From Evangelical to Traditional Catholic: Nick Cavazos's Conversion Story

Episode 15: From Evangelical to Traditional Catholic with Nick Cavazos

In this compelling episode, hosts Marco Salinas and Dan Sevigny welcome Nick Cavazos, a 27-year-old theology teacher, podcaster, and speaker who has become a prominent voice in traditional Catholic circles. Nick shares his unique conversion journey and offers insights into what's drawing young people to traditional Catholicism.

Key Topics Discussed:

Nick's Conversion Story

• Baptized Catholic at 3 months but raised evangelical Protestant
• Parents' spiritually mixed marriage and its impact on faith formation
• His journey through Calvinism and deep theological study
• The pivotal moment: attending his first Traditional Latin Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin
• How a Marian prayer experience and the beauty of the TLM led to his conversion

What Young People Want from Faith

• Three key desires: clarity, purpose, and authentic leadership
• How traditional generations failed to teach the value of suffering
• The impact of pornography and digital culture on young Catholics
• Why young people are drawn to "in your face Catholicism" that's uncompromisingly theocentric
• The generational swing back toward traditional values among young men

Teaching and Catholic Education

• Current role teaching theology online at Mother Divine Grace School
• Teaching eighth grade theology at St. Martin de Porres TLM community
• The shocking gaps in Catholic education: students not knowing basic prayers, Ten Commandments, or sacraments
• The failure of parents to engage in their children's faith formation
• Why homeschooled students generally arrive better prepared

SSPX Defense and Explanation

• Detailed history of Archbishop Lefebvre and the founding of SSPX in 1970
• The seminary crisis of the 1970s that prompted the traditional movement
• Canonical status clarification: not schismatic according to Rome
• The 1988 episcopal consecrations and subsequent reconciliation efforts
• Current relationship with Rome and universal faculties granted by Pope Francis

Practical Advice for Families

• How to find Traditional Latin Masses using websites like massoftheages.com
• The importance of making sacrifices and driving distances for authentic worship
• Why parents must be willing to study their faith and teach their children
• The role of fathers in spiritual leadership and its impact on children's retention

About Nick Cavazos: Nick Cavazos is a 27-year-old theology teacher, writer, and podcaster. He teaches online at Mother Divine Grace School and provides theology instruction for the Traditional Latin Mass community at St. Martin de Porres in Dripping Springs, Texas. Nick has written for publications including 1 Peter 5 and is a frequent guest on traditional Catholic podcasts. His academic background includes undergraduate and graduate studies in theology and scholasticism.

Previous Appearances at Sanctus Ranch: Nick has spoken at multiple events at Sanctus Ranch, including the Invictus Men's Conference and serving as the commencement speaker for Lumen Christi Academy's graduation ceremony.

Resources Mentioned:

• MassOfTheAges.com - for finding Traditional Latin Mass locations
• SSPX website for chapel locations
• Baltimore Catechism for basic Catholic formation
• St. Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica
• Kennedy Hall's book defending SSPX
• Scott Hahn's "The Fourth Cup"

Connect with RCC:

• Website: RestoringChristianCulture.org