Discover Rev. John McMurray’s Transformative Journey
A Life of Service as a Celebrant Officiant
Dear friends,
As I continue my journey of faith, I’m humbled and grateful to share that I now serve as a celebrant,
bringing God’s blessings to families right in their own homes. This role is more than just a title—it’s a calling to walk alongside families during their most personal moments: blessings, memorials, funerals, and even times of crisis.
When I’m invited into a home, I see it as sacred ground—a place where God’s presence can bring comfort, healing, and hope. My role is to listen deeply to the family’s story, to honor their loved ones, and to help them find strength in God’s promises.
Being a celebrant officiant means I’m not just performing ceremonies, but also speaking about the family’s personal issues with compassion and understanding. Whether it’s grief, relationships, or spiritual questions, I strive to be a gentle guide—pointing them to the hope and peace that only God can give.
This ministry has taught me that every home, every family, every story matters to God. I’m honored to bring His life and His love into these sacred spaces, and to remind families that they are not alone.
Thank you for allowing me to share this part of my journey with you. I pray that God’s blessings will fill your home, and that you’ll find comfort in knowing that He walks with you every step of the way.
With love and blessings,
Officiant john McMurray
My Journey of Faith: A Letter from My Heart
I wanted to share my faith journey with you all—something that’s been on my heart for a long time. I hope this letter helps you see that no matter where we start, God meets us and leads us in love. I was born and raised in a Protestant family where my love for God grew strong. At 32, I had a powerful experience of being born again. At 40, I felt God calling me into the Catholic Church. Even now, I still hold a deep love and respect for both traditions. They’ve both shaped me, and I thank God for every experience. I truly believe that God’s love is bigger than any label, and He calls us all to love and serve one another.
So today, I celebrate being both a child of God who was raised Protestant, born again at 32, and now a Catholic at 40. I see God’s hand in it all.
What “God’s Life” Means to Me
I’ve often thought about what it means to live in “God’s Life.” For me, it’s more than just a theological term; it’s a reality I’ve come to experience in my own journey of faith. Growing up Protestant, I learned early on that God is the giver of life. Every breath I take is a gift from Him. At 32 years old, I had a powerful born-again experience that changed everything for me. Then, at the age of 40, God led me to the Catholic Church. I discovered the beauty of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, where I truly receive Jesus—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
Through all of this, I’ve come to understand that God’s life is eternal, abundant, and overflowing with love. It’s the life that Jesus promised when He said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). It’s a life that never ends, because it comes from God Himself. God’s life also means being part of His family—a community of believers, whether Protestant or Catholic.
A Message of Hope and Unity
More than anything, I want you to leave this page with a sense of hope, unity, and God’s love. I hope my story shows you that no matter where you start, God’s life is always at work—calling us, shaping us, and leading us into a deeper relationship with Him. My journey—from Protestant roots, to being born again, to embracing the Catholic Church—has taught me that God’s love is bigger than any label. His life is abundant, eternal, and meant to be shared with everyone, no matter our background. I pray you’ll feel encouraged to embrace your own journey of faith, to seek God’s presence in every moment, and to trust that He is guiding you—just as He’s guided me. Let’s walk together, celebrating His blessings and sharing His love with the world.
I’d like to acknowledge the Protestant Pastors and Teachers who nurtured my early faith, taught me the Bible, and encouraged me to walk with Jesus, and the Catholic Priests and Mentors who guided me deeper into the faith, especially through the Eucharist and the beauty of the Church’s teachings.
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