Anchored in Faith: My Catholic Conversion and Beyond

Amidst the rich tapestry of my RCIA journey, a pivotal moment unfolded during my second class—an announcement that would shape the course of my confirmation experience. With bated breath, I listened as my instructor revealed the importance of having a sponsor or godparent by my side for the upcoming sacrament. In that moment, there was no hesitation in my heart. I knew exactly who I wanted by my side—my esteemed political mentor and dear friend, Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano (R). With courage and conviction, I reached out to him, extending the heartfelt invitation to stand as my sponsor on April 11th. To my delight and gratitude, Mayor Giuliano's response was swift and affirmative, echoing with the warmth of camaraderie and support. In a matter of minutes, his reply landed in my inbox, affirming his commitment to walk alongside me on this sacred journey of faith. The anticipation of having Mayor Giuliano as my sponsor fills me with a sense of joy and gratitude, knowing that his prese...

Amidst the autumnal splendor of the week preceding Thanksgiving 2019, I found myself once again graced by the sanctity of St. John's for my second RCIA session—a continuation of my journey into the heart of Catholicism. As I crossed the threshold of the sacred space, a sense of anticipation filled the air, mingling with the warmth of fellowship and discovery. The session unfolded with a gentle exploration of divine existence, guided by the wisdom of scripture and the contemplative insights of our instructor. With reverence, I received a Catholic Bible—a cherished companion on the path towards deeper understanding and spiritual enlightenment. As the pages whispered tales of faith and redemption, I felt a profound sense of connection to the timeless truths enshrined within its sacred text. In a moment of illumination, we turned our gaze towards the enigmatic question of God's existence, delving into the depths of philosophical inquiry and theological reflection. Through the lens ...

Stepping into the Parish Rectory on Thursday, November 7, 2019, marked the beginning of a sacred journey—the commencement of my very first RCIA class. As I settled into the embrace of this new chapter, I found myself enveloped in a sense of anticipation and reverence. Our inaugural session commenced with a tender exploration of my faith journey—a reflective journey through the winding paths that have led me to this momentous juncture in my spiritual odyssey. With open hearts and eager minds, we delved into the depths of my aspirations and convictions, laying the foundation for the transformative voyage that lay ahead. Guided by the gentle hand of our instructor, I embarked on a voyage of discovery—a basic overview of the teachings and traditions that form the cornerstone of the Catholic faith. From the foundational principles of doctrine to the sacred rituals and sacraments that define our spiritual landscape, each lesson illuminated the path towards deeper understanding and communion....

At the gentle beckoning of the morning light on Monday, November 4, 2019, a phone call heralded the beginning of a transformative journey. It was Jeanne, the esteemed RCIA Instructor at Saint John's, extending a warm invitation to embark on a path of profound significance. Together, we set a date—Thursday, November 7, 2019, at 10:45 A.M.—to convene and delve into the intricacies of the RCIA process. With each passing moment, anticipation swells within me as I prepare to step onto the sacred path toward full Communion with the Catholic Faith. Jeanne's guidance promises to illuminate the way forward, providing invaluable insights into the rituals, teachings, and traditions that will shape my journey. As I prepare to embrace this new chapter with open arms, I humbly seek the support and prayers of my community. May their steadfast prayers imbue me with strength and dedication, as I embark on this remarkable odyssey to rediscover the faith of my ancestors—the faith that has long re...

Tonight, as the sacred echoes of the Saturday Vigil Mass at Saint John's began to fade into the stillness of the evening, I found myself filled with a sense of anticipation and wonder. Little did I know that what awaited me after the final hymn would be a moment of profound significance in my journey towards embracing the Catholic faith. As I made my way to bid farewell to Father, a gentle request detained me for a moment longer. With warmth in his eyes, he beckoned me towards a figure immersed in prayer—a woman whose presence exuded a quiet strength and grace. With a simple introduction, Father James revealed her as Jeanne, my RCIA Instructor—a beacon of guidance and wisdom on this sacred path of discovery. In that fleeting moment of introduction, I felt a stirring of excitement and anticipation, knowing that this encounter marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in my spiritual journey. Jeanne's words of assurance, promising to reach out to me in the coming week, fil...