Sharon Ripley

Sharon's Journey from the AME Church to Catholicism

Sharon Ripley, a former African Methodist Episcopal (AME) minister, shares her journey from growing up in the AME Church to ultimately joining the Catholic Church. Her journey began with a strong foundation in faith from her childhood education at Catholic schools. However, as she grew older, she became nominal in her faith and drifted away from the Church. After experiencing a failed marriage and feeling a sense of emptiness, she began searching for something more meaningful. She explored different churches, including the AME Church, where she ultimately found a community that embraced charismatic worship and a deep love for Jesus. She became an ordained minister in the AME denomination and dedicated herself to intercessory prayer and teaching the Word of God. But over time, she felt a call to something more and began to question her beliefs about the Eucharist. Through her study of scripture, she came to the realization that the Catholic Church's teaching on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist aligned with her understanding of the Scriptures. This realization prompted her to leave the AME Church and return to the Catholic Church. She found a warm and welcoming community at St. Joseph's Parish in Maryland, where she continues to serve as a lector and catechist. She also became part of the Landings Ministry, welcoming and supporting those who are considering returning to the Catholic faith. Sharon's journey highlights the importance of embracing the fullness of the faith and relying on the Holy Spirit in our spiritual lives.