I want to be a Catholic because …

… I was called. We are all called by God at different stages of our lives but it’s a matter of listening and not just hearing it. I listened to the call when I chose life over death in 2011. With the help of my friend Preston, the period from 2011 to 2016 was a time of questions, education and reflection on what this calling meant for me. In 2016, I was ready to take the next step and started the RCIA program. My past, present and future life has become clearer through faith and the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.

Michael Coleman

Catechumen
Immaculate Conception Church, Ewa, Oahu
Michael will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31, at his parish.

Why I want to be a Catholic

After five years of teaching in a Catholic School, I have finally chosen to become a Catholic. These past two years of preparing for receiving the sacraments, and especially my BAPTISM, have been amazing. I was able to spend time with new people that I now consider family within the Catholic community here at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and in the diocese. I have learned and grown so much through the wonderful homilies shared at every Mass I attend, through my students, the fellowship and discussions with my colleagues, friends and through the RCIA program. I am thankful for the wonderful examples of LOVE that everyone shares with their time, talents and gifts within the Catholic community. The relationship with one another and most importantly the relationship with God are LOVE. I thank Uncle Mel, Sandi, Auntie Julia, Auntie Remi, Father Ed, Father EJ and Frank for always reminding me how simple our faith is … “It’s all relationship. It’s LOVE. It’s GOD. Our FAITH is a beautiful thing.” Thank you for journeying with me! I now see these things in everything and everyone! I just can’t wait to grow in our faith and become a CATHOLIC!

Kaha‘e Maika‘i-Iakopo

Catechumen
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Ewa Beach
Kaha‘e will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31, at her parish.

Why I want to become a Catholic

Growing up a Protestant, becoming a Catholic was never an option to be completely honest. It wasn’t until I got married and the words from Genesis 2:24 came to life. Now learning and deepening my faith in the Catholic Church, I see so many similarities and differences between the beliefs. Quite the contrary, I want to become a Catholic because it’s much more reasonable, very historical and to be honest, the basic proposal of faith is true.

Anne T. Lefai

Candidate for full communion
St. Augustine Parish, Waikiki, Oahu
Anne will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church at her parish this Easter.

Why I want to become a Catholic

In the beginning, I wanted to become a Catholic for my kids. I wanted to give them what I never had, someone to guide them in the direction to God. As I went to class, I would pray if what I was doing was the right thing. I was hit with problems and turned to God. I prayed a lot. When I felt like I needed to go to class, we had classes. I need this relationship with God. I’m excited to go through the program and can’t wait to receive my Sacraments.

Timothy-Joe Gonsalves

Catechumen
Maria Lanakila Parish, Lahaina, Maui
Timothy-Joe will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31, at his parish.

Why do I want to be a Catholic?

Is it because I married a Catholic man, baptized my children, or because I go to church often? The answer to those questions should never be “yes.” Over the years I have opened my heart and ears to God. I have found that I am a student as well as a messenger of his word. Like most children we find ourselves saying things our parents once told us: “Work hard yet share.” “Be wise yet humble.” “Love all yet be true.” Yet, I still hear a Father’s voice in the moments that He speaks to me and reminds me: that death should not be feared, for my spirit will live forever (watching over my children) from heaven; that when I am stressed, it’s merely moments of struggle for me to learn so I can help others in return; that being human means that I will sin, I will make mistakes, and I will lose my way; but, like every child of God, He will take my hand and help me find my way; and not the least, He will always love me. Simple truths.

Jennifer Wong

Catechumen
St. Stephen Parish, Nuuanu, Oahu
Jennifer will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31, at her parish.

I want to become a Catholic …

… because I want to understand God better and not just to make him a bigger part of my life. I want him to become a bigger part of ME. I want to have a better understanding and connection with him. When I went through some hard times, he was there to help me. And now, he is going to help me accomplish many big steps: Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. I want to learn more about him, read all the chapters in the Bible, all the good things he did and how he helped other people learn the true way, his way. Other reasons I want to become Catholic is because Christianity is the mother of all religions and it is also the oldest religion. I can also pray to the saints, and to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I can also pray to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Whenever I want to talk to Jesus, I pray to Mary so she can give my messages to him. And this is why I want to become a Catholic.

Bryanna E. Cruz Espinoza (age 12)

Catechumen
St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Bryanna is one of 13 children in her parish’s Hispanic community who will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31.

I want to become a Catholic …

… because that is what I feel Jesus is calling me to do. I have been to many different denominations of churches and nothing compares to the peace, and richness of faith and tradition in the Catholic Church. I want my children to grow up with the solid foundation of faith that comes from the Catholic Church.

Pearl Akina

Catechumen
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Wailuku, Maui
Pearl will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31, at her parish.

I want to be a Catholic because …

… when I was a child, I never really had a good idea about faith. I never really went to church. As I grew up, I always asked questions about God and Jesus. I knew one thing, to believe and know that God is real. Faith, I have. It’s just hard for me to understand. I wanted to become a Catholic Christian because I want to have a better understanding of it and have a stronger relationship with God.

Kaylee Kohana Latasa-Guillen (age 15)

Catechumen
St. Catherine Parish, Kapaa, Kauai
Kaylee will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31, at her parish.

I decided to become a Catholic Christian …

… because I wanted to learn more about the Holy Trinity. I also wanted to feel more connected to God and by that I am going to get baptized, Confirmation and Eucharist. By that I am as close to God as ever since I am still on earth and am a human being still. I also love God with all my heart and my life, in life and death. I also want to worship him forever!

Trinity Roslyn Guillen (age 11)

Catechumen
St. Catherine Parish, Kapaa, Kauai
Trinity will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31, at her parish.

I decided to be a Catholic …

… because I want to learn more about Jesus and I love God and I know he loves me too. And I really want to get baptized.

Jocelyn Victoria Latasa-Guillen (age 10)

Catechumen
St. Catherine Parish, Kapaa, Kauai
Jocelyn will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31, at her parish.

I want to become a Catholic …

… because I like to follow Jesus because I love church and I love God and Jesus because God is the one that made us. Also another reason why I will like to follow Jesus: because he’s the Son of God.

Leilani Marie Lovell (age 9)

Catechumen
St. Catherine Parish, Kapaa, Kauai
Leilani will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, March 31, at her parish.