Anchored in Faith: My Catholic Conversion and Beyond

Amidst the ongoing threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, I find myself unable to receive my sacraments as planned. However, despite these challenging circumstances, my Catechism Teacher has provided me with spiritual guidance and tools to deepen my faith during this time. Recently, she had me recite the consecration prayers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Memorare of Saint Joseph, offering solace and strength through these powerful devotions. Additionally, she encouraged me to embark on a novena to my confirmation saint, Pope Saint John Paul II. As I reflect on the second day of this novena while writing this post, I invite you to join me in prayer. Let us collectively petition our Lord for His divine intervention to bring an end to this pandemic. Together, may our prayers serve as a beacon of hope and healing for all those affected by the virus, as we entrust our intentions to the intercession of the saints and the grace of God.

Yesterday, on Monday, March 23, 2020, I received the news that my RCIA classes are indefinitely suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. While I feel a sense of disappointment about this development, I recognize the importance of prioritizing everyone's safety, including my own. As uncertainty looms, I find myself pondering the possibility of the Government of Connecticut permitting the Bishops to conduct Easter Vigil or Easter Mass. The implications are profound, as it means the postponement of my Confirmation, Eucharist, and Confession. In these uncertain times, I humbly request your prayers. Let us collectively petition our Lord to bring an end to this relentless virus, as we navigate these unprecedented challenges with faith and resilience.

As many of you are aware, the relentless spread of the COVID-19 virus has led to the cancellation of Public Masses across the United States. Today, my home Diocese announced its closure in response to this escalating situation. As we approach Holy Week and Easter, there looms uncertainty regarding how this infectious disease will continue to unfold, and whether governmental and Diocesan authorities will permit the resumption of public Masses. This uncertainty extends to the sacramental journey of individuals in RCIA and Confirmation programs, who may now face delays in receiving their sacraments until Pentecost or beyond, depending on the duration of the pandemic. In this time of uncertainty and longing for spiritual connection, I humbly ask for your prayers. Let us lift up not only myself but all those in RCIA programs, hoping to join the Catholic faith this Easter. May our collective prayers usher in a swift resolution and the resumption of Masses. Additionally, I invite you to join ...

In our most recent class, as the anticipation for my Confirmation on April 11th intensifies, we delved into the sacrament's profound significance through an insightful video presentation. Renowned theologian Brant Pietre eloquently elucidated the biblical underpinnings of Confirmation, illuminating its interconnectedness with the sacrament of baptism. With a deep reverence for the sacramental journey ahead, we explored the sacred ritual of the Laying on of Hands, a pivotal moment during Confirmation symbolizing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the candidate. As Dr. Pietre expertly navigated through the biblical context, I found myself captivated by the richness of tradition and symbolism inherent in this sacrament. In my Parish, the responsibility for administering the sacrament of Confirmation rests with our Parish Priest, Fr. James. It's a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness within the Church, where local clergy act as conduits for the grace of the broader eccle...

Today's lesson delved into the profound significance of First Confession, a pivotal sacrament preceding Confirmation and Holy Communion in my journey of faith. Guided by Fr. William Nicholas, a Parochial Vicar in California, the session provided invaluable insights into the sacramental process. In the enlightening videos, Fr. Nicholas eloquently outlined the procedures for confession while also shedding light on the nuances of what should and should not be confessed. Admittedly, I find myself grappling with a mixture of nerves and anticipation as I prepare for this pivotal step in my spiritual journey. Despite the apprehension, I am steadfast in my readiness to embrace this sacramental milestone. For me, First Confession serves as the gateway to the culmination of my faith journey, with Confirmation and Holy Communion on the horizon in April. With a heart brimming with both anticipation and trepidation, I embark upon this transformative sacramental experience.

On the auspicious occasion of the First Sunday of Lent, Catholics engaged in the RCIA journey across the globe converge upon their respective Dioceses/Archdioceses for a profoundly symbolic ritual. It is a moment of profound significance as they are received by the Bishop, their names ceremoniously inscribed in the Diocesan book, thereby being recognized as the Elect. This past Sunday, I too participated in this ritual, albeit in a slightly different manner. While my Parish graciously forwarded my name to the Diocese, as the process is optional, logistical constraints prevented me from physically being present at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Norwich, Connecticut. However, despite my absence, my name found its place in the Prayers of the Church section during the liturgy, a testament to the unity of our Parish community in this sacred journey. As I reflect on this unique experience, I realize that I stand as the sole representative from my Parish community slated to receive the Easter...