Finding Home: A Year in Catholic Faith

Man describes journey through Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

Holy Rosary-Idaho Falls parishioner Russell 'Rusty' O'Malley, at left with friend Randall Lillie and an unidentified photo bomber, attended a SEEK event, sponsored by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) of the Diocese of Boise, last spring. He describes himself as once being a hungry, lost soul who found his way home. (Photo/Courtesy of Russell O'Malley)

By Russell O’Malley

For the ICR

The journey into the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a profound, deeply personal odyssey—a pilgrimage of the heart leading seekers to the core of Christian faith and community.

It's a path marked by intellectual discovery, spiritual awakening, and the profound embrace of the sacraments. This narrative reflects my journey through OCIA at Pope John Paul II Parish in Idaho Falls, offering insights into God’s transformative grace and the enduring beauty of coming home, a journey profoundly shared with my wife.

My own path began with a long-standing, gentle tug on my spirit, a persistent call to return to my Christian roots. My wife, a cradle Catholic, often mentioned attending Mass. While initially indifferent to our church choice, I found myself drawn into the profound reverence of the liturgy.

There was an unmistakable sense of something ancient and true, a spiritual depth that resonated within me, planting the seeds for what would become a year-long expedition into Catholicism. This quiet stirring culminated in September 2023, as I formally embarked on the OCIA program, with the Easter Vigil of 2024 as my anticipated destination.

The Catechumenate: Foundations and Revelations

The Catechumenate period, a foundational stage of OCIA, immersed me gradually into Christian life, doctrine, liturgy, and charity. This phase brought intellectual enlightenment and a burgeoning spiritual awareness. A true turning point was the session on the Holy Trinity.

My prior understanding of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had been rudimentary, but this insightful teaching opened my eyes to God's profound mystery and relationality, bringing clarity and depth to my burgeoning faith.

Equally impactful was our Deacon, who directed the program. His welcoming demeanor, patient guidance, and unwavering commitment to allowing each of us to truly understand Catholicism at our own pace were invaluable. He never pushed, but rather gently encouraged us to explore, question, and internalize the teachings. This atmosphere fostered genuine spiritual growth.

A palpable sense of being shepherded, much like doting parents, came from the Deacon and a dedicated couple assisting the classes. Their consistent presence and genuine care fostered a strong sense of community within our small group, a connection we cherish to this day.

Rites of Transition: A Solemn Affirmation

As the Catechumenate deepened, we moved towards the Rites of Transition, culminating in the Rite of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion. For me, these rites held immense personal significance, often far more than recognized by lifelong Catholics.

There's a unique hunger in a "lost soul" finally finding their way home to the Church and, more importantly, home to God. Every step, every rite, was a profound affirmation of my commitment. This particular rite felt like a public declaration of my deepest desire, a solemn step forward in being "set aside for the Lord, to be His."

The Lenten period of Purification and Enlightenment that followed was a time of intensified spiritual reflection and self-examination. The scrutinies and the presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer were not just liturgical exercises; they were opportunities for deep personal introspection, solidifying my understanding of the Church's foundational beliefs and the essence of prayer. This period instilled a profound sense of my undertaking's seriousness—a commitment to a new way of life, a dedication of myself wholly to God.

Holy Rosary Church in Idaho Falls, where Christ led Russell

O'Malley to the faith. (Photo/Courtesy of Russell O'Malley)

Easter Vigil: The Embrace of New Life Amidst Trials

The Easter Vigil is the spiritual zenith of the OCIA journey, the night when catechumens are fully initiated into the Church. My experience was profoundly amplified by my participation in Exodus 90 prior to the Vigil, a spiritual program instrumental in shaping my mind and deepening my understanding of Christ’s immense sacrifice and the gift of His love.

However, the path to the Vigil was not without its trials. Fulfilling the necessary canonical requirements proved arduous, demanding immense effort and emotional toll to retrieve vital sacramental records from distant locations. Despite the invaluable assistance of a truly amazing Deacon overseas, the bureaucracy caused significant pain and moments of deep despondency, even leading me to question if this path was truly meant for me.

The moment the notice of dispensation arrived, finally overcoming the hurdles just two weeks before the Vigil, was truly exhilarating. I ran to the Deacon, joyfully embracing him—a gesture born of overwhelming relief and gratitude. It’s difficult to explain the burning desire, the profound yearning, to come to the Lord, to be joined with Him, to be in union with God’s plan, especially after one’s eyes have been opened to His calling. To be standing on the outside looking in, once that vision is clear, is an intensely difficult experience.

Receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil was nothing short of miraculous. The cleansing waters of Baptism washed away the old, ushering in new life in Christ. The anointing of Confirmation empowered me with the Holy Spirit, strengthening me to live out my faith boldly. And finally, receiving the Eucharist, truly the Body and Blood of Christ, was the ultimate act of communion, a profound and intimate union with God. It was a moment of complete belonging, of being fully welcomed into the family of God, and the spiritual peace that enveloped me was indescribable.

Mystagogia: Living the New Life

The period of Mystagogia following Easter is vital for continued formation, deepening understanding of the sacraments and integrating fully into the parish community. For my wife and me, this has been a time of profound and ongoing transformation. More than a year on from my baptism, our lives have been completely reshaped.

We've cultivated a more peaceful dynamic, and both of us have deepened our commitment to the Lord, striving to attend daily Mass whenever possible. My participation in Exodus 90, which evolved into a continuous Exodus 365, has become a cornerstone of my spiritual life. The weekly meetings offer invaluable discussions that continue to help me explore and deepen my faith. This past year, I've truly focused on developing my internal spiritual life, greatly enriched by the profound theological insights shared by our priests and deacons.

Russell O'Malley wife Grace. (Photo/Courtesy of Russell O'Malley)

Through the Sacrament of Confession, I've hesitantly confronted and explored past wounds, things I thought I had overcome but were merely calloused over and hidden, even from myself. For the first time in my life, I truly understood forgiveness, which allowed me to heal and let go of burdens I had unknowingly carried for years. The sense of liberation has been immense, unleashing my mind to delve ever deeper into my faith. I often feel as though I could spend all my time in the church, a testament to the burning desire to be closer to Christ, even wishing I could sleep at the foot of the tabernacle.

Challenges and Sustaining Grace

The significant challenges surrounding the complexities of fulfilling certain canonical requirements tested our patience, resolve, and at times, even our very spirit. Yet, in retrospect, these hurdles underscored the seriousness of my commitment and the profound value of the sacraments we were seeking. They forced us to rely more deeply on God’s grace and to persevere even when the path seemed insurmountable. Receiving the long-sought dispensation literally at the eleventh hour felt like a cruel test at the time, but it ultimately revealed itself as God's miraculous welcome home for me.

Throughout this journey, the support system around us in our parish was a true blessing. My sponsor was phenomenal, consistently dropping everything to be present for classes or church events, his enthusiasm infectious and inspiring. The joy radiated by a visiting monk upon learning of my impending baptism was truly endearing and memorable. The parish priests were genuinely excited to welcome us into their flock, their enthusiasm palpable.

The wider parish community embraced my wife and me with open arms, making us feel genuinely welcomed and "pulled in from the cold." The couple who assisted with the OCIA classes, acting as true shepherds, felt like doting parents, and our friendship has endured beyond the program. Their collective support, guidance, and prayers were instrumental in navigating the challenges and celebrating the joys.

Transformation and Advice for the Journey

Completing OCIA has been nothing short of transformative for me and for us as a couple. My faith has deepened, and our life together has been profoundly strengthened, now rooted in a shared spiritual journey.

For anyone considering or currently in OCIA, I offer the following advice, born from my own experience:

• Proactively Engage with Your Director on Requirements: From the outset, maintain open, honest dialogue with your Deacon or program director. Ask for a comprehensive list of all requirements early on, as some (especially those involving marital status or historical records) can take considerable time to fulfill.

  
  

• Embrace Community: Actively participate in parish activities and seek to integrate into the parish family. This belonging is vital for sustained faith.

• Embrace Disciplined Spirituality: Explore programs like Exodus 90 that foster disciplined prayer, silence, and fasting to deepen your personal relationship with Christ.

  
  

• Explore Adoration: Seek opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration. Consider touring the parish's Adoration chapel. Spending time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is profoundly transformative.

• Attend Mass Regularly: Make Sunday Mass a non-negotiable priority; strive for daily Mass too. Even before receiving Communion, Mass is the source and summit of our faith, essential for spiritual growth and encountering Jesus.