A journey of faith and hospitality

By Gillian Chevrotiere

On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, my mother, Myrtle Taylor, and I were joyfully received and confirmed into the Catholic Church—completing a life-changing formation through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)/ Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This journey welcomed us into full communion with the Church through catechesis, sacramental preparation, and community life.

Hospitality

Our journey began at the Church of the Incarnation, Maloney on Palm Sunday 2024. We were first-time visitors, but the gracious welcome we received—from a heartfelt greeting in the car park to a beautiful welcome song during Mass—made it feel like home. We became the visitors who never left.

Soon after, a parishioner gently advised that we should not receive Holy Communion without proper formation. Though initially taken aback, we were not dismissed or judged. Instead, he offered reading materials and introduced us to the OCIA programme. We accepted the invitation, albeit reluctantly at first.

What followed was a lesson in true Christian hospitality—not merely a warm welcome, but guidance and accompaniment into a deeper encounter with Christ and His Church.

Humility

Under the leadership of Deacon Cy Moore and his wife Gail, our OCIA group became more than a class—it became a spiritual family. Together, we explored the Church’s teachings on the sacraments, liturgical seasons, devotional practices, and ecclesial structure.

Our learning extended beyond the classroom into powerful spiritual experiences: a Seder meal, the Easter Triduum, an all-night vigil, and pilgrimages to several Jubilee Year sacred sites.

My mother, at 78, was the eldest participant and quickly became everyone’s grandmother. Normally reserved, she surprised me by fully engaging—laughing, sharing, and even attending every activity. Her transformation became my greatest joy. We approached the Sacrament of Reconciliation with nervous anticipation, but emerged renewed. As 1 Peter 5:6 reminds us: “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.”

Immersion

Throughout this time, I also joined a Catholic marriage course and participated in a parish Bible study. Inspired, I began capturing the journey through photographs—drawn to the beauty and peace of each moment. These experiences deepened our longing for the Eucharist and taught us that reception of Christ’s Body and Blood is not a routine, but a profound act of renewal and unity.

On Pentecost Sunday, we were confirmed with our chosen saint names—Cecilia and Bernadette—surrounded by our sponsors and parish community at Our Lady of All Nations, D’Abadie. My mother, touching her heart, simply said: “I feel so full… happy.”

That morning, we messaged Herman Monsegue, a Catholic friend whose early encouragement meant so much. Though he couldn’t attend, his reply was filled with joy. The next day, in conversation, he asked what topic I struggled with most. I said “purgatory.” Without hesitation, he responded, “I have some readings I’ll send you.” In that small gesture, the journey continued.

A living witness

OCIA is not just a class. It is an invitation into a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. It teaches hospitality, requires humility, and calls for immersion in the life of faith.

Today, we are neophytes, Pilgrims of Hope—made new, rooted in grace, and committed to walking with others who are now beginning their journey.

We encourage anyone considering OCIA to come with an open heart. God will do the rest.

We offer heartfelt thanks to our priests, catechists, sponsors, fellow candidates, our church community, and Herman, who spoke up with truth and love. May our story serve as a witness of hope to others seeking Christ.