Shared by Sandy Starbuck, Pastoral Associate
Anne Rouge, 2019/2020 RCIA Candidate was Initiated into the Catholic Community as Baptised, Confirmed and received the Eucharist during Mass at St Mary's Whittlesea. It was made a very special occasion as it was the first time for Fr Shymon to have shared someone’s journey through RCIA.
I spoke to her after her Initiation Mass and here is what she had to say about her experience:
Anne, how are you feeling after your Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion?
"I'm so happy! I feel happier, like this is something I've needed! Now I feel, God is with me, my sin has been taken from me and I'm Free!! I'm Catholic!"
What were the thoughts of your family who shared the day with you?
"They told me - "We're so proud of you, Mum - now I won't have to keep asking you when are you getting baptised" and "You are one of us now!" Congratulations! You belong to the faith!"
Anne has journeyed for just over 2 years in her quest to her goal to be baptised.
"I always said that once my children completed their Sacraments, it would be my turn. I had to get them right first, and then it would be my turn, to put me right with God."
Her patience, exuberance and constant expression of excited anticipation never wavered over these months of lockdown impacting in postponement of the Easter Vigil and her receiving the Sacraments of the Church. She continued to meet with the RCIA Ministry Team during that time deepening her desire to know God, to nurture and form her relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.
She never missed a live streaming Mass, and over this time I have heard examples of her own initiative in her faith practice of reading her Bible regularly, telling me "I go and look back at the readings that were on the screen that were read at Mass." The last time we spoke, she said she was reading about Jesus' crucifixion and "all of a sudden, I was so sad that he had to do that, to die for us, for our sins." For me, I see a true example of evangelisation of a Missionary disciple who proclaims what Jesus can do for each of us, who believe. She has found a place where she feels she belongs and can't wait to come and celebrate Christmas with "my Parish, my other family."
Make yourselves known to Anne when you see her next at Mass, she'll be there. Her own words reflect the joy and completeness that only comes through Christ, "I am so happy and grateful that God has given me this beautiful gift."
