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My Lord, My Mother, My Patroness

7/7/2025

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The title of this testimony may not make sense now, but it will by the end, as those mentioned in the title are the most important people in my faith journey.

I was raised Protestant. I always knew who Jesus was and knew a good amount of Scripture, but I still struggled with my faith. No matter how much I tried to follow Jesus, I always stumbled, and in 2023, I gave up on my faith.

Eventually, I returned to it, but I still wasn’t taking it all that seriously until September of 2024. Just a month before, I had suffered a terrible breakup that left me in a sorrowful state, and I was heading toward becoming a man I didn’t want to be.
In September, I started reading the Gospel of Matthew. I had never read the Bible for myself—I had always just heard it in bits and pieces at church and in different youth groups. When I finished reading Matthew, it gave me a lot to think about. It especially made me think more favorably about the Catholic Church. But I was never going to be Catholic. They have that wacky Pope and believe in that nonsense about Mary! That’s what I told myself, anyway.

One late night, I was sitting alone and came across the 60 Minutes interview with Pope Francis. I was completely moved by listening to him speak. He was such a merciful man, and you could tell just by hearing him that he was of God. It completely turned the narrative I had on its head.

That night, I accepted Pope Francis as one of the many Christian leaders and saw him as a true man of God in our dark world. But it was still a long road before I would proclaim papal supremacy like I do now.

Sometime after that, a post came up from a Catholic solo metal project I had started listening to because I liked the songs about Jesus. The project was called Hell’s Enemy, and the man behind it is named Fredrick—a metalhead turned Catholic convert, much like myself.

Fred made a video explaining what Catholics believe about Mary. After watching it, I sat down and began to think a lot more about her. I thought back to when I was a young boy, I had always adored Mary. A large part of that was because I had only my biological mother, and my father was not in my life. So it was easy for me to find comfort in someone like Mary.

I loved Mother Mary, until I grew up and was taught by many Protestants that she was nothing special, just a sinful woman God picked to give birth to Jesus and nothing more.

After reflecting on this, I decided to say a simple prayer to our Mother. Humbly, I asked, “Mother Mary, please pray for me.” I kept praying that prayer every day, and eventually, I was led into Saint Patrick’s on October 13th. My life was changed after attending Mass. I had never felt the presence of God more than I did that day.

But it would still be a little longer before I entered RCIA.

On November 10th, I attended Mass a second time. After that Mass, I talked to a lady who passed my information to Deacon Terry. I went about my life and waited for a call. A few days later, I got one. Deacon Terry asked me some light questions and when I could meet. We met that same week, and during that meeting he asked me why I wanted to be Catholic.

I told him I wanted a faith that had more commitment. But there was a bigger reason I didn’t share at the time.
Mary.

She was the biggest reason I was there. I had a few supernatural encounters with our Mother—her presence was overwhelming and constantly around me until I went and signed up for RCIA. She poured out her love to me, and it was so overwhelming that it left me with an aching feeling in my soul, a calling. My soul and heart were not yet ready for that kind of love, but the outpouring of her love left me no choice but to enter the Church. Almost as if to say, “Alright Mother, you win! No more!”

I was afraid to share these experiences I had with the Blessed Mother, because I was absolutely afraid of sounding like a crazy person. But now that I’ve grown more comfortable in my faith, I am unashamed to talk about my relationship with the Holy Mother.

My love for Our Mother only grew when Ray, who was a sponsor for Justin (the other catechumen besides myself, who was also received into the Church last year), gave me a rosary. Praying the rosary changed my life! Every time I pray the rosary, I’m filled with a love for Jesus and his Mother. As I pray, I am filled with Mary’s maternal love for me, and it has shattered many habits that once had a strong hold on me.

So thank you, Ray, for giving me my first rosary!

For those who have been in the Church and have paid attention to me or gotten to know me, you know how the rest goes. I did a ton of research into Church history and theology. I came to church every week (besides one time when the winter weather was bad) and actively participated in the Mass. The reason for all of that is because my love for Jesus has grown beyond belief, and I love going to church, which is something I never thought would be possible.

Now, there is another important figure in my faith journey I absolutely must mention: my beloved Saint Catherine of Siena, my Patroness.

On the night of Christmas Eve, after coming home from Mass, my friends and I began to discuss the relics that the Church had. Little did I know, the Holy Spirit had something in store for me that night.

I was guided to the head of Catherine. Yes, the very first image I ever saw of her was her decapitated head in a glass box. I was absolutely intrigued, so I looked up her name. Just a few seconds after hitting the search button, her portrait by Giovanni Battista appeared. I sat there and stared at it for a few seconds, taking in her face, the stigmata on her hands, and the crown of thorns resting on her head.

Before this moment, I was struggling to find my saint. I knew one had picked me out from the rest and was deeply interested in me, so much so that by their prayers and constant battle against the forces of evil over me, there was never going to be a version of me that didn’t end up Catholic.

Believe me, the fact I’ve even made it to the age of 21 is nothing short of divine intervention. Someone was dragging me along, keeping me on track so I wouldn’t stray too far. Whoever it was, they were as sharp as a sword when it came to matters of faith, so much so that, even to this day, they remain a controversial saint in the Church.

After sitting there a few moments, looking at her, something hit me right in the soul. It was as if Catherine herself came down from heaven to smack me in the face and reprimand me for not coming to her sooner. But nonetheless, joyfully, I was here now.

Let me tell you, if Mother Mary was the one to give me a loving push to go to Saint Patrick’s, Catherine was grabbing me by the wrist and dragging me up the steps.

As I got to know Catherine more, I could see she was strengthening me with all the power God had given her. There have been many times I’ve been afraid to do or say something, but every time, she’s dragged me into doing it. One example was during our 40 hours of adoration. I sat in the middle pew and got settled. After just a few minutes, I heard a voice, clear as ever, say to me: “Pick up your stuff and go sit at the front. Go. Now.”

With the sharpness, yet at the same time gentleness of that voice, I knew it could be no one else but Catherine of Siena.
I did as she asked and sat at the very front of the church. I had a beautiful visit with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I sat there for three hours, praying, reading Scripture, and adoring our Lord.

St. Catherine is someone I can get behind easily. Her honesty and disregard for what people might think or feel about what she would say when it came to the truth was a perfect match for me. I tell people now all the time that they better be careful when they ask me for my honest opinion, because I have the sharpness of my Patroness.

Along with her attitude and personality, she adored what most would consider morbid imagery, but all she saw was beauty in it. I’m in full agreement with her on that. She always talked about blood and desired to be martyred, as she once wrote: “I pray that sweet Light (Jesus) leads us to bleed to death for the truth.”

Truly, I tell you, with her attitude, her love of dark imagery, and her need to go against the culture of her time, Catherine was, in many ways, one of the first "metalhead" types to ever exist. That only added to my love for her. There could not be a more perfect saint for me. Only the divine could arrange such a close and intimate relationship. That’s the way I would describe my relationship with Catherine: she is absolutely a guiding figure, but more importantly, she is a friend, my best friend.

Even with all the friends I have on earth, no one comes close to her. She will always put me on the path of Christ, even if it means she has to drag me across the parking lot and up the steps of the church to do so. Because that’s the kind of person she is, and we all need a friend like that.

There’s not too much I can promise you, but if I make it to heaven through the grace of God, wherever Catherine goes, I won’t be too far behind, and vice versa.

Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

Now, having shared with you my testimony of faith, my relationship with our dear Mother, and my friendship with my beloved Patroness, how does this testimony end? With a call to action.

​For those who read this, if you haven't already, I urge you to consider the following: 

First, to grow a devotion to our Blessed Mother. The Church is at her best when Mary is honored and devotion to her is at an all-time high. So please, take the time to spend with Mother. Maybe even bring her flowers—whether at your home shrine or at church. Don’t be afraid to show your love for her, because she loves you unapologetically.

Second, to grow in closeness to your Patron or Patroness. Take some time to ask for their guidance and intercession. Build a relationship with the one who prays for and watches over you—they care deeply for you.

Third and finally, be unashamed of your Catholic faith. When you eat in public, make the sign of the cross before you eat. When you pray with friends and family, say the Hail Mary—no matter what they may think. When the opportunity arises, always share your faith with people and invite them to Mass.

My friends, you are part of the true Church of Jesus Christ! Be proud to be a part of His holy Church!

In conclusion, I want to say thank you to my Godmother, Rita. Rita has been a great help as well as a good person to just have a great conversation with. I’m very thankful to have gotten to know her.

Thank you also to everyone in the RCIA at Saint Patrick’s, the parishioners there and at Holy Family, the clergy at both churches, and everyone at Saint Mary’s Cathedral who showed me such wonderful hospitality as a visitor when I attended their parish for a few days in early April.

Thank you all for welcoming me with love into Christ’s Church like no one else ever has. No matter where I go, I have family nearby—as long as there’s a Catholic Church.

I look forward to what else awaits me on this journey.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us!
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us!
Ave Christus Rex!
Ave Maria!

Written by Luke Banek, St. Patrick's in Medicine Hat. 
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Coming home to the Catholic Church

6/8/2025

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Before my conversion, I had returned to Jesus because of a vivid dream, one I still struggle to fully describe, but that changed everything. Until then, I was living a secular life. Though I had known Jesus in childhood through my grandmother, I had turned away in my youth, disheartened by prejudices, poor examples, and inconsistencies in the faith I saw. I felt ashamed after my dream because I knew I was wrong.
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Waking up that morning, I knew I had encountered something sacred. I was overwhelmed and confused, but I felt sure the Holy Spirit was guiding me. So, I followed that prompting, diving into Scripture, seeking out conversations with Christian friends, listening to teachings online, and repenting. This all took place during the COVID years, when church life was difficult to access, but my hunger to know God only deepened.

In 2023, we started visiting Protestant churches, hoping to find a spiritual home. Yet each time, I left feeling uncomfortable and unsettled. The sermons often felt like TED Talks. The music was concert-style. Something was missing. I didn’t know what at first, but I later realized I was longing for transcendence, reverence, and spiritual structure. I wanted more than inspiration. I wanted tradition. I wanted truth.

When my middle daughter said she wanted to attend a Catholic high school, I reluctantly decided to go to Mass with my sister-in-law, who is Catholic. That first Mass felt different: quiet, reverent, and sacred. It wasn’t trying to entertain, it was pointing me to God. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had come home.

We began attending a small parish in our neighbourhood and eventually joined the RCIA program that fall. My two younger children and I went through the process together, and it felt like being embraced after a long journey. What struck me most was the richness of Catholic tradition, the depth of its teachings, the reverence shown to Mary and the Saints, and the groundedness of its moral clarity. Unlike the confusion I had grown used to in secular culture and even in some Christian spaces, the Catechism offered definitive, thoughtful answers. Catholicism doesn’t shy away from hard truths; it proclaims them with love and confidence.
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​I also came to understand something that shifted everything: the Catholic Church isn’t a man-made institution added later; it is the Church Jesus founded. The historical continuity from the apostles to today’s Church shocked me. Early Christians believed in things I had been told were “later inventions,” like the Eucharist as the true Body and Blood of Christ, the veneration of Mary, and the power of sacred tradition.
I found beauty in Catholic discipline. Practices like fasting, praying the rosary, and following the liturgical calendar don’t just feel “old-fashioned,” they feel anchoring. They help me live my faith, not just think about it. I’ve also discovered a new appreciation for the union of the physical and spiritual: how God uses ordinary things—bread, wine, water, oil—as well as ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The sacraments are more than symbols; they are direct encounters with grace.

Now, after being baptized and confirmed, I do indeed feel like a new creation. My heart is on fire and hungry to learn more. I’m no longer confused or searching aimlessly, I’m rooted. I’m grateful for the years of questioning because they led me here, somewhere I honestly never thought I would be. Now, I am full of joy and eager to grow. I want to learn more, serve more, and stay close to the heart of Jesus.

​What I once feared would feel restrictive has become the greatest freedom I’ve ever known.
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Written by Robyn Okenfold, newly baptized in 2025 at St. Pius X Parish, Calgary. 
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Out of the darkness, into the light

6/2/2025

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It’s hard for me to articulate fully a proper testimony to Jesus in just a couple pages. The audience this reaches is far too broad to cater to every individual, a lot of whom I care deeply for and with whom I have a long history. Many have a diverse and/or complicated relationship with religion. For some, it’s an essential part of life; for others, it’s seen as an ignorant abomination of society.

I understand both ends of that spectrum. I lived most of my life as an atheist—albeit a respectful one. I wasn’t anti-religion, but I firmly believed that science and logic had, and would continue to, erase any remaining mystery in the world.

Four years ago (almost to the day), I reached a breaking point in my life. Not my first—and certainly not my last—but a significant one. I have a long history of mental health struggles. I’ve been on and off medications since I was 20, in and out of therapy for years, diagnosed with this and that. I’ve battled alcohol dependency and suicidal thoughts. If you know me, you’ve likely witnessed this at one point or another. It’s been the undercurrent of every day of my life for over 30 years.
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Baptized during Easter Vigil by Fr. Roque Pereira, Pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
I cope, I grow, I manage—but it’s always with me. I accept that. This is not a “Jesus cured my depression” story. I still fight that battle daily.

Yet what happened four years ago was a call out of the darkness. I awoke in the middle of the night with very dark, troubling thoughts. I couldn’t shake them. I couldn’t fall back asleep. It was around 3:30 a.m., and I felt compelled to go for a run in my neighborhood. Running wasn’t unusual for me—but certainly not at that hour.
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I put on my shoes, left a note on the table for my family, and quietly slipped out the door. My usual jogging route takes me past Saint Patrick’s—one of the most prominent and historic churches in Medicine Hat. If you're from here, you know it's a beautiful city landmark.

As I ran down the street, fighting the demons in my mind, I felt drawn to cut through the parking lot and sit on a bench—not from physical exhaustion, but from complete mental defeat. I sat there in the darkness, looking up at the statue of St. Teresa of Ávila. I had nothing left but to completely surrender and pray—either to be struck dead or to be helped by the Holy Spirit.

That cry into the void wasn’t met with the death I begged for—but with a radiant warmth inside me. It felt like a spiritual fire had been lit in my chest. A veil that had blinded me my entire life was suddenly torn away, like a bandage ripped from my eyes.

From that night forward, I began studying theology with the fervour of a hyper-focused child—specifically Catholicism, as I’d always felt drawn to its rich traditions and deep historical roots. I read works from early Church Fathers and Saints—Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena—names that especially stood out. I read books by Bishop Robert Barron, watched his Catholicism documentaries, and followed his weekly homilies.

I began a loose but dedicated prayer routine. After a couple of years feeling the transformative power and wisdom granted through faith, I started attending mass at the very church where my journey had begun.

I went alone. I had no close Catholic friends. In fact, many people around me despised the Catholic Church—due to its troubled past, its scandals, and the way it’s portrayed by the media and entertainment industry. But I wasn’t deterred.
In today’s world, proclaiming any faith is an act of rebellion—let alone Catholic faith. I’ve always been the rebellious type. Judgment from others rarely dents my determination to follow my own path.

Last year, after attending mass for several months, I reached out to the church office to ask about being baptized and becoming a full member. Deacon Terry set up a meeting, and I shared the same story I’m now sharing with you.
After we exchanged contact information, he told me RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes would begin in the fall—and that my name was now on the list.

From September to April, I attended the weekly classes, went to mass two or sometimes three days a week, and even joined the church choir. I now sing and rehearse with them weekly. Through it all, I’ve found an amazing community, new friendships, and unspeakable blessings.

The acts of service in which I've been able to participate in, both for others and for the broader community—have already begun to change my life and open my heart in ways I can’t fully explain.

On Saturday night, during the Easter Vigil mass, I was baptized, confirmed, and received my First Communion—surrounded by friends, family, and nothing but love, both around me and from above. 
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Thank you all. Bless you all. Also, thank you for reading my testimony to Jesus.

Written by Justin Quinton for Faithfully. He was baptized into the Catholic Church at St. Patrick’s Parish in Medicine Hat during the Easter Vigil of 2025.
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Overcoming Darkness: A story of faith, healing, and transformation

7/18/2024

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I was born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

​I had a challenging childhood. My mother struggled with addictions, resulting in my brother and I, and our two stepbrothers being left unattended for long stretches. I was twelve when I started working full time. Working, high school, church, and girls proved to be quite the challenge to juggle. By the time I was 16, I had bill paying, grocery shopping and so on down pat. Members of the ward helped us out more and more, making sure that there was food for us, and that my little brothers had daycare and babysitting arrangements while my brother and I were at school or at work. There were times when we went two to three days when the only food in the house was oatmeal and condiments.

As I got older the pressure to go on a mission when I turned 18 grew. I had no desire to do that because it was expensive and I had no faith that the Book of Mormon was true. I continued to read the bible though, and gained a better understanding of what Christ had done, as well as all the amazing Old Testament stories.
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​Graduating from high school was an amazing achievement for me. As was the day my wife and I got married in 2002. What a glorious day that was! Looking back, my wife and I chuckle at how we were babies compared to the adults we are now. We had 2 beautiful kids, a son and a daughter. We attended the LDS church sometimes and both kids were baptized in the Mormon faith, but that was as far as it went.

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I got a job in the oilfields as a journeyman pipefitter and worked there for 15 years. The job was physically and emotionally stressful. I began drinking to cope with pain from injuries and trauma from accidents I witnessed. It was all part of the ‘oilfield culture’. Because I was gone from home for long stretches of time, I struggled with a new addiction: pornography. In 2013, I was arrested for drunk driving. I don’t remember much, but I do remember the amount of heartache and money it cost my family. This almost destroyed my marriage. So, I decided to get sober. I have a lot of regrets about this period of my life, but the two biggest are that I didn’t get to enjoy my kids growing up and I was a terrible husband. God bless my wife (we have been married 22 years) for being such a strong and wonderful woman.

Eventually, I lost my job in the oil patch due to the industry downturn. I got a job in Medicine Hat, which meant our family was finally together. My desire for pornography lessened but didn’t stop. COVID arrived, and it was hard on our teenage children, especially my son, who fell down the wrong path. He dropped out of school, and there seemed to be total disorder in our home. In June of 2023, when my son got into serious trouble, I felt that I failed as a husband, a father, and a human being. It was a very low point in my life. 
It always seems that the low points of our life are where we become closest to God. Before I continue, I want to be clear that looking back at my life, I see that God has intervened a lot for one man. He helped me through all the hardships I endured. However, the anguish I had over my son—where his life might end up and my role in his downfall—almost broke me. After a terrifying ‘waking dream,’ I found myself outside a church. I snuck into the back and listened as Mass started. I clumsily followed along with what everyone else was doing. When we got to the part, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world,” I felt an overwhelming outpouring of love and cried openly. Afterwards, I expressed my desire to join the Catholic faith. A parishioner told me about RCIA and promptly offered to be my sponsor.

RCIA wasn’t starting until September, but I decided to start researching the Catholic faith immediately. It was an undertaking, but the fire of the Holy Spirit helped. I bought a Catholic Bible and a Catholic Catechism book. I discovered the rosary and watched YouTube videos to learn how to pray it. I attended Mass every Tuesday. By the time RCIA started in September, I had been through the Bible once already. RCIA was amazing. There was a lot of information—not just dogma, but tradition, which had previously been a stumbling block for me. I also explored writings by Christian teachers like St. Augustine. ​
 I snuck into the back and listened as Mass started. I clumsily followed along with what everyone else was doing. When we got to the part, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world,” I felt an overwhelming outpouring of love and cried openly. Afterwards, I expressed my desire to join the Catholic faith."
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Someone mentioned I should read about the life of St. Padre Pio, which changed how I approached the course. Instead of just seeking knowledge, I spent time praying. I prayed the rosary daily and meditated on the mysteries. The rosary is an amazing prayer, but initially, it felt weird because Mormons don’t pray by rote; they pray spontaneously. I asked St. Padre Pio to help me overcome thoughts of lust. Day by day, those feelings evaporated into nothing. They say it takes 30 days to break a habit. It took me half a lifetime to overcome pornography. 

Then in November, I had a heart attack. I had pain in my chest all Saturday morning, and it got worse as the day went on. Heading to the dinner table, I stumbled to my knees. I had never felt pain like that before and told my wife we should go to the hospital. I felt compelled to grab my rosary and bring it with me. I prayed the rosary throughout the whole experience. Twelve hours later, they finally told me I was out of danger and could go home to rest. I felt like I had gone twelve rounds in the ring, but I still went to Sunday Mass and back to work the following week. 
At RCIA, after hearing about my heart attack, Deacon Terry asked if I would like to receive an Anointing of the Sick. He set it up with Fr. Roque, and afterwards, I had one of the best sleeps I’d had in a very long time. I felt rejuvenated. A few weeks later, I had follow-up heart tests. The cardiologist said, “You must have done something,” because apparently all my tests were normal, suggesting that I hadn’t had a heart attack! “What did you do?” the doctor asked. “You wouldn’t believe me,” I replied, before telling him about my anointing and heartfelt prayers.

I was blessed beyond measure with the RCIA program. My family is doing better, and my son, who I was so worried about, has changed his life drastically and even comes to Sunday Mass with me sometimes. The number of people willing to pray for me and my family is tremendous and has had such a positive impact. There have been struggles, but they are minor in comparison to the path my family was on. The Lord works in mysterious ways.
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 I do remember the exact moment I was able to take Jesus inside of me for the first time. It is difficult to put into words, but after the vigil, I felt different and the same at once. I felt peace, warmth, and light enter me."
On Ash Wednesday, I wore the cross of ashes on my forehead all day. Throughout Lent, I asked God to do with me as He willed, offering up my worry and concern for my family. The Stations of the Cross became a solace for me. On Holy Thursday, I volunteered to have my foot washed. I was so nervous. The ceremony and the Mass were so beautiful I could hardly hold back tears. I went home that night and read from the Bible about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. I decided that I would fast from that evening until the Easter Vigil was over to prepare myself to receive Jesus. On Good Friday, my family showed up to support me, from Edmonton, Calgary, Texas, and Utah. It was amazing to have everyone in the house.
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I don’t remember much from the baptism and the confirmation. I do remember the exact moment I was able to take Jesus inside of me for the first time. It is difficult to put into words, but after the vigil, I felt different and the same at once. I felt peace, warmth, and light enter me. There have been some massive changes in my life, but I know that this is just the beginning.

Written by Ray, a parishioner of St. Patrick's, Medicine Hat. Abridged by Alice Matisz. Photos courtesy of Ray and St. Patrick's Parish. For the unabridged story, email [email protected] for a copy.
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Finding my faith

5/30/2024

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Rewind to June 2023. Out of pure luck, I saw a posting for a teaching position with Christ the King Academy, a middle school in the same small town where I lived. I happened to know the vice principal, Errin Nelson, and took a chance and emailed him to ask some questions. Fast-forward to the end of that week, and I had accepted a brand-new teaching position in another school division! I was leaving my home division, which brought me to Alberta in 2011. Scared? A little. Excited? Definitely. 

I felt in my heart that I was called to make this big change. My daughter, Anna (8), joined me. She and I are glued at the hip, and she wanted to move to Holy Family Academy to remain close to her momma. This is when I began to notice incredible divine intervention. It sounds so strange to say out loud, but there is no doubt in my mind that I was called to this position. 

Several signs appeared over the next little while that made me know for certain I had made the most incredible choice. Jumping forward again, I learned about RCIA, which was going to begin in October. I have always had a ton of questions and often wondered if there was 'more'.


Out of my personal and very private fear of death, which only grew stronger once I became a mother, I reached out and signed myself and my daughter up. Once my journey of learning about the Catholic faith began, I have not looked back. One particular example illuminated for me was this; my classroom saint is St. Joseph; I was born in Saint Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario; and my grandfather's name was Joseph. 

​This Easter, my incredible daughter Anna and I were baptized and fully initiated into the Catholic Church at St. Mary's in Brooks. We were baptized together and received the Sacraments. My heart is so full and so incredibly grateful to several amazing people who have made me feel more like a family than I can ever express.
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Errin Nelson, your enthusiasm and passion for all things education made me WANT to move to Christ the King Academy (CTK). Your continued support in answering questions about faith and the church will forever be a part of my journey. Cindy Freimark, your gentle guidance and continued encouragement of my faith journey is a huge part of my heart. Alyssa Paquette, you offered to be my sponsor, and now my godparent without any hesitation. I am so thankful for you, and I cannot wait see what the future holds for you.
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At the Rite of Election, 2024
The teachers and staff of CTK welcomed my daughter and I with open arms. I am forever grateful and will hold the CTK and Christ of the Redeemer School Division families in my heart and prayers forever. 
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Submitted by Sarah Parkin, Teacher at Christ the King Academy. Photos courtesy of Sarah Parkin.
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There’s something special about Jesus.

5/19/2024

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In my early twenties, I lived a life of sin and hedonism. I sought people's approval and sold myself short by trying to be someone I was not. I was a lost young man and ashamed of the things that I knew were hurting me and those around me.

I knew God was out there, but I didn’t know him, so I went in search of him. I practiced yoga and read religious texts, but something was not right, and I couldn’t explain it.

​My biggest Christian influence was my brother. The love of God through the cross didn’t make sense until my brother shared it with me. We ran into many conflicts about Jesus.  
Since then, the cross was always in the back of my mind. “There’s something special about Jesus.”

Then the day came when I read the gospels for the first time. I still remember tears filling my eyes after reading Peter’s denial of the Lord. A few months later, I called him Lord. I remember spending hours on my face, praying these words, “Lord Jesus, allow me into your presence”, sometimes expecting a dramatic encounter like the one St. Paul experienced on the road to Damascus.
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When I went into a bookstore to buy my first ever physical Bible, I noticed also a Catholic Bible on the shelf. The man who was looking through books beside me saw that I was searching for a Bible and he told me to stay away from “that one” while he pointed at the Catholic Bible.

So I was soon baptized in an evangelical church. On Saturdays, you would find me with a mic and speaker preaching the gospel with a group of people. I had a strong desire to share the love of God with others. I found work at Hope Mission, a non-denominational Christian ministry, working with children and youth.

But then I was introduced to the teachings of the early church and Catholicism through YouTube. I soon became convicted of what I knew to be true and true teachings of Jesus and the apostles. I learned more and more about Catholic theology and saw how beautiful it was, and how it was all in scripture, contrary to what many people would say. I wasn’t shy to share what I learned with others.

My friends and co-workers, who were mostly Baptists and Pentecostals, were confused that a non-Catholic would hold to Catholic beliefs. “Why is this guy talking about Mary and defending the idolatrous Catholic worship of Mary?”
While my entire theology was being tested, something odd happened at work. I kept seeing a rosary in my workplace. I told myself, “This isn’t the right place for it.” One day, I found it on my work desk and I took it home. As I wrapped the rosary around my hands, I was hesitant to pray the Hail Mary. Then I thought to myself; I can defend the intercession of Mary with scripture, so why couldn’t I pray the prayer? Then I slowly began to pray the rosary and lots of it. It led me to see the Blessed Mother in a new light.

As I went on, the Lord revealed to me his presence in the Eucharist. As I learned more and more of scripture and the faith, I started to see the truth of the Eucharist and the Lord’s true and real presence on the altar. After this, I didn’t want to be anywhere other than in front of the altar of a Catholic church. He truly did answer my prayers. I inquired with the RCIA at St. Mark’s Parish in Calgary, and went to morning masses as much as I could.
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The Easter Vigil was around the corner, so I made the decision to become Catholic. I was confirmed and received the Body and Blood of Christ on March 30th, 2024. Three weeks later, I ended up getting fired from my job after serving there for one year, simply because I was openly praying the Hail Mary with the children I worked with.

Right now in my faith journey, I want to grow closer to the Lord in the Eucharist. Despite uncertainties I’m experiencing, my faith and hope in the Lord continues to grow stronger and he continues to pour his graces on me through his sacraments. I have no doubt that God was the one who sought me first and continues to call me.

Written by Rooben Aurumugam, St. Mark's Parish, Calgary. Photos courtesy of Rooben.
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From Apathy to Apostleship: Finding faith in the face of adversity

5/3/2024

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Connor Shaw, furthest left in the photo, at St. Martha's Parish in Lethbridge
Growing up, the Catholic Church was a feature in my life. My grandparents were regular Parishoners and my father, though lapsed in his own faith, made reference to the Church as a moral framework.

I attended a Catholic school in my formative years out of pragmatism, but was transfered to public school at the impressionable age of 6 and remained in it until graduation. This presence of the Church but separation by a membrane of apathy and intangibility led to my belief that I understood the Church, when in reality I was utterly oblivious to the depths of its grace.

This changed during the pandemic. In that time of struggle I was met with various hurdles, challenges that contributed to a deep malaise that overtook my life. It was within this climate of paranoia, uncertainty, and restriction, that I first began to take comfort in the stability and universality of the Church. I could find solace that cut through the pervading doubt that surrounded pandemic in the Truth of God. Apostolic succession, unchanging virtue, all surrounded by the vitality of the Church embodied in Christ. These were things that I did not know in my secular life, and graces that were absent in my other religious forays.

I sought a way to unify with the Church, with the way and the life that was a hope in the oppressive darkness of the world. However, my lack of living ties, and the fact that at that time I was only 16, impeded my ability to join. In 2023, following my High School graduation and rapidly approaching my 18th birthday, the potential of a new chapter in my life emboldened me to pursue the fullness of the Church. So I did. I found my way to RCIA, and was met with the spiritual and temporal benefits of the Church that began to impact my life.

Catechumenate life connected me with a fantastic array of people experiencing the ongoing journey of faith, people who were indispensible as guides along an uncertain bridge of intake into the Church. It was an honour for me to be able to undergo baptism with such a wonderful group of people, and to have the privilege to be assisted by the faculty of my Parish.

​Since becoming a Neophyte and I have received further blessings of faith, a galvanization to fulfill my duty as a Catholic and as a follower of Jesus Christ. I foresee a bountiful and happy life in the Church, so I hope that others can hear my testimony of its greatness to come and understand God.

Submitted by Connor Shaw, who was baptized on Easter Vigil, April 20, 2024.
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Finding God in the midst of mourning

5/2/2024

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We have a beautiful special needs daughter who brought new meaning to “joy”.  Hannah never learned to speak our language, but I could feel her love and her enthusiasm every minute I was with her. Hannah completed her earthly ministry in July of 2022 and left me with the biggest hole in my heart. Fortunately, a student and a wonderful friend of mine helped me see that where there is death, there is new life also.

I had been happy in my faith and was not looking for more. But when I attended Mass with my friend I was totally blown away. I could not believe how close I felt to our Lord during the Eucharist. I had thought that Catholic worship was pomp and ceremony, but what I saw and felt was a conduit to my Lord. I could not stay away. I started attending Mass every morning on my way to work. Twenty-four hours seemed like such a long time to wait to come back again.

A year ago, on Holy Thursday, I had accepted an invitation to a banquet at the Petroleum Club. At that time, I had not yet begun RCIA. So, when I accepted the invitation, I did not realize that I would miss the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. During the evening, something told me that I was at the wrong banquet. I got up and ran to my car, drove to St. Mary’s, miraculously found a parking spot and was just on time for the beginning of the Mass. I was not sure why I was there, but when Bishop McGrattan started washing the feet of those who had been chosen, I felt the most overwhelming spiritual sensation and nothing else mattered. It was like a river cascading in my head. At that moment, I knew that I would be baptized the next Easter.

I must admit that my baptism at the Easter Vigil this year was a bit stressful – it was a departure from my past and I was confused and anxious. Now I realize that baptism is not simply an event, it is the beginning of a new life. While I didn’t feel an overwhelming sensation when I was baptized, I have felt a peace that is so beautiful and continuous since then. Something else happened as well – at my first confession. I needed to go, and I thought confession would be miserable with the priest scolding me. I didn’t want to go, and I rehearsed what I would say many times. But it was the most amazing experience – a loving priest understood me and gave me just the guidance I needed (and not what I had expected). 
 
I still feel the same way – every Mass is a spectacular adventure where I get to feel His love. I miss my beautiful Hannah, and I go and say a prayer at her grave each day. I know that “those who sow with tears will reap with shouts of joy” and I look forward to seeing Hannah again. And I am so thankful for my new life. I know that He died that we might live.
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Submitted by Mark Anderson, from St. Mary's Cathedral Parish. Photos courtesy of Maria Hernandez. 
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Seeking answers, and finding faith

5/2/2024

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Before I became a Catholic, I led a fairly ordinary life as an independent woman in the secular world. I didn’t see much need for church-going or God’s help unless there was a snowstorm or a personal crisis. I was raised by Christian (Protestant) parents, my Father by Mennonites in the First Evangelical Free Church here in Calgary, and my Mother was raised Baptist. When they divorced, they stopped attending church regularly, and so did I. I was generally relieved to leave the hypocrisy of my upbringing behind and tackle life without much thought to the condition of my soul.

Somewhere in my late 30s, I started noticing one particular question that kept coming up repeatedly: ‘How do I know what ‘right action’ is?’ I began searching for the answer to this question because it seemed to be at the root of both the suffering and the happiness in my life. I desired more happiness and less suffering. I asked more and more people this question and studied different philosophies, trying to understand how humans figure this out. It was fascinating!

Around this time, I also wanted to quit smoking and went into a thrift store and picked up something that I could wear on a necklace to fiddle with when I felt the ‘itch’. It was a silver Miraculous Medal of the Virgin Mary, but of course, I did not know this at the time (I’m still wearing it today).

A few years later, I met a friend in Montana who was a Catholic with a sound intellectual faith, and I asked him a little differently: ‘How do you know you are doing God’s will?’ He told me to write it down, and he would ask his priest on my behalf. The reply I received piqued my interest and appealed to my Protestant roots: ‘It is written on your heart.’

When I returned to Calgary, I looked up the closest parish to my house and contacted St. Joseph’s Parish about RCIA.

Without over simplifying a rather deeply transformative process over several years, today as a Neophyte of one week exactly, I feel quite different from the woman who didn’t see much use for God before. I feel like I belong. 

The tradition of the Catholic Church holds the knowledge that intelligent Christians require to build faith. It succinctly and articulately addresses any and all questions that arise when it comes to inquiry about God. Anything that can not be explained is called a ‘mystery’ and fulfills a just purpose, as it is aptly named. I explain the Catholics to my Protestant kin as God’s scientists, my relatives, of course, are God’s ‘Hippies’! 

I had many questions about God growing up and into adulthood that no one could answer, other than to say that ‘I should pray about it’. So I did, and was confused, and then dropped out. (How does one know what thoughts are mine and which are God’s?) Since becoming a Catholic, I don’t worry about this question as much anymore. I don’t know if that means I have found the answer or the fruits of the Holy Spirit or, if it even matters which?!

I also don’t really care too much about what secular people think anymore. The endless cycles of anxiety and depression driven by superficial pursuits are soul-crushing and stressful. It doesn’t mean I don’t feel that way, it just means I approach reprieve differently now. I read my bibles now (they’ve surprisingly multiplied!) and look forward to attending Mass. I don’t pray for solutions to the problems anymore, rather I think of what gifts from God I could really use to help me see things differently, if it is His will to reveal his plans.

So far, I don’t have any more insight about what God's plans are for certain or His thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). However, I can recognize Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-Control, Chastity, and Love all around. 

I’m on the lookout for these graces now. How I feel is less important than before, when it seemed to be all I had to go on. Who I am, my purpose now, and the way in which I live this truth is rooted in something Great and I am not afraid.

Written by Michelle Thiessen, baptized on Easter Vigil 2024 at St. Joseph's Parish, Calgary
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Rite of Election: Chosen by God

2/26/2023

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Rite of Election, Feb. 26, 2023. Photo credit: W. Anderson.
On Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 the whole community gathered to witness something truly special: a joyous Rite of Election that welcomed 170 catechumens into St Mary's Cathedral as members of the Elect!  This event marked the culmination of their profound spiritual journey and preparation for receiving Initiation Sacraments at Easter Vigil.
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Signing the Book of Elect. Photo credit: W. Anderson.
What's happening during the Rite of Election?
During the Rite of Election, the Church recognizes those who possess the dispositions that make them fit to take part in the initiation sacraments. ​The catechumens are introduced one by one to the bishop and other attendees, and here they express their wish to receive the sacraments of initiation and become a missionary disciple. With these testimonies, the Bishop accepts the judgement of the Church and invites the catechumens to offer their names for enrolment. 

In the Rite of Enrolment of Names, 
the catechumens inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect as a pledge of fidelity, followed by the Bishop's declaration, "I now declare you to be members of the elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil."  From this moment onwards, the catechumens are known as "the elect" until they receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
The Bishop also calls to the Godparents, urging them to accept the responsibility entrusted to them in the Lord. He asks them to show their support and love for the chosen individuals by providing guidance and instruction so that they may partake in God's sacraments.

​Let us pray to the Lord for all the Elect and for ourselves, that we may be renewed by one another’s efforts and together come to share the joys of Easter. 
SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE RITE OF ELECTION
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My spiritual encounter

3/10/2020

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PictureMina
I first experienced Catholicism at a Catholic hospital in South Korea. My mom and I accompanied my younger sister, who had to pay frequent visits to the hospital because of her lung ailments. Our family lived in a poor neighbourhood, where I had two direct-hit car accidents. During all this chaos, the hospital was a sanctuary, and the nuns were the kindest people I’d ever met. I felt such lightness and peace there as if the very air in the hospital garden was purer than the one outside it. The difference was so surreal even to my young mind that I remember it still to this day. 

The second brief encounter was the beautiful scene of ladies praying in the church with their veils on. As a little girl, I thought it was the most beautiful happening I’d ever witnessed. Putting aside my initial exposure to Catholicism, our family generally believed in the idea of God but did not belong to any religion. After our family immigrated to Canada I suffered immensely difficult trials and setbacks in my school, health and relationships. So, I sought out God or some benign and powerful being that could rescue me.

My search for God began in high school when I was see-sawing between self-destruction and reading the Gospels for the first time. I prayed so fervently to the point of sweating. I asked God to let me experience Him in any way so that I, a mere human with so many limitations, could come to believe in His existence. One night, after one of my intense prayers, I went to bed. Sometime after falling asleep, I felt that my body lifted to somewhere very high, perhaps not even our planet or universe. 

I had the most vivid and unusual dream where I was praying to God with many other people on our knees on top of a great mountain. Although the mountain was very high, the top was a very large flat area filled with green pastures. Sun or light beamed down on this pasture. All of a sudden, the person praying next to me tapped on my shoulder and pointed to a horrendous female spirit figure standing on the edge of this mountain. This figure is a typical Korean spirit that wears a white night gown with long unkempt black hair flying all around her face. She looked blank with no distinguishable features.

I knew that she was waiting for me to be alone. I also knew that I had to fight her, even to the death if such was to be my fate. I walked toward the figure and the battle began. I was defending myself with a small cross necklace that came into my possession not too long before my search for God began. As one might expect, defending oneself with a small necklace around one’s neck against a demonic spirit was next to hopelessness. Soon I began to tire and feel so afraid for my life. Then I remembered Christ’s holy sacrifice for all humans and how He let himself be tortured because He firmly believed in God the Father’s love and mercy. 

That’s when I, in the midst of this fight, put both of my arms up and put my legs together in the same way our Jesus died on His Cross. All of a sudden, the images of His pierced hands and feet flashed before my eyes as if they were powerful blows of light and also as if my own hands and feet were being pierced too. I thought that I was going to die, but everything became white. The spirit existed no more. I was in this whiteness for a brief moment. I felt so strong and happy in this whiteness like I had never experienced in my entire life. Perhaps that’s how we feel in Heaven. 

This dream experience was the exact point of conversion of heart for me. If believing can be compared to gardening, this was the seed in the soil. The actual process of this seed sprouting to a baby plant took much longer and many more sinful and painful acts of evil resistance. This sprouting phase took about a decade. Even though I rebelled, broke promises and couldn’t feel any goodness, God never abandoned me. All this while, God watered my mustard seed even though nothing surfaced. I was discouraged for a long time. But when the time arrived, the amazing baby plant sprouted out of the earth and I became a full-fledged Catholic. Going to RCIA was the only thing I could do for those two years due to a health condition. My RCIA sponsor named Cathy was very helpful and gave me the perfect card. When the baby plant came out was when I could finally consciously follow God and proudly present myself as such to others.

Written by Mina from St. Patrick's Parish in Calgary.
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A coming alive experience

3/10/2020

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PicturePeter Poos
My journey to Catholicism formally began in the fall of 2002 when I entered into the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and culminated with my baptism and confirmation at the 2004 Easter Vigil, Saturday evening, April 10.
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Practically speaking, though, my journey started many years earlier when I married my wife, Dina – an Italian ‘Cradle-Catholic’ at St. James Catholic Church, here in Calgary in 1991.

Taking our Marriage Preparation classes was really the beginning of a long period of enlightenment, where I began to experience and see more clearly what the spiritual aspects of the joining of our souls would really mean.

We both promised in our wedding vows to raise our kids in the Church, too, and so we regularly attended Mass and the Holy Days of Obligation. It was through this exposure I – then unwittingly – continued my Faith Journey.
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When our family was young, we attended St. James and St. Michael’s in Calgary, and Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church in The Woodlands, TX. In December 1994 we purchased our first home in Somerset and began attending St. Patrick’s Parish and this became our home church.

As I progressed on my journey I started to be overcome with a desire — a strong, spiritual need — to go to Confession and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I went to see “Merv” at St. Michael’s (I believe he was a Deacon there at the time) and inquired about receiving the sacrament. He explained to me I would need to become Catholic first before I could receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Several years went by and then a close family friend asked Dina if she would sponsor her in her journey through RCIA to become Catholic. I took this as a strong sign to stop procrastinating and I made my own appointment with Sister Pauline at the church to begin my journey to Catholicism and becoming Catholic.

Meeting with Sister Pauline, I shared with her the impetus for wanting to become Catholic and explained that I came from a family who didn’t really practice — or have — a sense of faith. My now-late father was raised Catholic in Holland and we would say grace before meals when we visited with my grandparents on my mother’s side in BC, but we really didn’t have any other faith upbringing — other than the ‘Golden Rule’.

Sister Pauline accepted me into the 2002 fall intake of St. Patrick’s RCIA and you could say the rest is history — but it isn’t! The journey NEVER ends; we’re always expanding our understanding and our relationship with God.
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My time in RCIA was so very special! Those I travelled with on the journey and all those who invested their time in — and shared their faith with us — took us all to previously unfathomable levels of faith and spirituality. We shared, we laughed, we cried, we broke open the Word, we prayed! It was an education and a coming alive all at the same time. It was a beautiful experience!  


Written by Peter Poos from St. Patrick's Church, Calgary
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God never left me

3/10/2020

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PictureJeannette Nixon
God is always waiting for our conversion to his mercy and love. For a large portion of my life I was haunted with the darkness of childhood abuse. This is my journey into God’s call and falling into His overflowing grace. As a five-year-old child I was playing in our local playground with children from the local church. When they left, I went home and asked my mother if I could go to church. My mother said I could go with the neighbours, but I wasn’t brave enough to go. 
Later, I attended a Catholic high school because my mother believed in academics. In Grade 12, I completed a water pollution project for a Religion class and received a mark of 98%. From that moment, I believed that my vocation would be in the Sciences. That same year (1972), at the age of 17, I became pregnant and consented to an abortion supported by both sets of parents (Catholic and non-Catholic). The day I had the abortion I shut the door on God! I believed I was not worthy of His love; I had killed my own child. By this time, the darkness of my childhood abuse and the weight of an abortion had left my soul in complete darkness. The mask I continued to wear could not hide the pain, and I struggled. I knew one day that the darkness would envelope me and I would end my life: the pain of my soul too unbearable. 

With a husband and my daughter my world was unravelling; filled with anger, guilt and darkness. I was asked to become a Catholic so my daughter could continue to attend a Catholic school. To me, it was nothing more than a course, I was never going to be a Catholic. But God had other plans. What I could not or would not do for myself, I would do for my daughter. It was the 3rd scrutiny during the Purification and Enlightenment process that things began to change. Prior to this Scrutiny, I had gone to Reconciliation and confessed my sins. God has an eraser of grace; He forgave me; the door of grace flooded opened. During the 3rd Scrutiny, in his fatherly love, the late Fr. Keith Sorge let me touch his vestments and I fell into the wellspring of God’s love. The search out of the darkness of my soul began, but it was only after a severe leg injury (run over by an ATV) that I could face the overwhelming pain and terror of childhood sexual abuse. The cry of the poor—that is what God hears in our prayers. 

In gratitude for God’s grace, I became involved with the RCIA, Project Rachel, CWL, Hike for Life, Eucharistic Ministries and Lector ministries. I obtained a Master’s from Newman Theological College (Edmonton) focusing on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Today, I am currently raising the awareness of Care for Our Common Home and Food Loss and Waste (FLW) through a CWL resolution and presentation to politicians and Catholic organizations. God had never left my side nor stopped calling me into His grace as I am a testimony to His love.  


Written by Jeannette Nixon, St. Patrick’s Parish Calgary.
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God called

4/2/2019

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Bill Yin and his son, Eric.
“I was raised in the People's Republic of China. I had no religion because it is a communist country. Then, God found me. He called me. 

My family was going through a challenging time as my nine-year-old son was hospitalized for a year. From birth, he was diagnosed with bleeding in the brain. A vein in his brain burst, and he almost died. My life was work, home, hospital for that year. We were so tired and desperate. One day, someone gave me a wooden cross. That was my first time trying to get in touch with God. 

My friend said, there is nothing you can do but ask God for help. Every day I went to work, and in the evening I stayed in the hospital with my son.  I prayed daily, ‘God please don’t let him die.’ My son recovered and was released from the hospital. However, he had brain damage and many problems.  

One day, in a box, I found the wooden cross again. And I realized that I didn’t keep my promise to God. I had prayed that if he saved Eric’s life, I would follow Him. Not having any idea of where to start and what to do, I contacted Ascension Parish. I learned a lot from going through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The more I learned about God, the more I listen to him, the better my life gets. We still have a lot of problems with Eric’s recovery, but God supports me. My life is getting much better. 

My relationships with others was a mess. I complained all the time. I would get so angry; now my relationships are better. I am a different person. Every day I ask God for forgiveness, and I also forgive others. Eric can see the change in me. He is now 14, and he goes to the youth sacrament. He can no longer use one of his hands. Daily, he lives with a four per cent chance of bleeding in his brain. We pray to God and figure a way to deal with each situation, day-by-day. There is nothing more the doctors can do. But God hears my prayers.”

Bill Yin,
An elect from the Ascension Parish, Calgary (2019).
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Letting Go & Letting God

4/2/2019

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I was a public school teacher when I lost my job; then, a friend told me about a vacancy at the Catholic School. I thought for sure I wouldn’t get the job because I was not Catholic. However, I applied and I got the job. I love this job and wanted to learn more about becoming Catholic. So, for the past several months I have been journeying through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process. I attend St. Anthony’s and I’ve been engaging more with my faith.
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At the School, we have morning prayer and the staff have been helping me out so that I understand how to go about it. My mentor, the senior high gym teacher, answers all my silly questions about religion and faith. However, he assures me that there are no silly questions, as we all have an independent journey towards God. I always thought it was more complex, more hell fire and brimstone. I thought God would be upset with me. I got caught up in routines. Now, I know it’s just trusting in God’s plan. The hardest thing is to let go and be open. ​
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I’ve always believed that I get put somewhere for a reason. I went through all these steps—losing a job, applying for another one—so I could be where I am supposed to be. God put me here. Now I am looking forward to being baptized. To make sure that I continue learning about God on my faith journey, I’ve added apps to my phone, and I go to Church more. It has been so rewarding. I used to be fearful, but now I feel incredible love and acceptance. I have a big sense of family that I never had before.

Robert Rowland
Kindergarten teacher, St. Anthony's School 
Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division
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Chosen by God

3/5/2019

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​What do burst pipes and penmanship have to do with being chosen by God? There are two things I remember about my first Rite of Election as a catechumen. The first is the sound of rushing water at St. Mary’s Cathedral as the backdrop to the celebration. The Rite of Election normally takes place at the start of Lent, the period of the liturgical year that helps Christians prepare to reaffirm their baptismal promises at Easter. In this particular year, the sound of the water came from a pipe in the Cathedral that had burst due to cold weather! No doubt it was memorable for the Cathedral staff, but for me, it was a poignant foreshadowing of the baptism I was preparing to undertake at Easter as a member of the elect, one chosen by God to receive the sacraments of initiation. The second thing that I remember is inscribing my name in the book of the elect, in the rite of enrollment of names. These two things are the namesake of this liturgy, the Rite of Election and Enrolment of Names. 

Rite of Election
The Rite of Election is about being chosen by God to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. In this ritual, the Church chooses those who have the dispositions that make them fit to take part in the sacraments of initiation. Before the Rite of Election the priests, deacons, catechists, godparents, and the entire community arrive at a judgement about the catechumens’ formation and progress in the Christian life. In the liturgy, they present the catechumens by name to the bishop and the entire assembly and give testimony about the catechumens’ readiness. The catechumens then express personally their intention to receive the sacraments of initiation and live as missionary disciples. 

 
Enrolment of Names
With these testimonies, the bishop accepts the judgement of the Church and invites the catechumens to offer their names for enrolment. One by one the catechumens inscribe their names as a pledge of fidelity in the book that lists those who have been chosen for initiation: the Book of the Elect. Once the catechumens have inscribed their names, the bishop declares the Church’s approval of the catechumens saying: I now declare you to be members of the elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil. From this day until they receive the sacraments of initiation those who were catechumens are now called “the elect”. Historically they have also been called competentes or co-petitioners because together, they are asking for the sacraments and the gift of the Holy Spirit. They have also been referred to as illuminandi, those who will be enlightened, because in their baptism they will be filled with the light of faith. 
 
Holy Season of Lent
The period between the Rite of Election and the Easter Vigil is known as the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. It is to be a time of intense spiritual preparation for the elect. The time for catechesis has ended, so the elect now join with the entire Christian community in fruitfully employing the Lenten season to prepare for Easter. The readings, music, and prayers for the Rite of Election are generally taken from the First Sunday of Lent. The bishop urges the godparents and the entire community to be an example and support for the elect during this time and then they are surrounded by prayer before being dismissed to “set out with us on the road that leads to the glory of Easter.” 
 
The Grace of Baptism
As for those already baptized who are planning to make a profession of faith and/or complete their initiation at the Easter Vigil, they have already been made ready for discipleship through the dignity and grace of their baptism. These Christians have already been chosen or elected; they cannot be chosen again. Becoming Catholic is an expression of God’s choice and a choice of the individual, but it is not a new choice by God. The community of faith recognizes their desire to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and take their place at the Lord’s table. At this time, they affirm their readiness to more fully express their election by God that took place at their baptism. Then, with the whole Christian community, they join in uniting themselves more closely to Christ and coming to know in a deeper way the power of his resurrection in us during this holy season of Lent.  ​

Written by Dr. Simone Brosig, Liturgy Consultant / Director

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