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  "My journey through RCIA could not have come at a better time in my life; I had been wanting to join the Catholic faith for about 30 years, but it wasn't the right time until now. RCIA is not a process; it's a journey in which I not only learned about the Catholic faith, but I learned so much about God, prayer and myself. I was in a bad place when I started RCIA, but I learned so much and ended up feeling so much betther. The peace and hope and love I received throughout my journey brought me through my bad times, and my journey with God through prayer continues every day and at every Mass." - PATRICIA HEBERT 

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  "The RCIA process was a personal journey of spiritual growth for me. I was born and raised Protestant, but over the years occasionally attended Mass with friends. I always felt more connected with God when attending Mass. I had recently started attending Mass on a regular basis and decided to participate in RCIA. I love the traditions, teachings, prayers, and solemn worship in the Catholic Church." - KAYE MARTIN

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  "The RCIA process gave me a forum to learn about the Catholic faith, without fear of appearing ignorant to the ways of Christian faith in general. The structured process, which follows the structure of the Catholic faith, meant that I walked in the same footsteps of the apostles, learning what God and Jesus taught them, and learning how to pray and worship. The staff of OLQH RCIA is extremely friendly and helpful, and truly helps you to understand what being sealed into the Roman Catholic faith means." - AMANDA AND DAVID WILLIAMS

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  "Throughout my adolescent years and young adulthood, I have kept an open mind and heart in regard to religion. I have asked the difficult questions, challenged ideologies and sought to find that which appealed to both my heart, mind and soul. 
  
  I grew up missionary Baptist where I went to Sunday school, walked down the aisle and got 'saved,' and attended activities such as church camp and Vacation Bible School. However, I always felt like something was missing, like there was more out there than having Bible drills on Wednesday nights where we would compete to see who could find a verse the quickest. I knew there was more than a pastor standing on a pulpit and shouting that you have to follow a certain president, your tattoos can't show, and under no circumstance should you drink or dance. 
  
  My curiosity about Catholicism peaked when I took a Psychology of Religion course in college. Then almost 3 years later, my now husband brought me to my first Mass, and I was mesmerized. The tradition, the respect for Jesus, the peace that surrounded me when I walked and stood before the Eucharist - all of these things drew me in, and I immediately craved more. So I joined RCIA, and it was the most incredible experience of learning and growing in my faith than anything I had experienced in childhood. I fell in love with every inch of the Catholic Church from the teachings to the community to the history and the liturgy. And on the day that Monsignor Torres put the anointing oil on my head, I knew that I had found my home." - TALYN HILLIARD

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  "My longing for the Eucharist is what led me to Catholicism. The idea that I could receive the actual body and blood of Christ was powerful. As I went through the process of RCIA, the more I Iearned the more I fell in love with the faith. Learning about the history of the Catholic Church and the Sacraments made me realize how truly sacred, holy, and precious the Catholic faith is.
  
  One of my favorite parts of RCIA is getting to go through this life-changing experience with a group of amazing people. We pray for and support one another for several months. We then get to watch one another receive the most blessed Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. So awesome!
  
  I am so glad I finally listened to God's calling and went through RCIA. It was honestly one of the best decisions! I know it was God's calling because the very Sacrament that drew me in, I now get to teach! (FYI...Holli begins teaching 2nd Grade at OLQH School in the fall.)
  
  I encourage anyone who is considering going through RCIA to give it a shot. It will forever change your life in the most profound and inspiring way!" -  HOLLI ABATE

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