WITNESS TALK - LISA MARSHALL

Good morning.

As Father McNulty said, my name is Lisa Marshall. I am a wife, mother, a nurse… and a newly confirmed Catholic. When I was asked if I would give a witness talk, I was apprehensive. What could I possibly have to say that might be of interest to anyone about… "What this church means to me?" After all, I was confirmed into the Catholic faith at THIS year's Easter Vigil.

Then I thought… how could I NOT! Something very real and beautiful has happened.

I was raised in the Lutheran faith, but never quite felt I found what I needed. I always had faith, but it wasn't until I started ACTIVELY pursuing God that it became so real and alive for me. I attended Mass at Sacred Heart for a number of years, coming with my family and raising our children Catholic. I never seriously thought of joining this church or being confirmed Catholic. It was ok for me to sit on the sidelines and watch, after all, I had my own faith, however remote it may have been at times. I believed in God and tried to be a good person… I thought this was enough for me.

My search for a deeper relationship with God probably started about one year ago. The reasons for my personal journey may or may not be similar to your own. What prompted this journey isn't what is important… but what I have found is. I realized I wished for the connection with God that I see in SO many people. I wanted it to be as real for me as it is for them. Some of those people are right here in this very parish. I knew that they had the connection I was seeking. These people were instrumental in guiding me on my way. At first it wasn't a conscious decision to join Sacred Heart… Then a friend told me something that has changed my life. He said… "It is NO coincidence that life's events led you here… God is knocking; you only have to open the door."

Well, I opened the door a crack and started with "Inquiry," which is a part of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), informal sessions, to learn about the Catholic Church, gospels, and have my questions answered. When I was ready, if I chose, I would move on to Formation, the next part of RCIA, which I did. This was all done at my own pace. Our group consisted of other people seeking the same spiritual connection as I was. Maybe for various reasons, but all united in our desire for this connection. There were times when I was hesitant, but I knew something remarkable was happening. At times I needed to step beyond what was familiar and routine for me, outside my comfort zone, so to speak, but each time I did I was rewarded with a feeling of peace and inspiration. I knew this was right for me. I just needed to trust these feelings. The events that have played out have created a profound change in my life. I can't explain when it happened or how… but it did. The power of the Holy Spirit during the sacraments I received culminating in the Easter Vigil are beyond my words. Receiving Eucharist for the first time in this church, I have never felt more proud to belong to any congregation. The presence of the Holy Spirit in this church is so real and alive. During the Easter Vigil it was everywhere… It began so solemnly with a fire on the steps, then entering into a darkened church, then to lighting of the candles, one by one, passing the flame from each member, one to another, then the music, the choir, the flowers, all rejoicing in new life. The presence of the Holy Spirit is in the smiles on the faces of the people I see… It is in the words and the music I hear… It is in the joy of the priests and people of this parish… It is in my family who has supported my search… It is in the people I attended RCIA with, my friends. We are all so diverse with such different stories and backgrounds but we all share one very special connection, the love of God and the desire to belong to this church and this faith. To be counted as one of the children of God…

God has placed some incredible people in my path to help me on this journey. There has not been a time this year, when I have not felt Christ's presence in this church. My experience here has enabled me to take this beyond church and make my faith a very real part of my life. Life's daily struggles that at times before seemed overwhelming… now seem manageable.

My experiences may differ from yours but one thing remains the same, we come here to be nourished by the Word of God. He is very present and alive. It does take effort but what comes back to you from the effort put forth is immeasurable.

Open that door a crack and see what happens.
I did.
There are… no coincidences.