Tom Bayliss, Cannock and Hednesford parish, Staffordshire

Tom kindly completed a short, optional questionnaire designed to find out more about why people have decided to join the Catholic Church. He will be fully welcomed into the Catholic Church this Easter, 2026.

Please tell us a little about what drew you towards wanting to become a Catholic.

First and foremost, Jesus Christ. Eight years ago I was an atheist with a debilitating drink and cocaine addiction and by the Grace of God found myself in the rooms of AA. 

One of the steps was to believe in a “Higher Power”, with this and working the program my life has changed dramatically but left me wondering who this Higher Power was. I found myself reading the bible after being recommended it at preparation for my daughter to be Christened in a Church of England Church and realised it was Jesus Christ all along.

While attending the CoE church for a few years I come to the conclusion that the CoE was lacking. This led me into looking at Church history, attending a Roman Catholic Church and then into the RCIA, I haven’t looked back.

Please tell us something you have learned during your period of formation to become a Catholic.

The importance of authority in the Church and Church History.

Please tell us something you are looking forward to, following your reception into the Catholic Church.

Being in full communion with the Church that Jesus Christ founded.