St. Isidore's RCIA

Impressions from past members

By Shanda Walker

Senior in Public Relation, K-State University

Joining the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) has always been a deeply spiritual and life changing process, and at St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center that is no different.

For Nicole Pemberton, RCIA candidate in 1997-1998 from Gardner, Kan., Kristin Magette, RCIA candidate in 1998-1999 from Salina, Kan., and Jolene Allmond, RCIA sponsor in 1999-2000 from Garden Plain, Kan., being a part of the St. Isidore’s RCIA program truly changed their faith lives.

"Well, for me, it has been instrumental," said Magette. "I didn’t grow up Catholic; although I had been exposed to it my whole life at extended family gatherings." "For me, the experience of learning about and becoming a part of the Catholic faith at the same time I was becoming an adult -- it was truly special and life-changing. My experience at St. Isidore’s definitely laid the groundwork for me, setting in my heart the expectation that I will take an active role in my own faith life, and in my parish, for the rest of my days."

Although Pemberton, Magette and Allmond were part of the RCIA program in different years and different capacities, the St. Isidore’s educational programs helped them to go out into the world with a strong knowledge and background of the Catholic faith.

"RCIA gave me the foundation for understanding the Catholic Faith, ignited my passion for learning more about Christ and encouraged a life-long journey to grow closer to the Holy Trinity," said Pemberton.

St. Isidore’s RCIA does not only provide the background and knowledge of the Catholic faith, it also teaches how to become active in your parish. Pemberton, Magette and Allmond have taken this teaching to heart and have become very active members of their current parishes.

"Currently I am a Bible Study group leader for high school students at St. Anthony of Padua," said Allmond. "I have completed the Diocese of Wichita’s two-year Religious Studies program and the 2004 Summer Theology Institute. I also attended the 2003 St. John Bosco Conference at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio."

The RCIA program, under the direction of Father Keith Weber, has seen baptized, confirmed and given first communion to more than 660 candidates and catechumens, and has updated the faith of more than another 700 people, including sponsors.

"I am just so very proud that I was a part of it for two years," said Magette. "When I brag to friends, coworkers, parishioners and others about it, I talk about what a huge, energetic, inspirational group of people it is. It’s almost magnetic to see the group and see how it’s changing people’s lives year in and year out. And not just a few people’s lives -- a hundred or more, each year. It is just so impressive."

For those currently enrolled in the RCIA program, either at St. Isidore’s or elsewhere, Allmond suggests to keep in mind *John 6:68-69, and Magette says that having an open heart is essential.

"When someone feels like there’s a teaching that they just can’t seem to understand, agree with or even just get their arms around, just be prayerful about it and really discern," said Magette. "It was my experience that my own personal challenges continue to make me a more faithful person all the time."