I’m sure you would agree with me when I say that Jesus has been taken up on a cloud sounds very “Hollywood-esque” and “Disney Land-ish” and “Cinderella-ish,” don’t you think?  The whole idea of him going up in a puff of cloud seems a little odd.  But I think when you try to articulate the mystery of God, of how he is present to us, of how the Spirit - how she is present to us, our ability to communicate the mystery, is limited.

The Apostles experience at that moment, stood looking up they believed, and yet they doubted.  And it is so with us.  Each of us is called in our own experience of life and Church to reflect and experience who Christ is for us.  The Church has reflected on that, together with what we hear in the gospels, and the ongoing reflection (tradition/magisterium) articulates the following ways Christ is present to us. On a Sunday when we come together we come together in community, and we are Christ in that we are gathered together as community.  I can’t be community if I am just here on my own.  It’s a nice thing to come into the Church and sit and pray, and be quiet and contemplative, but there can be so much more a feeling of being alive and being present to one another as we support one another as community.  We are the body of Christ when we are assembled together…and so we are!  That’s the first way!

The second way that Christ is present is when we hear the word of God proclaimed beautifully, like Joseph just did a few moments ago, and when the gospel is proclaimed in a very powerful way.  The third way, the Church reflects, is in the ordained ministry and finally and most especially at the Eucharist, where we literally take the real presence of Christ and make that our nourishment to give us strength to go out into the world to be Christ, He is our advocate at the right hand of the Father.  He is the model of our humanity, calling us to be fully human and fully alive.  And that is the reality that we have to take out into the world.  That is how we are Christ to the world.

One of the most fabulous things, I think, about CTK is that this is a very welcoming community.  In fact, with our RCIA people there are already 30 signed up for this summer to become Catholic.  And to me, that lifts my heart up.  It invites us to reflect, as a cradle Catholic, on our gift of faith recognizing there is something really beautiful here that attracts people.

And so it is in that spirit that Jenny Lee is going to talk to us.  She has been a Catholic for a little over a month, and she is going to talk to us about her journey and experience.
Thank you Jenny.

RCIA Testimonial

Jenny Lee

Good Morning, my name is Jenny Lee.  I appreciate the opportunity this morning to share with the parish my experience with the RCIA group.  RCIA has provided guidance and support in my decision to become baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Church.

When I was born my parents chose not to baptize my sisters and me.  They gave us the choice to decide what religion we wanted to be when we grew up.  Throughout my life, I have attended different churches with family, friends, and neighbors.  I have never been directed or felt any pressure in choosing a religion.  But I developed a closeness to the Catholic Church after attending many masses.  I have been thinking about joining the Catholic Church and building a relationship with God for a long time.

In my years of experience as a registered nurse, I have helped many people. At the same time, I felt more and more grateful for what I had in my own life.  I am healthy and have a wonderful family, friends, and fiancé.  I have all of this, but I still felt something was missing in my life.  I wanted to do more to make a difference in every situation that I meet in my life. I was at a point where religion was not just a distant thought.  I felt a need to reach out to God, but I did not know how. Then, one day I decided to find my faith and join RCIA.

RCIA has shown me how to have that deep personal relationship with God that I have been wanting.  Going through RCIA has been an incredible and wonderful journey.  Now that I am Catholic, I feel like a new person on this journey with God.  I feel very special in sharing in the body and blood of Christ. For the first time in my life, I can pray and feel a connection and know that I am being listened to by God.  Now that I have made a commitment to God and to the Catholic Church, it will help me stay close to God and the church.

Maybe some of you feel or have felt the way I did a year ago.  I was very excited and nervous about taking this step in my life, but I’m so glad that I did.  RCIA has made a change in my life.  I looked forward to going to class every week and to the Sunday dismissals, because I kept learning so much about God, the Roman Catholic Church and myself.  If anyone wishes to talk with me about RCIA, I would be glad to talk to you after mass. 

I am so thankful for the RCIA group and this parish for being so helpful and supportive.
I look forward to growing more and deepening my faith and continuing this journey with God, my “forever friend,” for the rest of my life. 
Thank you.

RCIA Testimonial

Mike Johnson

My name is Mike Johnson.  My wife and RCIA Sponsor is Celeste.  We have two kids – Melissa (5th grade) and Jeffrey (2nd Grade) who attend school here at Christ the King.
Celeste grew up Catholic, and I went to a non-denominational Christian church in Jr High and High School.  We were married in a Catholic church, but my wife was clear that she would never pressure me, or ever expected me, to become Catholic.

Over the years I’ve enjoyed working with our kids helping prepare them for their 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist.  And, they have always been involved in community needs such as bringing gifts to shelters and hospitals during the year.  I’ve seen not only the difference that God’s love has made in our family, but the small difference they’ve been making in the community.  I had heard that’s what Catholics are called to do – make a positive difference in this world.   I attended Mass on and off over the last 10 years, but it honestly didn’t have any deep meaning to me.  It seemed like “the right thing to do” and a way to be a good example for our kids.  I heard about RCIA, and decided I wanted to learn more.  What did it really mean to “become Catholic”, and more importantly, was it something I was interested in?  I met with Al Garrotto and told him I wanted to learn more about the Catholic Religion, but that I didn’t know if I was ready to actually “become Catholic.”  Al made it clear that I was welcome to come to the RCIA sessions and learn about the process, but was not committed to continuing if it was something I wasn’t ready for.

I attended the Summer Inquiry Series last year, and in the fall realized that I not only was interested, but actually had become passionate about becoming Catholic – about really becoming a member of the Church community.  I don’t know if it was my family or I that was more surprised by that decision. 

It is difficult to find words to express how it feels to have become a fully initiated Catholic.  Seeing the outreach of hands, smiles, and handshakes at 10:45 Mass as we left for Dismissal each Sunday showed just how much everyone cares about each other at Christ the King.  Holy Week leading up to Easter Vigil reinforced, stronger than ever, that I had made the right decision – I began to understand and appreciate the mystery of Christ as I had never before.  After receiving the 3 sacraments, and having people I’d never met before shake my hand and congratulate me, I realized how fortunate I was to have become not only a member of the “body of Christ” but a real member of one of the greatest parishes anyone could ever call “home.”  I now understand why people “want to” or “desire to” go to Mass, and not feel like they “have to”.  No religion is perfect, but I truly believe that the Catholic Church has become my Moral and Spiritual Compass that will help keep me pointed in the right direction.  My journey isn’t over, but just beginning.  I now look forward to my role on the Parish Council, and to doing my part in helping make a little positive difference in our community and world.

The RCIA team has been great, and our RCIA class has been really fortunate to have Al, his wife Esther and all the other members of the RCIA Team give their hearts and souls to helping people like us through the process.  If anyone out there has ever asked yourself what this Catholic religion is all about, I would encourage you to get in touch with Al Garrotto through the Parish Office.  He can tell you more about the Summer Inquiry Series, which begins May 22.  I’ll also be available outside after Mass is anyone has any questions about RCIA.
Thank you.

RCIA Testimonial

Derek Westphal

My name is Derek Westphal and I’m a recent “graduate” of the RCIA group. RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation For Adults.

I’m here to talk about my experience with the RCIA classes and give some insight to why I wanted to become Catholic. I’ve been coming to Christ the King for about two years with my wife, Lisa, and our two kids. We started coming to Christ the King after we enrolled our son Drake in the Religious Education classes. I think most people simply call it RE.

During one of the RE meetings, Father Brian congratulated and thanked all of the parents for bringing our children to RE and for being good role models.
That pat on the back encouraged me to be an even better role model. I wanted to convert to Catholicism so I could learn more and show my children the importance of religion and living a Catholic life.

Before the RCIA classes, I thought that being Catholic was more of a title. In other words, I thought conversion would be about learning new prayers, accepting some absolute truths, and eating fish on Fridays. I thought the RCIA classes were going to be about memorizing, confessing, mortal sin, and learning about all of the saints. I was happily surprised to learn that Catholicism isn’t about being, it’s about doing and serving.
The RCIA classes weren’t about memorizing; they were about reflection and spiritual growth.

In the RCIA classes I met others who had similar questions and concerns. We talked about how to read the Bible. I enjoyed learning that the Bible isn’t a single book dictated by God. It’s a library of books with fiction, law, poetry, letters and sermons. We also learned about the Second Vatican Council and how it changed the Catholic Church. We talked about keeping our faith alive through attending Mass and taking the Eucharist. We prayed about each other’s accomplishments and sorrows. RCIA taught me to examine my life in terms of spirituality and service. There was never any pressure, and I always left happy and eager to return. RCIA taught me that I need Jesus and He needs me.
Before I finish, I’d like to thank all of you for supporting me through prayer and kind words. It means a lot to me to be part of this faith community and I hope I’ve encouraged others. If anyone wants to talk further or has questions about RCIA, I’ll be at the front of the church after Mass. Or you can contact Al Garrotto who is the coordinator, and a fantastic teacher.

RCIA Testimonial

Dale Morrison

Good Afternoon, my name is Dale Morrison.  You may recognize me as an R.C.I.A. member who was baptized during this year’s Easter Vigil.  My baptism was the culmination of years of my admiration for the Roman Catholic Church coupled with a serious case of procrastination.

As a child, my parents didn’t baptize me and rarely took me to church.  When I was a teenager I discovered the Catholic Church through friends.  From that point on I have always wanted to be part of the Catholic Church.  As I grew older I continued to attend Mass, always feeling like an outsider looking in, but never making the commitment to be baptized into the Roman Catholic Church.  You’ve heard of a “Cradle Catholic?”  Well I was a “Closet Catholic.”

As we baptized our son, Bradley, here at Christ the King, I was still an outsider looking in.  I felt a strong desire, a real need to explore the depth of my faith.  I was embarrassed and frustrated with myself that I had never made the commitment to take the time to become baptized into the Roman Catholic Church.

When Bradley began religious education here at Christ the King I was so proud of the questions he asked and the discussions that followed the questions.  I knew it was time to make a commitment to myself to become a Roman Catholic.  One day last April, after Mass, without conscious thought, I found myself talking to Father Brain and asking him what I needed to do.  He told to me about the RCIA program and put me in touch with Al Garrotto.

I began the RCIA program last May.  It has been an insightful and rewarding journey that has brought me closer to my family and God.  The program has been educational, enlightening and a personally enriching experience.  The RCIA program has taught and instilled within me the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Through Christ, I have become a better father, husband and person.  I am happy and content in my daily life and so much more at peace within myself.  Since I began the program I feel a real sense of belonging and fulfillment.  I feel very proud that I have really accomplished something important in my life.  Above all, I now feel God in my life each day.

I can’t thank the RCIA program team members enough for guiding me on this journey.  They will always hold a special place in my heart.

Maybe there is someone like me, a “Closet Catholic” sitting in the audience today?  I urge you to explore your faith by joining the RCIA program.  If anyone wishes to talk to me about the RCIA program, I’ll be in front of the Church after Mass.

Thank you for listening to my story.
God bless.

RCIA Testimonial

Jay Melaas

Good Evening.  My name is Jay Melaas.  I have been officially a parishioner at Christ the King for about 27 days and a Catholic for exactly 43 days.  However, I have been attending mass here for almost three years.  For the last year I have been involved with the RCIA process where I was educated in the Roman Catholic Faith, and finally confirmed at this year’s Easter Vigil.

Prior to landing here and deciding to become Catholic, I was baptized, raised, and confirmed Lutheran in my hometown of Garrison, ND.  Now, I am sure some of you may be asking how a Lutheran guy from North Dakota ends up at a Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill, CA.  Well, you can safely assume there was a girl involved.  My now wife Lindsay (a Catholic since birth) talked me into coming here once, while we were visiting her family. I remember thinking, “Catholic mass—this is going to be an awkward hour of my life.”  While I did feel like a “fish out of water,” I noticed some things that would bring me back here, because they allowed me to feel God’s presence during worship.  I also felt the love and pulse of this community, and saw how this community wanted to share that same love with others, especially the less fortunate.  Most importantly for me, the core beliefs I had grown up with, and that had become a staple in my life, were closely aligned with the core beliefs of this Parish.

I guess I knew early on that I wanted to become a part of the CTK community and fully participate during mass by receiving Eucharist, not just receive a blessing.  What I was not sure about was if I wanted to be a part of the “greater” Roman Catholic Church or if the “greater” Roman Catholic Church would want me.  So, when I heard that the RCIA “no obligation” Inquiry Series was starting, I decided to give it a shot.

During these sessions and discussions (which Lindsay attended with me), I became cemented in my belief that I belonged in the Roman Catholic Church.  So when it was time to make the decision to continue my RCIA journey toward Confirmation, I did not hesitate. 

What RCIA has meant to me and done for me is difficult to put into words.  Just taking the time out of a busy week to learn and reflect on my faith has changed the way I approach my daily tasks.  I am more aware of the presence of God everywhere, not just in a worship setting.  I am better able see the spirit of God in the people I encounter.  I have also become more comfortable with the mystery and the unknowns of my future, because I am more comfortable with the mystery of Jesus’ Life, Death, Resurrection, and His Presence here today in the Eucharist (which we will soon share together).  I am more aware that my life has a purpose, and God has a plan for each of us.  The most
important thing RCIA has given me however, is a Spiritual Home.

Since I left North Dakota to go to college, home has become more of a feeling than a place. I find my home in my loved ones, especially my wife, and other things that remind me of love and belonging.  Now, through the RCIA process and the support and prayers of all of you here at Christ the King, I have now found home in the Catholic Church.
If, like me, any of you are looking for a spiritual home and a welcoming parish community, I encourage you to attend the RCIA Inquiry Series starting on May 22nd.  Christ the King is an amazing parish. I hope to raise my own family here, and you all are the reason.  Thank you for being here. Uniting together with all of you to celebrate God’s Love, is, and will continue to be, very special to me.