St. John the Baptist Parish in Montello and Good Shepherd Parish in Westfield recently welcomed two new women into the communion of the Catholic Church, which they announced in their July 19 weekly bulletin from 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  

Through the Rite of Christian Initiation Adults (RCIA), Emily Pinter and Amanda Groh were able to learn about the Catholic faith. 

“The RCIA describes a process in which men and women are guided and cared for as they awaken in faith and are gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life,” the Rev. Savio Yerasani wrote in the bulletin.  

The Rev. Savio Yerasani | https://marquettecountycatholic.org/

Pinter and Groh will be confirmed soon, as they had a delay due to the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year. 

“As we all know that this tradition takes place during Easter vigil, unfortunately this year it was delayed due to suspension of public masses due to COVID-19,” Yerasani wrote. “Our Bishop allowed us to choose the convenient date with the consent of RCIA candidates and their families.” 

Yerasani wrote that as he interviews individuals coming into the Catholic faith, they usually comment on their love of the church of St. John the Baptist and the community there. 

“That is because of you,” Yerasani wrote. “Thank you, my dear parishioners for being such a great inspiration. At St. John the Baptist/Good Shepherd, we want to welcome everyone to be one with us and come to the Eucharistic table. Our RCIA team is looking for more ways to encourage your help. Let us know if you or someone you know might consider becoming a Catholic.”

Yerasani ended by thanking the team members of RCIA for sharing in their time, talent and faith of leading people from all walks of life into a relationship with Christ through the lens of the Catholic faith.