2016 Testimonials

Debbie Costa
Joining RCIA is a transforming experience where you become deeply cognizant of God’s love. I became a Catholic because of it. I initially joined RCIA as a skeptic, holding tight to the wall of preconceived notions I had built over the years about what being Catholic means, coming from an anti-Catholic background. Through RCIA, my wall began to dissolve as God guided me towards Catholicism through my wise and loving teachers, Wendy Lucas, Judy Farabaugh, and Kraig Kelly. I, a skeptic for 17 years, was transformed. You will be too. Join RCIA and experience God’s profound love. It’ll be yours to embrace forever.

 

Renee Mendez
I honestly have to say I didn’t want to become Catholic. I was happy being a Christian. My husband and I felt that we both should have a strong foundation of one religion before we started a family. There was no way he would ever convert to my Christian religion. He stood strong on his belief as a Catholic, so I agreed to become Catholic.

As I sat through church, I tried to understand the Catholic religion. It just made me frustrated and I felt further away from God.  I would sit there and think, “Why do I have to stand? I just got comfortable sitting.  Why are they reading a first and second reading? How come I don’t know these prayers they are saying out loud?  What do they mean? What’s up with the music, where’s the band? Why can’t I take the Eucharist, I attended church?” The last question in my head was, “Is church over yet?” I wanted to go back to my Christian church where I felt close to God.

At this point, I lost all my faith, and that’s when I doubted I would ever feel close to God again.

So, when I started RCIA,  I sat in class not caring. I figured I would just get it over with and thought this is a waste of my time. Again I asked myself, “Why should I open up to the people in my class? Why should I let them get to know me? I’m not getting any closer to God.” After a couple of months went by, I started to realize how God works in mysterious ways, because I kept showing up to every class and every Sunday for church. RCIA taught me the importance of the Catholic religion, and opened my eyes to a whole new world. I felt close to God again. The anger and frustration inside of me was gone. I was participating in class, making new friends, and watching God do amazing things in my life. I’ve come to realize that God was always there for me. I didn’t feel close to God because I was blinded by my anger and frustration of becoming a Catholic. I was so focused on the negative, not realizing that I was the one who was pushing God away. I’ll never forget the day I asked God into my heart. I thank RCIA for teaching me the true meaning of God, and becoming a Catholic. I’ve completed RCIA, and still continue classes. Words can’t describe the journey I’ve been through with RCIA, all I can say is never give up on God, He is always there no matter what religion you are.

 
Diane Corlett
I walked into Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church a few years ago an empty, broken, lifeless shell of a person stained with my sins and countless years of suffering. Not having been to church on a regular basis since I was a child, Jesus must have kept leading me into this Catholic Church but I still had no idea how I got there Sunday after every other Sunday or two. I was blinded by my pain and unworthiness but I kept coming back. Until one day He gave me just enough strength to say “yes” to RCIA. You ask me what RCIA did for me?  Well RCIA introduced me to Jesus. The minute He revealed Himself to me I instantaneously knew He was my savior and that God the Almighty was indeed my creator. A direct connection that filled my soul with a love I have never felt before. It knocked me down to my knees and sent my heart on fire. I now walk into Our Lady Of Perpetual Help filled with the love of God. I am alive for the first time in 37 years. RCIA gave me life. I found Jesus here. Thank you Wendy, Judy, and Craig! My Saints.

 
Andrew Salinas
Hi Wendy! Hope all is well. I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for all you and your team have done for me.  I found direction in your class that was very much needed. I will take what I’ve learned from you and use it for the rest of my life. Thanks again for everything, and God Bless you and your family.