I was a Born Again Christian when I met my wife, a practicing Catholic. After we were married, I willingly went to Mass with my wife every Sunday and Holy days of Obligation. After we retired 5 years ago, we moved from California to Minnesota so we can be closer to our grandkids. We thank God that we found St. Gabriel! When Discovering Christ was offered, we signed up and for me, I found it a blessing to learn more about the Catholic Faith. After the series ended, I decided to become Catholic, so I continued with RCIA. With each week's session, I felt a stirring in my heart to draw closer to God's love. I was fully initiated at the Easter Vigil Mass. Through the overwhelming support of our pastor Fr. Paul, Andrew Allen, my sponsor Deacon Branch, the RCIA Team and the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus, each day I feel closer to God through quiet times of prayer and reading the scriptures. With God's love and grace, I will continue to grow in his love and mercy every day. Praise be to God! - Kent

I have been a member of St Gabriel’s (precious St. John’s) since I was a child. I attended St. John’s for grades 2-4. Growing up, I always had God and spirituality on my mind but fell out of practice due to many changes in my life. In 2021, I started listening to “The Bible in a Year” podcast hosted by Father Mike Schmitz. I hoped to learn more about the faith and what the Bible actually means. What I didn’t expect, was for it to completely reignite my spirituality and have me wanting more. I joined RCIA in hopes to get answers to some of my longing questions, and to grow deeper in my faith. RCIA has been an amazing experience for me because we are able to talk openly, ask questions, and be surrounded by a community of people who live their life according to the Bible. It has been a humbling and beautiful experience to meet the people I have met, and I am excited to continue my spiritual journey in the Church now having received the Sacrament of Confirmation. - Kaylah