'Pure Joy This Side of Heaven'

Baptism takes place at Edgewood Castle Hills assisted living facility in Boise (under the outreach of St. Mary's Parish)

Annie Russel, 74, center, was baptized and received into the Catholic Church at Edgewood Castle Hills assisted living facility in Boise on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Father John Kucera, pastor at St. Mary's in Boise, presided over the ceremony, which was witnessed by fellow residents, staff members and friends. (Courtesy photo)

"Pure joy, this side of heaven!" These words were spoken by Annie Russell, age 74, a resident at Edgewood Castle Hills assisted living facility, on the day of her baptism during the recent Easter Season. 

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Annie was baptized and received into the Catholic Church in the dining room of the assisted living facility, decorated with flowers for the occasion, in the company of approximately 30 people – her fellow residents, staff members, friends, and St. Mary’s Eucharistic Outreach volunteers. Annie also received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion, along with the Anointing of the Sick that day.

It is, of course, not the norm for someone to come into the Church at an assisted living facility. Yet, under the circumstances, because of the difficulty of transportation for Annie and her fellow residents, a pastoral exception was made to the great blessing of all involved.

Father John Kucera, Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Boise, administered the sacraments, while Deacon Tom Dominick, part of the St. Mary’s Eucharistic Outreach team for Edgewood Castle Hills, assisted. Barbara Spence and Michelle Pettyjohn, St. Mary’s parishioners who also lead Communion Services at the facility, helped with the event.

Gloria Pettinger, a fellow resident at Edgewood and a friend of Annie's, was chosen by Annie to be her Godmother. Gloria has been a member of St Mary's Parish for 48 years. Her faith is "the greatest joy of her life." She is “thrilled” to be a new Godmother at age 81.

Annie decided to begin attending the Sunday 10:15 a.m. Catholic Communion Services soon after moving to her new facility earlier this year. She told her now Godmother, Gloria, that what had set the background for her interest in a journey into the Catholic Church was "the loving care at St Alphonsus Hospital" that she had received over the years, having had three hospitalizations.

With this positive outlook towards the Catholic Church, she was very open to the fellowship and prayer at the Communion Services, and found herself attending weekly.

Annie Russell (Courtesy photo)

As Annie learned more about the Eucharist, she decided that she wanted to become Catholic, and confided this to Deacon Tom Dominick, who is one of three who lead the weekly communion services on a rotating basis from St. Mary's. Annie told Deacon Tom that she found “the Catholic religion to be beautiful.”

Deacon Tom advocated for Annie and sought approval from Father Kucera to prepare her in a personalized way for coming into the Church. Soon after Easter, when it was determined that Annie was ready, arrangements were made for the baptism to take place at Edgewood Castle Hills.

It was truly an event celebrated by so many people at the facility. Even the cook on staff prepared special treats for the reception, which took place immediately afterwards in the dining room.

Annie was radiant in her white dress, a gift from a fellow resident, Sally Harris. 

After her Baptism, Annie expressed to Gloria, "God bless everyone, and thank you for believing in me. May we all have love in our hearts for one another."

Gloria and Annie pray together after each evening meal with their table group and give thanks to God for His daily blessings. 

Gloria commented that it is amazing how "God can work through us when we let him."

Article initially drafted by Gloria Pettinger, and finalized by Michelle Pettyjohn, June 17, 2025