A Fresh Start: How a Leader Found Faith Again

JD Vance, now serving as Vice President, has just released a book that tells the story of his spiritual journey. The memoir, titled “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, ” was published on June 16. It focuses on how Vance moved from a Protestant upbringing, through a period of atheism, and ultimately to Catholicism. The book begins with Vance’s baptism in 2019 at St. Gertrude Priory, a Dominican church in Cincinnati. He chose Saint Augustine as his patron saint and explains that he was drawn to Catholicism because it felt intellectually appealing. He had never been baptized before and did not feel a strong connection to any church in his childhood.Vance’s faith faltered after the death of his grandmother, Bonnie Blanton Vance, in 2005. He writes that once she was gone, his sense of purpose weakened and he drifted away from religion. He also mentions that after serving in Iraq as a Marine Corps media officer, he was no longer a Christian. A turning point came when Vance met his wife, Usha, at Yale Law School. She became a stabilizing force in their family life and encouraged him to return to the church. He describes her as an “anchor, ” especially during hectic Sunday mornings when they bring their children to Mass. Usha Vance, who is of Indian heritage and practices Hinduism, has never intended to convert. Yet her support helped Vance re‑engage with Catholic practices. He notes that his desire to honor her faith motivated him to attend services regularly and seek spiritual growth.