Jan. 20, 2016

By Midge Fraser
Parishioner, Holy Family Church, Watertown

In early 1987 one of our parish priests asked me if I would be interested in attending an institute with the North American Forum on the Catechumenate in Cleveland, Ohio.  I was looking for a new ministry at that time, so I thought I would give it a try. 

Helping seekers find the Catholic faith sounded like something I could do.  Being a cradle Catholic, it shouldn't be a problem.  Little did I know what a powerful journey it would be for me. 

Our first Easter Vigil was in 1988.  Father Dan Chapin was an associate pastor at Holy Family Parish at that time.  With courage and perseverance we worked together to begin the Process.  It was called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

I have never regretted for a moment the choice I made to begin learning about this incredible process. 
Throughout the years I have attended five Institutes, some of which were to understand the catechumenate with children.  I have always reminded our team that there is only a slight difference.  There is no Rite of Christian Initiation for Children.   It is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults with some adaptations. 
We have a wonderful and loving team of adults who are dedicated year after year to helping seekers find their way into the Catholic Church. 

We all love our faith deeply and are more than happy to share it.  We meet monthly over covered dish suppers and dessert meetings to keep in touch with each other and to plan for the coming month.

We have made some mistakes along the way, but in the end we did our best, and we are grateful to serve our Lord.  It was a challenge to work with people who needed annulments and who struggled with personal problems.  Our team was and is always ready to help with any need or challenge that arises. 

I am so grateful to God for allowing me to share in this ministry and for guiding me through 27 years of service.  I have always prayed that if He felt the need for me to step aside and let someone else take my place, I would listen. 

This year, I made the decision to turn the reins over to Kathy Allan who has been a team member for many years.  She is more than capable.  We also have a marvelous team of people who are equally as dedicated as Kathy. 

I would like to thank Father Steve Murray for his help and guidance for so many years.  He is very welcoming and supportive not only of our team but also of every person seeking the faith.

This is a beautiful process.  If you get a chance to be a team member, a catechist or a sponsor, I highly recommend it.  It truly is more blessed to give then to receive.