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Finding the True
Presence of Our Lord
My name is Patrick Halamicek. I am currently a candidate in the RCIA
program. My parents, Greg and Tina Halamicek, have been a source of
inspiration to me seeking discernment as I journey through this program to
receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation. Prior
to this journey, I was attending the Desert Vineyard in Lancaster,
California. The Vineyard is a non-denominational church that serves the
entire Antelope Valley. I was a youth leader there working with high school
students and really enjoyed it. I also served as a Minister of
Hospitality. I was called by the grace of God to serve there because I saw
the need to help people seek and further know the saving power of God. I
served in these ministries for four years and enjoyed every aspect of both
ministries. My parents, who previously attended the Vineyard, had been
called to go back to the Catholic Church because of their strong beliefs and
the Eucharist. They explained this to me and, at that time, I wasn’t sure
if this was something I should do too. I had to do much praying because
when I was at the Vineyard my parents weren’t there but that didn’t bother
me because my mission took more of a priority than having the presence of my
parents there with me.
As time went by, I slowly found myself not attending the Vineyard Church
anymore or its ministries but was further seeking a place where I could find
the true presence of Our Lord in my life. My mom and dad suggested that I
come to church with them and experience a Mass. I accepted their invitation
to join them. My first visit was a bit overwhelming, I have to admit.
But I
really enjoyed the Mass. After four or five visits back to Sacred Heart, my
parents introduced me to Fr. Michael. Fr. Michael made such a positive
impression on me that I began to ask my parents more and more questions
about the Catholic faith. My parents explained to me that I was born and
baptized Catholic and that I have inherited a rich heritage of blessings
from Our Lord. The blessings would continue as I made an even deeper
commitment to begin the RCIA program. My parents explained the program to
me and I felt this would be something that I wanted to journey through to
continue my Catholic faith. My mom was extremely helpful to me as she
guided me through every detail of the Mass I attended on Sundays. My dad,
on our drives back and forth to work, had been helpful in answering many of
my questions about the Roman Catholic Church. My parents are very good
examples of how to live out your Catholic faith. They were very involved in
many ministries at the Desert Vineyard and are currently very involved in
many of the ministries within the community of Sacred Heart Church. Their
examples have taught me how to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and
strength. I feel very blessed to also have my sponsor, Lynn Tanoei, guide
me and give me support as I continue this journey in my faith.
Once I receive my sacraments my plans are to be involved with the Ministry
of Hospitality and the Youth Ministry as well. I also want to become a
Knight of Columbus and serve our community in other ministries as well. I
am very proud to be going through the RCIA program and I am open to God’s
will to serve Him as a good and faithful Catholic.
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