

Jemma ...
My journey to faith started as a child. Growing up I always felt something was missing. Everyone I met along the way had been baptised; I knew I felt the same, believed the same, but I was missing something. Years went by. Then, after my first child, we spoke about baptism and it got me thinking – this could be my time too.
I looked into it, spoke to the church and heard about RCIA. At the time it seemed like a massive commitment. Was I ready? I wasn't so sure – maybe a little scared. Time passed by again and my lovely second child arrived. After the birth I suffered from an infection and I am told I am lucky to still be here. This got me thinking: maybe Jesus is looking out for me, and there is a reason I am still here. I should show my commitment back, so here I am!
The first night at the meeting I felt terribly nervous, but everyone was kind and welcoming, like old friends. I may sit there quietly but I take it all in and love to listen to the other opinions in the room. Since starting the process I feel I have grown massively as a person. I am much less judgemental and more considerate. I still have much to learn, and don't believe we ever stop doing so. Also, since starting the group, I like to take a minute each day to think of the world and all the things I have to be grateful for.
Today was the next step in my journey. We arrived at church with time to spare – for the first time ever. This was it: the rite of welcome and acceptance! When the first hymn started, I was welling up. I was thinking, "How am I going to actually speak here, in front of the whole church?" Well, I needn't have worried. Jesus was with me and passed on some strength. It was a lovely moment after I had said my piece and the whole church applauded. I felt relieved, encouraged and like I was doing the right thing. I am now looking forward to the rite of election at the Cathedral with my family and friends around me – to taking the next step.
Graham ...
I have been attending Sunday Mass at St Aidan's with my wife and our children for over ten years now as they are all baptised Catholics. Therefore my decision to become a Catholic felt like a natural one. I was baptised at Rainford parish church as a baby. As a child I attended Sunday school with family or neighbours, both here in England and in Canada where I emigrated with my parents and younger brother.
Firstly I approached the deacon last year who asked me to have a meeting with one of the parish priests. He referred me to the RCIA team for the area. I then started to attend regular meetings in September and have found these meetings both enjoyable and informative. I have now had the rite of welcome in my local parish as part of my journey towards reception into full communion with the Catholic Church.
I was overwhelmed by the support of the parishioners, our new priest Father Jean Paul and the members of the RCIA team who came along. I am now looking forward to the rite of election at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool in March, where again I will be fully supported by my family and other parishioners from St Aidan's.