Vinci Paterson (Photo courtesy of up.edu)
By Vinci Paterson, Guest Commentary
When I was a freshman in college, my pastor asked me to sponsor a young woman preparing to become Catholic. I began attending weekly sessions with her. Angela became Catholic at the Easter Vigil 1981. During that year of her preparation, I found my own faith challenged and renewed. I also found direction as I discerned my course of study. I began to make contact with UP. (Fr. Rutherford was Theology Dept. chair at that time). I realized that I wanted to work with people and walk with people in matters of faith and life. Since my freshman year in college, I have been involved in some way, shape or form with the RCIA process. Sometimes an invited presenter, a coordinator, a retreat leader, or team member. It is such a humbling experience to listen to stories and witness God working in the lives and hearts of individuals from all walks of life, all ages and interests. They have been drawn to our faith, not because of something they read, or heard, but because they experienced Christ in and through a faith filled person, and with our community of believers. They spend the year learning, praying and serving. These are their final days of preparation. Their desire to live as a faithful follower of Jesus inspires the rest of us to renew our commitment, strengthen our resolve, open our hearts.
During the Triduum - Three Days; one Saving Event (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday) - through our worship services, prayers and customs, we remember and celebrate how Christ has saved each of us.
Lent helped each of us focus on the parts of our life that needed repair and reconciliation. On Holy Saturday Kevin Su and Kevin Chung will be baptized and confirmed, and receive their First Communion. These Catechumens remind us to see God and seek God in new ways, with new eyes. Christ offers new life to the Church by adding enthusiastic, faith filled, dedicated and talented people to our body! Not only our UP community, but the Catholic Church world-wide welcomed thousands of new members to challenge and renew the whole church. May we all come to the celebration of Pentecost- following 50 days of Easter, enthused and ready to be sent where the Lord will lead us.
Vinci Paterson is the assistant director of faith formation. She can be reached at paterson@up.edu.
