An Easter Reflection: Entering the Catholic Church
I still remember that day like it was yesterday—the day I was received into full communion with the Catholic Church. It was single-handedly one of the most joyous experiences in my life.
It was a beautiful Mass on Holy Saturday, one that was roughly two and a half hours long. During this Mass—known as the Easter Vigil—the Church keeps watch, celebrating Christ’s Resurrection in the Sacraments and awaiting His glorious return. The celebration began with the lighting of the new Paschal Candle, during which time the clergy and the congregation received the new light. We then processed into the Oratory filled with a cloud of incense. Nothing engages your senses and prepares you for Mass more than the smell of incense! Following were readings recounting the events of Salvation History, which really reflects the purpose of Lent and the preparation for Christ’s Resurrection. Later, the Gloria was sung for the first time (aside from Holy Thursday) since the beginning of Lent. Together with the lighting of the new Paschal Candle, the return of the Alleluia, and the glorious sounds of the choir and instruments, a true rise from darkness into the light of Christ was evident. Of course, the best part was when I was finally confirmed into Christ’s Church.
The pure joy of receiving the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Lord Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist could not be matched by anything but the love of God. It is truly a day I will never forget.
Prior to my conversion to Catholicism, I was Lutheran. I had not really lived out my faith during this time and consistently missed church to do things that I thought were more important at the time. My life revolved around work, school, and drinking with friends. What really drove me to become Catholic was the combination of a religion class I was taking at UNO and my heart seeking a greater love and understanding of the Lord. The introductory religion class I was taking at UNO introduced us to the basic aspects of various religions, such as Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, etc. I really only took the class because I knew it would be an easy elective. What I did not know is that it would change my life.
When we got to the unit on Christianity and discussed Catholicism, I was simply shocked.
We learned about the Early Church, the Sacraments, and Church hierarchy and structure, among other things. These were things that I had never heard of previously! I could not believe that I was not taught these things and was practically shielded from them. At this moment, I knew I had to learn more. I started researching all sorts of information and watching several YouTube videos on Catholicism to see if it really could be true. I was taught for several years about how crooked and wrong it was, both by my mother’s side of the family and by my Lutheran pastor. As I searched for more information and gained a better understanding of Catholicism, I could feel the Lord calling me home. I couldn’t help but believe that the Catholic Church is the one established by Jesus Christ himself. Combined with the fact that worldly pleasures were not satisfying my heart’s desires, I knew that I had to convert. I had previously seen an ad on Facebook for the Newman Center, so I reached out. I received a response from Katie shortly after and we set up a time to meet. We discussed what I talked about above, and, thankfully, she and Father Andrews determined that I could make it onto the list of Catechumens. Keep in mind that this was about a month prior to Easter. While I did not take RCIA classes, I was able to make the cut because of my intensive self-study. Ultimately, I am grateful for this because I would not have been able to enter the Church until this Easter!
Being Catholic, a member of Christ’s Church, for the last year has been both very challenging but also very rewarding. I have learned so much more about our faith and grown considerably on a personal and spiritual level. First, I have learned so much more about the Lord. I have learned about His great love, desire, and plan for His people. He wants each and every one of us to know Him and seek out His love and will for our lives. Additionally, I have learned about the Lord’s redemption of His people through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of His Son.
“What greater love is there than to lay down one’s life for His friends?” (John 15:13)
If this doesn’t show God’s love for us, I don’t know what can. I have also learned what it means to live out my faith. It means praying and reading His Word daily, striving to live in accordance with His Commandments, receiving the Sacraments frequently, and loving and serving others. While not exhaustive, these are some of the most important things that have helped me grow as a young Catholic man. Certainly, it has not always been easy and I have my own struggles. However, it’s not meant to be easy. The Christian life means giving up everything this world offers to follow the Lord. Especially in today’s day and age, we are looked upon by society as outcasts. We have to be lights to the rest of the world in a world of darkness. We have to spread the Gospel in an attempt to bring everyone back to the knowledge of their Creator. Only the Lord has the power to save us—if we let him. The most important thing I have grown in over the last year, however, is my relationship with the Lord. I have done so not only by doing those things previously mentioned but also by attending adoration.
Being with Jesus and having the ability to pray in His presence during a Holy Hour is not only humbling but also very spiritually enriching. He offers himself wholly for us—to know Him, praise Him, and grow in Him.
Alongside the Eucharist, this opportunity should always be taken advantage of when able. Combined, all such things lead to a long and enriching life in the Lord and His Church.