By Vinci Halbrook-Paterson
When I was a freshman in college my pastor asked me to sponsor a young woman preparing to become Catholic. I began attending weekly sessions with her.
Angela became Catholic at the Easter Vigil 1981.
During that year of her preparation I found my own faith challenged and renewed.
I also found direction as I discerned my course of study. I began to make contact with UP (The Rev. H.R. Rutherford, C.S.C., was Theology Department Chair at that time). I realized that I wanted to work with people and walk with people in matters of faith and life.
Since my freshman year in college I have been involved in some way, shape or form with the Rites of Catholic Adult Initiation process, sometimes as an invited presenter, a retreat coordinator or a team member. But for 14 years of my ministry I have been the coordinator of Rites of Catholic Adult Initiation in parishes and on campuses.
It is such a humbling experience to listen to stories, and witness God working in the lives and hearts of individuals from all walks of life, all ages and interests.
During the Triduum - three days - one Saving Event (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday), we remember and celebrate how Christ has saved each of us.
Lent helped each of us focus on the parts of our life that needed repair and reconciliation. Our candidates remind us to see God and seek God in new ways, with new eyes.
Below are some reflections from our newest members. Christ offers new life to the Church by adding enthusiastic, faith filled, dedicated and talented people to our Body. Not only our UP community, but the Catholic church world wide welcomed thousands of new members to challenge and renew the whole church.
May we all come to the celebration of Pentecost - following 50 days of Easter, enthused and ready to be sent where the Lord will lead us.
On Holy Saturday senior Arielle LeVeaux, senior Shea Knecht and sophomore Misty Yadon were baptized, confirmed, and received their First Communion. Senior Tori Kimsey Wobbe made her profession of faith, was confirmed and received her First Communion. Here are some of their thoughts on the experience:
Senior Shea Knecht: "Love. I know it's cliché, but that is truly what my Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion boils down to. The whole reason I joined the Roman Catholic Church is because of love.
"The love that I saw shared between the members of the Catholic community drew me in and enveloped me. I have never felt as profoundly and unreservedly loved as when I was at the Vigil on Holy Saturday. Coming out of the Baptismal Font sputtering, clumsy and nervous should have been nerve-wracking to the point of panic, but it wasn't.
"I went into the waters with the absolute knowledge that everyone in the Catholic community was more than willing - they in fact wanted - to accept me. Not because I was becoming Catholic either, but because I was one of God's creations.
And whether or not I chose to be baptized and confirmed Catholic, the community would still be there and would love me either way."
Sophomore Misty Yadon: "On Friday I went to buy Easter baskets and goodies for my kids. I found a children's book about the first Easter to help them understand.
"While at the check stand the cashier saw the book and said: 'oh yeah, Easter is a religious holiday.'
With his simple remark I realized that Easter will always be a religious holiday for me and my family from now on."
Vinci Halbrook-Paterson is Assistant Director for Faith Formation at Campus Ministry
