The Bowman family from St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea will be baptized in to the Catholic faith at Easter Vigil, March 26. They gathered at the parish cafeteria March 13 to share their conversion story. Front row, left to right, are father David Bowman, Preston, Elise, Harrison and mother Jennifer. Back row, left to right, are Donovan, Stott and Miriam.
After years of searching for the right faith, a family of 8 will be baptized at this year’s Easter Vigil
Story and photos by Darlene J.M. Dela Cruz
Hawaii Catholic Herald
“Are we Catholic yet?”
The young children of the Bowman family from St. Elizabeth Church, Aiea, have asked their parents that question many times in recent weeks. David and Jennifer Bowman, both 34, decided last year to take their ohana of eight on a unique journey of conversion. Excitement shines in the eyes of the entire clan as the day of their baptism into a new faith draws near.
The Bowmans are among the 185 catechumens who will be welcomed as new Catholics during Easter Vigil liturgies across Hawaii March 26. They also join many others, already baptized, who will be welcomed into full communion in the church by receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
David and Jennifer Bowman took time between Mass and their Rite of Christian Initiation class March 13 to share their family’s conversion story with the Hawaii Catholic Herald. Gathered with them at the St. Elizabeth Church cafeteria that morning were their kids: 12-year-old Stott, 11-year-old twins Miriam and Donovan, 9-year-old Preston, 8-year-old Harrison and 7-year-old Elise.
David and Jennifer both were raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints — the Mormon Church. They, in turn, brought up their family as members of that faith. All of their children were born in Las Vegas, but the Bowmans moved around the Mainland before settling in Hawaii about three years ago.
Jennifer, a Utah native, said she had many Catholic friends when she was growing up. She participated with them regularly in community service projects. Jennifer noticed early on a strong “moral center” her Catholic friends exemplified through their faith.
She as well has long admired Catholic social service programs, which she said “don’t judge” those in need and instead underscore the fundamental virtue to “love one another.”
That emphasis on mercy and human outreach came into play when the Bowmans began contemplating a conversion. They were devout and active Mormons; but they sought something more.
Preston Bowman signs his name into the Book of Elect during the Rite of Elect ceremony at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Feb. 14.
The Bowmans decided to leave the Mormon Church in what Jennifer called a “complicated” process. Among many other steps, this required each member of the family to explain in writing their decision to depart from the faith.
Jennifer said she was often asked whether their walking away from Mormonism meant that they no longer believed in God.
To that, she would reply, “We left because we believe so much.”
She noted that the family “took a break from organized religion” afterward to get back their bearings. They nonetheless continued to read Scripture together and be active in the community. Eventually they felt the need to reestablish a connection with a faith and began searching for a new place to worship.
“It wasn’t enough to do just acts of service and pray as a family,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer pondered Catholicism and appreciated its solid historical rooting in the “apostolic line” which traces the church back to St. Peter. She read the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” as well to get a good grasp of Catholic teachings.
The Bowmans browsed the Diocese of Honolulu website, www.catholichawaii.org, and used its “Find a Parish” feature to search for just the right parish where they would feel most at home. After careful research and consideration, the family contacted Deacon Kin Borja, the RCIA coordinator for St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea, and began their journey toward conversion.
“It was huge for our family that they would accommodate us,” Jennifer Bowman said.
Marriage and family
David Bowman explained that he was struck on the first Sunday meeting at St. Elizabeth, when Deacon Borja asked them to make a list of their life priorities. Naturally, his list included family, work, faith and daily responsibilities.
Deacon Borja said in that session to “put marriage first,” something that David appreciated being emphasized in the church.
“I didn’t feel like I’d seen that in other places,” David said. “That’s what made me feel comfortable.”
The Rite of Christian Initiation classes have been an enriching experience for the family. According to Deacon Borja, some of the meetings have entailed “total class participation before we break up into different sections. The children would freely answer questions about their relationship with Jesus and how to apply Scriptures to their everyday lives.”
“It was nice to see the family dynamics work in a more formal setting,” the deacon said.
David said he is “surprised how much I’ve been learning things I took for granted.” He particularly appreciates taking time for “reflections” and thinking about aspects of his faith as part of his regular week.
Each of the children has discovered his or her own “favorite” part of Catholicism as well. Elise, age 7, said she loves the Ten Commandments. Miriam, 11, and Preston, 9, both like the rosary. Donovan, 11, enjoys the homilies. Harrison, 8, appreciates the Eucharist. Stott, 12, explained that he is drawn to “the cross, the Holy Trinity and what it represents.”
Jennifer said it was special to celebrate Advent and Lent as “new” family traditions. During these liturgical seasons, they felt “the Spirit in our home.”
Both David and Jennifer acknowledge that going through the conversion process to become Catholics was at first daunting. “It’s kind of a lot,” Jennifer thought when she first read what RCIA would entail. However, she said, “If this is your relationship with God, is it really that much work?”
“The work you do is nothing compared to the reward you receive,” she said.
David said “along the way it’s much easier than it seems.” With a supportive parish ohana, “you have more help.”
The deacon reflects
As Deacon Borja readies the Bowmans for their big night at Easter Vigil, he said he is proud of how far they have come and how well they represent Catholic family values.
“Watching this family come together weekly reminded me of my own family when we were growing up,” Deacon Borja said. “Their faith and tenacity, along with their wisdom and understanding in going outside the box to grow their immediate family is truly phenomenal.”
“They are definitely a pro-life family,” he added.
The deacon said he “was so excited that a whole family of eight were thinking of joining our Catholic Church.” At first he had thought it would be difficult to instruct the young children in complex aspects of the faith. It refreshed him to see that David and Jennifer as parents were very much interested in helping to provide that guidance.
“David and Jennifer were both totally immersed in their children’s well-being as well as being their spiritual mentors at home,” Deacon Borja said.
He noted that the RCIA core team at St. Elizabeth enjoyed their time with the Bowmans and look forward to seeing what else God has in store for them in the future.
“I trust that the Holy Spirit will guide them along their journey,” Deacon Borja said.
