Praised be Jesus Christ!
I had already typed out a reply, but I guess I took too long, as it told me I wasn’t signed in and my post disappeared. So I’m trying again, typing faster and saying less…LOL…
I am truly blessed! After almost giving up, I listened to a still, small voice that told me to try one more time, and called my Diocese less than a month before Easter. I had called them before with no luck - it all boils down to who God puts in your path, and when He puts them there. THIS time, I was blessed to speak to the woman in charge of the office that oversees catechesis for the Diocese, and after about a ten-minute conversation, she recommended a priest at a small rural parish about 10 minutes from my house that I hardly ever passed and, quite frankly, had forgotten was there. I called, and the priest and I played phone tag for four or five days before settling on meeting after Mass that Saturday evening. The rest, as they say, is history.
The first time Fr. Al and I met, we talked for well over two hours while he got to know me personally and discerned that I was not acting under duress and had the faith formation to be received into full communion with the Church without the RCIA. He did it so gently, interspersing questions and comments with personal anecdotes to put me at ease. When he told me he would be happy to confirm me, I had to fight back tears. He even secured a sponsor for me, something I had totally forgotten about. Over the remaining time before Easter Vigil, I began my examination of conscience to prepare for my Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Fr. Al and I met again and kept in touch.
I have never been to a more beautiful worship service anywhere than the Easter Vigil. When it came time for Fr. Al’s homily, he began with a reference to vacations in the family car where the kids keep saying “are we there yet?” - a reference that was not lost on me and that brought a smile to both our faces. After my confirmation, the congregation broke into applause spontaneously, as strangers became family and friends.
I wish I had found Fr. Al and St. Jude’s a long time ago. But I know that God works all things in His timing, for His greater glory and our good. I am ever grateful.
As a side note, when I spoke to the woman at the Diocese who helped me, she told me that one of the biggest obstacles they face with converts is the inability or unwillingness on the part of many parishes to realize that everyone is different and that not everyone needs the RCIA. A lot of people give up and walk away and don’t come back. At one parish I spoke to - the last before I called the Diocese - the person in charge kept trying to shove me toward the RCIA. When she realized I wasn’t going to allow myself to be shoved anywhere, she said “well, we just teach the course. Fr. so-and-so runs it, and he has NEVER been receptive to anyone who doesn’t take the RCIA.” When I asked if I could talk to the priest, I was told “well, you can call his secretary and see if you can get an appointment, but I am sure he is probably too busy.” Really? No wonder people get frustrated and give up like I was ready to - until I heard that still, small voice.
peace2u2, I find it interesting that you should mention my experience being an inspiration. I have already had people from the parish come to me and ask my why I did what I did. I have had people at work see something different in me and want to know what has happened to me. I am finding that people don’t understand why, in this day and age with the Church under attack the way it is, anyone would want to become Catholic. And a lot of Catholics have never experienced anyone who is Catholic by choice and not by birth. I had asked my priest to pray and asked him how I might be of service to the people who have been so welcoming and supportive, and he admonished me to “just be myself”. Please pray for me that I can be used by Christ to draw others closer to Him.
To anyone who may stumble upon this post who may be going through the same type of situation as I have, DON’T GIVE UP. God truly does work all things in His timing, for His greater glory and our good. Your time WILL come. Don’t ever let the enemy tell you otherwise. Satan wants nothing more than for you to give up and walk away from Christ and His true Church.
May God’s loving arms and grace enfold you all. It is SO good to FINALLY be HOME.
