Waking up as my renewed self, according to the image of God, and to become a fully renowned Catholic was like a blurry mirror that has been wiped clean. I grew up as a Colombian-American in a small family single home growing up in this same beautiful town of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Coral Springs, FL with two completely different denominations in my household. Both of my parents were born Catholic in town(s) called Ibague and San Cayetano, Colombia. Later into adolescence, baptized into churches called Inmaculada Concepcion Cathedral and Iglesia San Cayetano. Prior to my mother marrying, she was considering her faith and lifetime purpose by vowing into nunnery. She completed 12 years of her middle and high school education within the church. After childbearing in 1986, she converted into a Jehovah’s Witness, and I was encouraged to decide on a denomination once I was an adult. I am now thirty-three years old and felt a great anticipation and force to complete something that was never done before. The OCIA catechumen program for adults was a riveting experience and one that could not be accomplished without Cecilia and her community support to include Shaniza, Joe, Efrain, Patricia, Ayleen and Justin who graced us with Peter, Dc., Johnathan, Sem., and Msgr. Michael A. Souckar’s presence. They strived to make sure we were well acknowledged, answered and well-rounded catechumen. We indulged in this experience and were taught about channelization and selection of our chosen saints-mine becoming Saint Benedict. In turn, Saint Benedict brought me closer to sacred prayer with God and Jesus Christ from the soul in the privacy of my mind and spirit. There was no “wrong” question or answer, and they cross examined this experience with us until we found the peace within ourselves with evidence based biblical scriptures.
Becoming a Catholic as a Catechumen was an overwhelming mix of reverence, joy, and deep spiritual transformation. It was humbling, emotional, and filled with a peace I hadn’t known before. The Easter Vigil revealed the darkness in church, slowly lit by candlelight, represented a symbol of my own journey from uncertainty into faith. As the readings unfolded and the story of salvation came alive, I felt deeply connected to something ancient, sacred, and alive. When I was finally baptized, confirmed, and received the Eucharist for the first time, it was as though I was stepping into a new life—one marked by grace, belonging, and purpose. Colossians 3:9-10, says “Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator.” Embracing Catholicism is a profound journey of faith that intertwines the heart, mind, and soul in a transformative encounter with sacred tradition, communal worship and divine grace. To become Catholic is to step into a spiritual lineage stretching back two millennia, where ancient rituals like the Eucharist and the sacraments become living encounters with Christ’s presence. It is a decision to anchor one’s life in a worldview where suffering finds meaning, mercy triumphs over judgement, and every human story is woven into God’s redemptive plan. The Catholic Church offers not just doctrine but a home-a global community united in prayer, service, and the radical call to love as Christ loved. This path demands humility, courage, and willingness to surrender to mysteries deeper than reason, yet it promises a compass for life’ s storms and a light that transcends darkness. For those who answer, it becomes more than a choice; it is an ongoing invitation to discover purpose in sacrifice, hope in resurrection, and belonging in the Body of Christ. – Andrea Tascon
The Parish of St. Andrew offers a period in which you can come together to learn more about our faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This method, (RCIA) is a formation process to prepare adults and persons who have reached the age of reason, to receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The OCIA is for:
- Unbaptized adults and young persons who have reached the age of reason and wish to become Catholics.
- Adults baptized in another Christian tradition who are seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church and seek the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
- Baptized Adults who were baptized as infants in the Catholic Church and now seek the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
“The rite of Christian initiation presented here is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.” (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults # 1)
The spirit and teachings of the Catholic faith are shared in a weekly meeting through dialogue among participants, lay people, and clergy of our parish. The OCIA is a journey that takes us through what we believe as Catholics, how we celebrate those beliefs, and how we live our life to bring us closer to God. In the process, participants get prepared to make the personal decision to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
Are you interested in becoming a Catholic? Were you baptized Catholic as a child but have not yet celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist? Do you know someone who still has not received their Sacraments of Initiation? If you do, please contact Cecilia Sousa for more information at 954-905-6332 – csousa@sacccs.org
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