How I Became Catholic Kirk Dutcher My background was of the Latter-Day Saint faith, or Mormonism; but not really. Growing up I had been to church only a handful of times; still, I had a strong belief in God. Directly across the street from the pizzeria I frequented is a huge LDS church. When my family first moved to the South Sacramento/ Elk Grove area I attended that very church for two years. To give you some insight to my thinking: I didn’t know anyone in the area, I thought church would be a good place to start. I had never really attended Mormon church before and this was
where my friends went to church. It wasn’t that something was missing from the LDS church either, I just flat-out knew it wasn’t for me. I finally got enough gall to ask one of my friends if he would take me to church with him; I told him I was interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. That coming Sunday, I attended church with him, his wife, and family. The first mass I attended was just in a basketball gym. There weren’t any pews, just rows of folding, collapsible chairs. I don’t even think there was a Virgin
sneakers, the sounds of angels echoed in the gym. But it wasn’t the voices of the choir, it wasn’t just the content of the hymns either, I’m not sure what it was, but even at the beginning there was something very compelling about Catholic Mass. Then the eucharistic ministers came shuffling down the isle holding the cross, followed by
“The sounds of angels echoed in the gym. But it wasn’t the voices of the choir, it wasn’t just the content of the hymns either, I’m not sure what it was....” supposedly my religion; I thought I’d give it a go. My whole life I had been told I was Mormon and I feebly accepted it as my faith without much knowledge of the religion or exploration of any other religions for that matter. It wasn’t until I started attending LDS church that I realized how not Mormon I am. As I said earlier, I attended an LDS church for two years; I got involved, I really gave it a go. But after those two years of feeling very out of place in Mormon church, I started to become more curious about Catholicism and 12
Mary statue, but the Holy Spirit was strong there. This was where the soon to be Maria St. Goretti parishioners worshipped until their church was built. I remember being a little nervous, I was told just to follow what everyone else was doing the best I could. I had never attended a Catholic Mass before and I didn’t want to unintentionally do anything disrespectful or embarrass myself in any way. We were asked to “please stand” and the angelic sound of the choir enveloped the room. In the absence of squeaky basketball
St. John Vianney Catholic Church
the priest in his violet vestment (I think we were in Lent season). Although there was something happening at the very core of my soul, there was a great feeling of comfort; the parishioners reciting responses to the priest’s celebration of the sacred mysteries and offering of mass. It was all so beautiful in a way I can’t describe. I got choked up and a few tears rolled down my cheeks in appreciation and sheer admiration for what I was experiencing It was strange in a way too; all these people who I hoisted beers and watched games with were there, on their knees,
www.sjvparish.com
Kirk picks up expired still-edible foods from local gorcery stores every weekday, and delivers the goods to our Food Locker for distribution. UPDATE 2020: These days Kirk is a Security Guard servicing Golden One Credit Union. giving thanks to God. It wasn’t the angelic choir, the hymns, or the communal feeling of everyone responding to the priest in unison that did it for me. The sum of all the elements of the Mass, the “vibe” was merely setting the stage for personal revelation, God entering my heart and telling me this where I was meant to be. Strong spirituality often takes a lifetime to develop and I’ve
enjoyed every step of this journey. From RCIA, to baptism and confirmation, first communion, learning to recite the rosary, attending Mass every Sunday, joining the Knights of Columbus, and reading the works of G.K. Chesterton and Scott Hahn.
beauty of the workings of this world. To this day, when someone tells me they’re Catholic, embers of the golden eternity smile inside me.
The Catholic faith has strengthened and deepened my relationship with God. It has given me a strong base with which to understand this life and the
“It was all so beautiful in a way I can’t describe. I got choked up and a few tears rolled down my cheeks in appreciation and sheer admiration for what I was experiencing.” www.ranchoknights.com
Knights of Columbus Blessed Sacrament Council #5322
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