A Long Journey to The Catholic Faith
By Alexa Underwood
The Easter Vigil is special to me because that is when I said, “yes” (in front of a lot of people) to being Catholic. It is also the day we start the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection and celebrate the light as a symbol of life. For me and for all those who come into the Church at the Easter Vigil, it is an overwhelming joy to receive the light from the Easter candle. Being baptized in the holy water brings us so close to God. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
More Than Just One Day
Coming into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 2017 was a beautiful experience, but my journey into the church was more than just that one day. I was not baptized at birth and my mom grew up in another religion. After accepting an invitation by friends to attend mass at St. Dominic Catholic Church, we loved it. It was like a home for our faith. We were always welcome. We realized we wanted to be a bigger part of it, more than just attending Mass. This desire led my mom and I to embark on a long journey of faith — learning and praying — together.
Ultimately we came into the Catholic Church just one month apart. My mom being confirmed in March and I, baptized, receiving First Holy Communion and confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Such grace to be able to share our expression of faith together.
Supporting Others On Their Journey
However, this year’s Easter Vigil will be different all over the world. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, those who are preparing to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil will have to wait. Although we can’t be with them in person, we can still share our expression of faith together. So, I invite you to join me in offering up prayers for them. I pray for my Edge friend, Kara, and for all those who will eventually say “yes” as they continue their long journey towards a special relationship with God through the Catholic faith.
About the Author
Alexa Underwood – I’m an 8th grader who loves playing soccer, eating sushi and St. Alexandra of Rome, the Defender of Humanity. My favorite thing about the Catholic faith is the gift of Holy Communion and the belief that is the body and blood of Christ being shared with us.
