Who has helped you on your spiritual journey?

09-10-2023Pastor's LetterVery Rev. Richard C. Wilson, VF, Pastor

Dear Friends in Christ,

On September 8th, I celebrated my 25th year as a Catholic. Naturally a milestone like that induces a lot of reflection. The first thought is, “Wow, that’s a long time! And then, where did all of that time go?

It also produces thoughts of thankfulness for the grace that God has bestowed on my life. So, I want to express my gratitude for the men and women who have helped me along the way, both Protestant and Catholic. We don’t make our journeys alone.

It was in January of 1996 that I began my journey in earnest. I read Surprised by Truth and discovered that the idea of sola scriptura was a doctrine of men and not one of God. I read, prayed, and watched EWTN’s Journey Home program. By the summer of 1997, I attended an inquiry class at St. Joseph’s in Anderson.

Then in 1998, Father Thomas D. Timlin, Pastor of St. Joseph’s personally instructed me in the Catholic faith. We met one on one for six months and went through the Catechism in great detail. He patiently answered all of my questions and challenges. I am most grateful for his deep love of Christ, the Church, and his orthodox teaching.

As we got to the end of our lessons, Father Timlin asked me one day, in his gruff voice, “Well, do you want to do this?” I said yes and he asked me to pick a day to profess my faith in the Catholic Church. I looked at my calendar and chose September 8th. I had no idea at that time that September 8th was the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

So, on that day, I had three sponsors, John Harte, Ann Friend, and Gary McClain. (It took three sponsors to get me into the Catholic Church!) One of the things I remember vividly about that day is that Father Timlin prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for Bethany Lutheran Church, the church in which I was baptized. I was surprised, I certainly did not expect him to do that. I had left the Lutheran Church for the Catholic Church which has the fullness of truth, yet Father prayed in thanksgiving for God’s work through that denomination.

So...it’s been quite a journey. What about you? Who has helped you in your journey in your faith?

Here’s an idea. Why not pray a rosary of thanksgiving with a specific intention for each decade? The first decade: for the priest or minister who baptized you. Second: for the priest who gave your First Communion. Third: for the priest who confirmed you. Fourth: for the priest who heard you exchange your wedding vows or the priest who was most helpful to you. And fifth: for the priest who will say your funeral Mass.

May we remember and be thankful!

All the best…in Christ,

Father Wilson