Each Easter Vigil thousands of people across the world enter into full communion with the Church through the sacraments of initiation. Southwest Michigan Catholic interviewed Jessica Woods, a 27-year-old Ferris State University pharmacy student and parishioner of St. Mary Parish, Marshall, who was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Church last year.
Tell us about how faith played a role in your childhood.
Jessica: I grew up in a faith-filled home. I have a huge family and they are, by far, my favorite and greatest blessing in life. My dad is Catholic, and my mom is Seventh Day Adventist. Because of this, they made an agreement to not baptize me or my brothers as babies and let us make the choice ourselves as adults. We went to church every weekend on Saturday with my mom and on Sunday with my dad. As children, it felt more frustrating than anything. We were too young to understand my parents’ reasons, so going twice seemed excessive. However, I never felt it drove us away or caused us to lack in our faith; it simply created some misunderstanding. It took me a long time to understand that having God play an active role in my life would truly make it so much better. This is when I came to the realization that I wanted to cultivate my relationship with God.
What was the catalyst to learning more about and eventually joining the Catholic Church?
Jessica: I had some unique, intensely challenging experiences during my third year of pharmacy school, and without the Church, I really don’t know how I would have made it through. For a long time, I planned to join after graduation, because Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) seemed daunting with my already insane schedule. It will always amaze me that God called me to him at a time I couldn’t fathom, because he knew just how much strength I would need. I am so thankful I listened to that call.
Tell me about your RCIA experience? What stands out? What do you consider to be the most important thing you learned during that process?
Jessica: The RCIA program was incredible. One moment that really shines out above the rest is when I was able to lead “Breaking Open the Word” by reading the story of the prodigal son and sharing my thoughts on this parable. I have always liked this story, but I have a much better understanding of it now. I told the class about my childhood experience with religion and how I was “spiritually alive” (I prayed, I believed, I thought I had a grasp on Catholicism), but I was lost (like the prodigal son). Mass really started speaking to me with increasing intensity week by week and I began to see how much more I needed from the Church. It was filling a void that for so long I hadn’t even known was there. As I considered joining I was doing some self-reflection and I didn’t feel like I was good enough to be part of the Church. Looking back on the past 10 years or so, I didn’t think I was worthy of being forgiven or loved unconditionally by God. I related these feelings of mine to the Prodigal Son and realized that we are given free will because God loves us, not because He
wants to hold our mistakes against us. I talked about the older brother and how we are all like him sometimes, and about the father’s love and mercy. Even so, my desire to join was getting stronger and stronger, and that’s when I spoke with Father Craig about joining.
What was the role of your sponsor during your RCIA process?
Jessica: My dad and other members of my family have certainly had a strong influence on my faith. They have been wonderful examples and played a larger role than they may know in my decision to join. My aunt Sandy was my sponsor, and though she was in Marshall while I was in Grand Rapids, she still attended RCIA and grew in her faith with me. She has always been a role model of mine and her support meant the world to me.
How did you feel after you were welcomed into the Church through the sacraments?
Jessica: I was overwhelmed with joy. It felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It was so special to know that no matter what life sends my way I’ll be cloaked in God’s unwavering strength and love.
What role does your Catholic faith play in your life now? What parish are you a member of?
Jessica: I’m a member of St. Mary and attend mass there any time I’m home. Since I live in Grand Rapids right now, I attend St. Anthony of Padua. I look forward to attending Mass each week and always leave feeling refreshed and reassured.
What advice do you have for anyone considering joining the Catholic Church or beginning RCIA?
Jessica: For anyone who is considering joining, listen to those thoughts. God is speaking to you. It’s easy to keep putting off RCIA, but I promise the process is beautiful and liberating. I have felt so welcomed and valued by the Catholic community and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. I hope you listen to your call, too, and experience for yourself how rewarding it is to be part of the Catholic Church.