|
My Spiritual Journey
I was baptized Roman
Catholic at infancy, after that I had no connection to the Catholic Church.
I grew up not going to church with my mother and father, however my
grandparents on my step-fathers side were Baptist. They took me to church
as much as possible and taught me about Jesus. They always told me that
what ever I do in life, to do it for Jesus. My grandparents also said that
Jesus would come again to judge the living and the dead. They also told me
things about the Catholic faith, that today I know are false.
My grandma on my mother’s side was Catholic and she taught me the Sign of
the Cross and the Our Father, but she lived far away and we did not visit
her much, so that was the only thing I really knew about the Catholic
faith. When I met my husband and his family, who are devoted Catholic’s, I
saw so much love and compassion that I too wanted that in my life. My
husband’s family began to talk to me about the Catholic faith and how
important the Holy Eucharist is in our life. I felt very compelled to start
going to church. After my first time at Mass I was so emotional I knew God
was calling me home. I continued to go to church for the next two years off
and on, but still a little doubtful because of the things I was told in the
past by my Baptist family. It was not until Father Michael Ohanete came to
Sacred Heart Church that I truly wanted to know more about the Catholic
faith.
One day my husband and I made an appointment with Fr. Michael so that we
could marry in the church. When we were discussing the requirements of our
convalidation I told him I was interested in converting back to the Catholic
faith. He then informed me of the R.C.I.A. class. I made an appointment
with Deacon John Charters and began my first class in August of 2005. This
was truly the best decision I made for myself. Today I am proud to call
myself a Catholic and look forward to Confirmation at the Easter vigil. I
would also like to thank Fr. Michael, Deacon John, and all the R.C.I.A. team
for helping me in my journey. I know that I still have a lot of learning
and I am so excited to grow closer to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Sincerely in Christ,
Martha Marie Ray |
