•RCIA PROCESS

TESTIMONY BY CAROLYN MEAKIM

“Will you be our baby’s godmother?”  In August 2000, my best friend (sister-in-law) asked me to be her baby’s godmother.  This was a defining moment for me because I felt like God was sending me a sign about where I stand in my relationship with Him.  It wasn’t a requirement for me to be Catholic in order to be a godparent, however, I began to realize that I wanted more. 

 I was baptized Catholic as a baby, however, for most of my life I was raised in a Protestant Church.  I am very proud of my upbringing and feel as though I bring a unique perspective to my faith as a Catholic.  After being married at St. John Bosco Church in May of 2000, I began attending Church with my husband on a regular basis.  I never felt completely fulfilled since I was unable to participate in the Eucharist.  Something was missing. 

With the support of my husband, parents and in-laws, along with prayer, I decided to attend RCIA classes in September of 2002 to learn more about the Catholic faith.  During my RCIA experience, I became pregnant with twins.  Unfortunately, God challenged my faith when my babies (Mara and Michael Jr.) were born prematurely and died in February 2003.  Despite this tremendous loss, I still wanted to participate in the RCIA process (much thanks to Deacon Kruckenberger and my family) and began to focus my journey to full participation in the Catholic Church for my babies.  God was sending me another sign.

 I received my Holy Communion in April 2003 and then the sacrament of Confirmation in June, taking Mara as my Confirmation name.  In December 2004, God blessed me with a son, Marcus, and in July 2006 with a daughter, Molly.  In addition, I am a proud godmother to 3 nieces and 1 nephew.  I am truly blessed.