When Fr. Frank asked me to speak today I was really honored. Then I went home and became really nervous. I kept trying to think of the perfect words to say and then my uncle told me to speak from my heart and tell my story without worrying if it's perfect or not.

          My grandma passed away over two years ago, in February 2006.  I was only 19 and had a lot of questions.  I wanted to know exactly what happened to her and where she was.  For months I felt all alone with no answers.  I started reading books about dealing with losing someone you love and found little comfort.  Then for the first time in years I felt the presence of God. That's when I decided to contact Deacon John and find out about the RICA program. The following October, I became an RCIA candidate to make my confirmation.

          When you lose someone you love, it's hard to keep living your normal life.  When I joined RCIA I didn't feel alone anymore. Deacon John, Helen, Steve, Karen, and Jim have all been there for me when I needed them the most. They are all wonderful, loving people who truly care about you and have all become part of my family.  Since I joined RCIA I also lost two other people whom I loved so much, my Uncle Vinny, and Grandma Marlene. These losses have been hard to deal with, but having the RCIA family behind you really helps.

          During the RCIA program my faith grew stronger. Without faith it's hard to get through the bad days. Since my first grandma passed away, everyday has been a struggle, a struggle that my faith helps me get through. I know that even though I can't physically see or talk to my loved ones, I will be with them again one day.  The hard part is dealing with living without them now but you just have to tell yourself that they're watching over you. I know that my Grandma Ann watches over me and protects me.  She is my guardian angel and I talk to her everyday.

          In order to keep going you need to have faith and trust that God has a plan for everyone. Everyday is still a struggle for me and without my faith, family, and the RCIA team's support it would be impossible to deal with.

          It's been over two years since I first joined RCIA and I feel like a completely different person. I can't imagine how I would have gotten through everything without the RCIA team's support. Joining the RCIA program has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I want to take this moment to once again thank Deacon John, Helen, Steve, Karen, Jim, and of course Fr. Frank and everyone else for their love and support. When you join RCIA you don't just gain information, you get a family and become part of this wonderful community here at Ss. Cyril and Methodius.

          Thank you

Talk presented by Jennifer Duffy on the occasion of the 9:30 am Mass, Pentecost, May 25, 2008