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Looking back...
I guess I’ve been on this journey all my life; but
I would like to tell you about my last eighteen years. In 1990, I joined
the RCIA class at Saint Mel’s Catholic Church in Woodland Hills,
California. The classes were given by the associate pastor, Father John and
dear Sister Pauline. Father had a smile that would light up the room and
that, along with Sister Pauline’s Irish brogue, made the classes enjoyable
and inspiring. Before I could complete the program, I fell ill and needed
surgery. Unfortunately, I never made it back, although my heart had been
touched by their spirit.
Years later – in August, 2007 – my team lead at
work, Cyndi Haussmann, showed me a Sacred Heart bulletin in which was listed
the new RCIA schedule and information. My dear friend, Marlies, said that
she would be my sponsor. The “ball was rolling.”
The first Monday meeting at 7:00 P.M. was at the
Kesterson Center. I was very excited and arrived early, whereupon I was
introduced to Deacon John who asked me about my Catholic experience, if
any. I told him about Father John from Saint Mel’s and that while I didn’t
remember his last name, I couldn’t forget that smile. Deacon John pointed
to a large portrait on the wall behind him and asked, “Is this him?” The
hairs stood up on the back of my head! There smiling at me, was dear Father
John Kesterson, welcoming me home at last.
Susan Masi |
