DISCIPLE: Why I'm Catholic by Jaclyn Bammert

This article appears in the Winter 2025 edition of the DISCIPLE newsletter. If you are not receiving DISCIPLE in your mailbox, contact the parish office at 763-497-2745  to register as a parishioner or update your contact information.

My parents and grandparents provided a firm foundation of our beautiful Catholic faith. Both of my grandfathers discerned priesthood as young men, and both went on to get married and raised families. I clearly remember the impact and strength of my Grandpa Dale’s faith as a child, specifically in how he prioritized Mass, the rosary, and leading my grandma in daily prayer. They were also heavily involved in parish life.  

My parents sent us to Catholic school, always made Sunday Mass a non-negotiable, and led us in family rosaries. After high school, however, I kept busy with college and sports and prioritized many other things over my faith. It became more of a check-the-box accomplishment than anything with real depth or value. 

Then, a handful of years ago, I went through some turbulent times and found my faith shaken, leading me to ask serious questions about the purpose of life and what I really believe.  After studying the Bible and Catechism with more focused intention, my faith came alive for the first time in my life!  Wisdom and guidance from scripture, the saints, and incredible women and men of our community has inspired, encouraged, and strengthened me all the more. I have grown in great love for the Eucharist and have committed to going to confession regularly.  An immense amount of healing has come by way of these two sacraments.  

In 2020, my husband Charlie and I decided to homeschool our children, which has offered more opportunities to lean on the Lord. Once again, the test of what we really believe has come to the forefront because it directly impacts the educating and upbringing of our family. Teaching and learning right alongside them what really is true, good, and beautiful has been a tremendously joyous and humbling experience.  

The journey continues, and I’m grateful to know that Jesus is always gently and mercifully calling us to return to Him when we go astray.  We are forever grateful to have this gift of Catholic faith.

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Jaclyn and Charlie Bammert live in Otsego and have been parishioners at St. Michael Catholic Church since spring of 2022. Charlie works as a chiropractor, and Jaclyn homeschools three of their five children. Photo courtesy of the Bammerts.