering that prayer offered comfort and helped ease some of her worries.
Zoe’s interest in the Catholic faith also grew through her early experiences at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Youngstown, where she had attended Italian camp. While her family continued attending services at their Presbyterian church, they began visiting Our Lady of Mount Carmel periodically as well. Zoe was drawn to the reverence and ritual of the Catholic Mass, particularly the tabernacle and the blessing of the Eucharist.
When Zoe shared her desire to convert to Catholicism, she and her mother, Allie, began navigating a path that was not always easy….but they have continued exploring this journey together, guided by Zoe’s growing conviction and desire to learn more.
As her interest deepened, Zoe continued attending Mass and seeking opportunities to strengthen her faith. She eventually began attending St. Dominic Church, where she is now working through the CCD program as she prepares for her confirmation this spring. She is grateful for the guidance of Father Frassati and Father Charles, whose presence has been meaningful to her along the way. Allie has been so touched by Zoe’s experience that she started her Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at Saint Dom‘s in September!
At Mooney, Zoe has found a community where her questions are welcomed, her faith is encouraged and her spiritual journey can continue to flourish. At Cardinal Mooney, religion classes, all-school Masses, opportunities to receive the sacraments, service experiences and class retreats have helped her deepen her understanding of the faith and grow alongside her classmates.
Zoe’s story is a reminder that faith journeys are deeply personal, often beginning with a simple conversation, a moment of prayer or an unexpected sense of peace. For Zoe, each step has brought her closer to a faith she is eager to embrace.