Raised Catholic, my parents brought us to Mass every Sunday. I still remember driving to the nearest town for Mass even if we were out camping far away from home. What an amazing seed they planted within me.
My parents also made sure we went to faith formation classes growing up. Unfortunately, I was too busy goofing off and didn’t get much from it. I stopped going to Mass after high school and returned around age 23 but only to check the box on my Sunday obligation.
Around age 30, I was really struggling with life. I had everything the world told me I needed to be happy. I had a good job, new car, new motorcycle, new house, lots of partying, etc. But I was still miserable.
I had a complete breakdown at a job site and no motivation to keep going, so (one) moment I decided to give Jesus a real try. I repeated over and over in my head: “Jesus, help me; Jesus, help me; Jesus, help me.”
This movement started my journey back to my faith. Soon afterward I was at a funeral. I thought to myself: “If I died today, would I go to heaven?” When being honest with myself while answering that question, it seemed there was no chance based on how I was living. I realized that I needed to start changing my life.
One day, a group of Mormons stopped by my house. While we were talking, they kept inviting me to their church. I responded that I really didn’t even know that much about my own faith and would get back to them after doing some research on the Catholic Church.
I started researching the Church’s teachings that most challenged me: teachings on abortion, same-sex marriage and contraception. I was completely blown away with what the Church actually taught on those issues in comparison to what the world had taught me. As a truth-minded man I was completely sold on the Church and her teachings, and I couldn’t get enough information. I started reading books and listening to the “Catholic Answers Live” radio program nonstop as well as many other Catholic podcasts. I also returned to confession and Mass regularly. During this time, I finally started to believe that Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist: What a game changer! I began frequently spending time with Jesus in the adoration chapel. It was there that I met my beautiful wife, Ashley, and we now have four amazing children.
Finally, I wanted to mention the most influential man God sent me in my reversion: Father Dave Hennen. He was, and is, so instrumental in helping me learn and grow in my faith. His spiritual direction was essential for me to completely give my life to Christ. I will forever be indebted to him for all the time he has invested in me. I have such a great love for priests and men like Father Dave who give their lives to the Lord to help draw us closer to him.
Brummel, 41, lives in Hastings and attends St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with his wife, Ashley, and their children Agnes, Lucy, Linus and Felicity. He enjoys leading men’s ministry meetings and marriage prep mentoring with Ashley. He also enjoys golfing, trapshooting and downhill skiing.
