The Long Way Home

A Catholic Return to Faith

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About the Book

The Long Way Home: A Catholic Return to Faith is for anyone who was born and raised Catholic, drifted away, and now wonders how—or even if—they can find their way back.

Part personal story, part encouragement, and part practical guide, it traces my own return to the Church after forty years away: the fear and hesitation, the awkward first steps, and the quiet moments when I began to sense that God was calling me home.

Along the way, I reflect on why so many leave and what holds them back from returning. Sometimes the smallest step, like attending Mass again or whispering a simple prayer, can open the door to a deeper renewal of faith.

Each chapter weaves together experience and reflection with personal insights for others walking a similar path. The book speaks to those who have been away for years, as well as those who have already begun returning but still feel uncertain or out of place. It also serves as a resource for family, friends, and parish leaders who want to support returning Catholics with compassion and understanding.

I wrote The Long Way Home after realizing how many people long to reconnect with their faith yet feel unsure where to begin. My hope is that it becomes a companion for that journey—a reminder that you are not alone, it’s never too late, and that the Church is still a place you can call home.

Endorsements

  • “There is no story more compelling than that of someone finding their way back home—especially when, over time, they didn’t even realize they were lost. The Long Way Home is part heartfelt testimonial, part practical guide: an honest, real-life account of a wanderer rediscovering his spiritual roots. It’s a journey that will both inspire and equip you to begin your own.”

    — LON ROBERTS, Author’s Friend and Professional Colleague 

  • "Reading Jeff's story is like looking through a window into someone's soul and seeing the immense satisfaction that comes from pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church. Use this book as a roadmap to return to—or discover for the first time— the fullness of faith offered to those willing to ask, seek, and knock on the door."

    — BETSY ORR, Founder, Heritage, Georgia

  • “In The Long Way Home Jeff Lukich shares his story of coming back to his faith and the Lord’s Church in a winsome, vulnerable, and attractive manner. This allows Jeff to gently lead and guide any reader considering a return to their Catholic faith. Jeff has offered pastors and church leaders a great tool to accompany Catholics as they consider returning home to the Lord’s church.”

    — FATHER MARK WHITE, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Washington, Georgia

  • "The Long Way Home is a heartfelt reminder that each of us experiences a unique and deeply personal journey with our Heavenly Father. Jeff's relatable story of faith encourages us that in our quiet acts of trust, receptivity, and pursuit, we discover the depth of God's love. For anyone with a loved one who has drifted away, Jeff's journey offers hope and reassurance that it's never too late to take the first step back home."

    — JENNIFER MURPHY, Founder, Inspire & Transform Consulting

About the Author

Jeff Lukich is a writer, endurance coach, and lifelong seeker of faith. A graduate of Presbyterian College in South Carolina, he spent more than thirty years in public child welfare, retiring in 2018 as chief of staff for Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services.

In 2022, Jeff returned to the Catholic Church after forty years away—a journey that became the heart of The Long Way Home: A Catholic Return to Faith. His writing combines personal experience, honest reflection, and a desire to help others rediscover the peace and purpose that come from faith.

Jeff serves at the altar and volunteers in several parish ministries. He and his wife, Mary Beth, live in Georgia, where they stay active in their parish and community. When he’s not writing or coaching athletes, Jeff is often outdoors—training for marathons and ultramarathons, cycling, or working in his yard.

Media & Interviews

Contact Jeff

For questions or speaking inquires, please use the contact form here. I will reply as soon as possible.