Five members of the McNicholas community received into the Church through RCIA

Fr. Kevin Scalf led four students: Quinton Forbeck, Abby Hughes, Grant Waters, and Tate Thompson and one parent: Amy Mitchell on a nine-month discernment before they were received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass by Archbishop Dennis Schnurr.

“It has been a labor of love to journey with each one of them through this holy process,” said McNicholas chaplain Fr. Kevin Scalf, C.PP.S.

The group met weekly from September until the Easter Vigil here at McNicholas with occasional evening meetings in conjunction with the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. This opportunity makes the  RCIA process more accessible to students who may have otherwise not considered it as a possibility.

“I never would’ve done this if I hadn’t heard about it through school,” said RCIA candidate and freshman student Tate Thompson. “I kind of knew I wanted to become Catholic, and then we started talking about the program in my CREW and Scripture classes and I was put in touch with Fr. Kevin.”

The group completed readings about Catholicism, brought questions and insights to meetings, and had candid conversations to help them grow in their understanding of the faith.

“There were a lot of things that I didn’t know because I didn’t grow up going to Catholic school,” RCIA candidate and sophomore student Abby Hughes said. “My religion and relationship with God have changed because I understand a lot more now and I feel more comfortable in the Church.”

Father Kevin encourages students who are curious about learning more about the Catholic faith to come talk to him. The RCIA process allows for careful time and consideration to discern if joining the Church is the right decision for each person. There are no expectations or judgements. 

“I would say to someone who is looking to do this next year to just show up,” said RCIA candidate and freshman student Grant Waters. “You can go to a few meetings and decide it’s something you don’t want to do, but the process is great, especially when you commit to it, ask questions, and are attentive.”

After the discernment process, all five candidates were received into the Church this Easter season and are now active members of their respective home parishes.

“Each one of them is a great treasure of God! Each one reveals the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Spirit in a very special way. The Church is better because of them,” Fr. Kevin said.