By Caroline Smith
Conversion to another faith is something people come to on different pathways and inspired by different reasons: it might be a life-changing experience that has turned their eyes towards God, or a family connection that has set them on a journey of discovery and learning.
At the church of Saints John and Paul in Perth’s southern suburb of Willetton, parishioner Holly Bentley is one who is perhaps in the second category – having entered a process of conversion after marriage to husband Zach in late 2015, and being baptised at the Easter Vigil Mass on 26 March.
Mrs Bentley said it was initially the experience of preparing for marriage that prompted her to consider becoming a Catholic through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
“I first became familiar with RCIA when I was in the process of marrying Zach last December,” she said.
“He was raised as a cradle Catholic, and we attended marriage counselling with Father Thai (Vu) and met our Catholic marriage sponsors to help prepare us for our big day and beyond.
“Leading up to the wedding, I was curious to learn more about the religion my husband was raised with.”
This was augmented by her experience of becoming godmother to niece Madison, which increased her thoughts about faith and its role in a person’s life.
“(Becoming a godmother) was a huge honour and it made me want to learn more about the Catholic faith,” Mrs Bentley said.
“I believe this experience has helped me consolidate many virtues and views that I have been raised with.”
Subsequently, she commenced the RCIA at Willetton Parish as a Catechumen – someone who seeks Baptism into the Catholic faith – although the RCIA also welcomes Candidates, who have been baptised in another faith but wish to receive full Communion into the Catholic faith.
Led by coordinator Howard Ong, the RCIA involved weekly meetings for discussion of scripture and specific faith topics, with worksheets and online slides to facilitate learning for those involved.
“At the end of most sessions, we would always discuss the content and share our thoughts or experiences,” Mrs Bentley said.
“I really enjoyed the discussion time to see the different backgrounds or contexts people would use to interpret the Bible.”
Another important part of the RCIA was the support that participants gained from one another, together with their sponsors – who provided individual guidance – and other organisers.
“Along the way, I have met some wonderful people,” Mrs Bentley said.
“Rosanne, my sponsor, has been an outstanding role model and has offered consistent support and guidance to me at all times.
“It has been a journey and, the more you put in, the more you get out of it. I’ve been blown away with the kindness and inclusiveness that Howard, the candidates and other sponsors have shown me.”
She added that Mr Ong’s exhortation for participants to ‘try to have an open heart’ during the conversion process had particularly stuck with her.
Support also came from her friend, Jody, who was also taking part in the RCIA and, like Mrs Bentley, was baptised at the Easter Vigil Mass.
For Catechumens, all three Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, are received at this Mass every year.
“The Baptism was beautiful,” Mrs Bentley said.
“All RCIA members shared their experience in our reflection session afterwards and said they felt a change in themselves once they had holy water poured onto them.
“I look forward to what’s to come and am excited to continue as a member at Sts John and Paul Catholic Church.”
From page 10 and 11 from Issue 2: ‘Family: What does it mean in 2016?’ of The Record Magazine