Close to 1,500 new Catholics were received into the Catholic Church at parishes of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at the April 11 Easter Vigil. During the Easter season, some who received baptism, confirmation and Eucharist are sharing their stories of conversion (this week's are from Holy Family Church, Artesia). As many of these stories as possible will appear in the weeks ahead.

Mellanie Hong
I am born and raised from a Buddhist background. My boyfriend Steven is Catholic and he always invited and encouraged me to go to Church with him. I knew that his Catholic faith is important to him as he strives to live it in the richness of the Catholic traditions. Many times I told him I was not ready because I just never felt comfortable and often scared because I did not know what to expect.

After a while, his perseverance, faithfulness and love for me so opened my mind and heart that I decided to rise above my fears and uncertainties by going to Sunday Mass with him. I also took that leap of faith by entering the RCIA in June 2008.

As my journey began, I learned the importance of faith in God in the life of a Christian. Faith is the beginning of my relationship with God and as taught in the RCIA, faith offers eternal life. I actually expressed and interiorized this initial faith at the Rite of Acceptance in July 2008. I was touched by the welcoming spirit of the parish community.

Although this experience is very new, yet exciting, I feel very thankful to our living God for calling me through Steven and for blessing me with His grace to hear and answer His call. My faith journey has opened many opportunities to learn who God is in my life, His unconditional love and immeasurable mercy for all. I learn about the Church and what it means to be Church as a community. I and my fellow Elect of God and candidates feel the prayers and support of the parish community as we gather together to listen and reflect on the Gospel proclaimed in our midst. My faith grows and my life begins to be shaped by the Gospel.

The Easter Vigil was the holiest night for me. Through my baptism, I became a child of God. Through my Confirmation, I received the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and for the first time I received the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The night was an overwhelming joy and full of graces. Thank you, Lord.

Noel Jonas
Prior to attending RCIA, I had not been religious for quite some time, although I have always considered myself a believer. Born Protestant, I was not a sincere practitioner by any account. Although I consider myself a decent person and a good citizen, there was a sense of incompleteness in life and I could not, under my own power, fill up the emptiness.

After years of traveling the wrong path, I realized that I could not continue to live without the presence of God in my life and that a change was necessary. A really good friend of mine, by her example, got me interested in her faith and encouraged me to get involved. The appeal in Catholicism is its very foundation and sense of community. I am so pleased to have accepted God's calling and am on my way to being closer to Him.

I have learned through Catechism about God's love for us and the sacrifice of Christ Jesus for each one of us, that through him we may know the grace of his Father, and that the Holy Spirit will ever be our guide in life. Most importantly, I have learned how to forgive, as I will be forgiven myself conditioned upon what I am willing to forgive in others.

My faith has grown immensely, and I am thankful for all the trials as well as all the blessings the Lord has seen fit to bestow upon me. I am learning that to live a religious life requires daily devotion and sacrifice. I look forward to the challenges ahead as they may test my character.

Linda Ramirez
My husband and four children are Catholics. My two youngest sons attend our Religious Education Program for sacramental preparation.

On Sundays and holy days my family attended Mass. I went with them not knowing or understanding why Catholics go to Mass or do this or do that. Actually, I was so confused about everything going on at Mass that sometimes I wished not to go with them anymore. But I still went because something within me was prodding me to go. Was it God's call?

Life has many ups and downs and my family has faced its share. One day, while I was in my backyard, I said out loud, "There has got to be more to life than this." I remember saying it on two occasions. I thought it was that empty space in my heart that I was crying out to the Lord. Another moment, I found myself at Church on my knees praying to the Lord. I was asking for His sign or guidance.

Everything changed in August 2008. I called the rectory to inquire how I can become Catholic. They directed me to the RCIA. During my initial interview, I couldn't help but cry because I received a very warm and loving welcome. I told them, "I want to become Catholic." They did not ask me "Why only now?" Instead they told me that God loves me and that Holy Family Church and the whole Catholic Church will pray and support me in my journey of faith to be a Catholic. Now, I understand that God has been seeking me for a while and only now I am saying "yes" to him.

At the Easter Vigil, I and my fellow neophytes felt very joyful because we are truly God's chosen, blest and signs of God's love for all.

My journey to God through the RCIA is something I really needed in my life. In the last eight months, I learned what Catholics believe, how Catholics pray, how Catholics celebrate, how Catholics live. Through this gradual process of conversion, there is time for spiritual growth, time for Gospel listening and reflection, and time to pray with a caring community. My faith grows stronger each day. The Lord has shown me and my family His great mercy and love. We pray as a family and we thank Him for answering our prayers.

Editor's note: Stories and photographs may be emailed to mnelson@the-tidings.com.