Congratulations to the newly Baptized members of our community, Cassie Karambela and Krista Lowary, along with those fully initiated through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, Chelsea Kashergen, Heather Lazaro, Kristin Orosco and Gene Riddle. May God continue to bless you and shine His love upon you.
What is next for those who entered the Catholic Church this Easter? All who were baptized and received into full communion are called Neophytes in this period, until the anniversary of their initiation next Easter. The final period of regular weekly faith formation extends through the Easter season, the seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost. This post-baptismal catechesis is called Mystagogy. It is a time of deepening the Christian experience, especially in appreciation for the sacramental life, for spiritual growth, and for entering more fully into the life and unity of the Catholic community. The Neophytes now share with Christ, and his Body in the parish community, the intimate communion of the Eucharist. We as a parish community pledge to help them grow and mature in the Christian life and to develop a genuine Catholic world view. Please pray for all those who God has called to join us as we continue on our pilgrimage to our Father in Heaven. For more information on RCIA at St. Juliana Church please contact the Parish Office.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
RCIA Candidate
Heather and her husband, Dave, have been married almost sixteen years and have three daughters: Alyssa (15), Isabella (8), and Keira (4). Dave is a cradle Catholic and the girls have all been baptized. They have been part of St. Juliana’s Parish for 11 years. Alyssa, a sophomore at El Dorado H.S., will be confirmed here in May, and Isabella, a 2nd grader at St. Juliana’s School, will receive her First Communion in May also. Keira will enter kindergarten in the fall.
Heather is an optometrist who graduated from the Southern California College of Optometry in 2003. She works out of two practices, one in Whittier and one in Orange.
Heather says, “I have found a home at St. Juliana’s and I am long overdue in taking the next step to be able to fully participate in the Mass and embrace the Catholic religion. I look forward to becoming involved in some of the ministries. Currently Dave and I are novices in the secular order of the Servants of Mary here at St. Juliana’s. My sponsor, Jamie Flynn, is also a novice and we are enjoying our religious journey together. “
RCIA Elect
Chelsea is a 20 year old Fullerton native and a student at Cal State Fullerton. Her childhood memories of St. Juliana’s Parish include the Fall Festival. She recalls encountering Father Jude amid the crowd, who told her mother in his brogue, “I see she lives by her hair - honestly.”
In her walk with God she began longing for the mystery of deeper communion. While searching for unity and healing from past conflict with her father, who died when Chelsea was 16, her friend Philip Shifflet invited her to daily Mass at St. Juliana Church. She is most grateful to him for exposing her to the practice of the Catholic faith.
“The charm of Catholicism enchanted me. I am captivated still. My life is filled with precious souls who encourage me on this journey; many belong to the parish; still others are friends and family. I am grateful to my mother for her passion, my sponsor, Gretchen Humberg, for her kindness, and my friend Jorge for his honesty. These and others are gems gifted from God.”
...and Chelsea has a voice that is a gift from God. You can join in singing with her at daily Mass.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Meet An RCIA Candidate
Gene Riddle was baptized in the Methodist Church in El Centro, CA, where he and his family were active members. During his senior year of high school he attended Saturday evening Mass with a friend and was fascinated by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. He even considered converting then but didn’t follow up.
After college Gene began working and married Mary Kay, who is Catholic, and they attended Mass only on Christmas and Easter.
Everything changed nine years ago when their daughter, Kate, was born nine weeks premature with many health issues. By the grace of God those issues have generally resolved themselves. Meanwhile they started attending St. Juliana Church regularly, after moving from Downey.
A couple of years ago Gene, seeking more wisdom, started reading the Bible, a real “page turner” for him. First he read all the gospels, then the next books of the New Testament, and then the first five books of the Old Testament.
Last year Kate received her first communion, which motivated Gene to go on the men’s retreat at Mater Dolorosa, which then convinced him to convert to Catholicism. “My conversion experience has been the best thing that I have ever done. It has changed my life for the better in many ways. It has helped me weather some serious health issues that both my mother and sister are currently facing by helping me gain strength through prayer.”
After joining the Church, Gene hopes to join the Knights of Columbus at St. Juliana and become more involved in the parish.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Meet An RCIA Candidate
Cassie was born and raised in Turlock, CA and attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton. When she started attending Mass at the campus Newman House, Cassie enjoyed serving the Newman community as a greeter and sacristan. In August 2010 Cassie moved to Fullerton to attend Southern California College of Optometry and decided that it was the right time to embark on this journey toward becoming a full member of the Catholic Church. She is very pleased to be part of the RCIA process at St. Juliana’s because of the vibrant and supportive community in this parish and the dedicated RCIA team and looks forward to following in the footsteps of the inspirational, involved and faithful people she has met here.
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