Here are the stories of some of the 329 catechumens who will join (or have already joined) the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil on April 4
By Lisa Dahm
Hawaii Catholic Herald
For Austin Fitzmaurice, the sacrificial love of family in action, far beyond words, holds the key to the true expression of faith.
Fitzmaurice is one of more than a dozen catechumens at St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church in Mililani who will be initiated into the Catholic faith during the Easter Vigil this year.
Raised in a Christian home in Mililani with one sibling, Fitzmaurice found a different world when he met the family of his future wife, Estefany Nicanor.
Estefany, who hails from Kentucky, comes from a strong Catholic, military family with 10 siblings. When Fitzmaurice first met them, he was impressed with their emphasis on ohana.
“Part of that is just seeing how they live and what they prioritize — how beautiful their relationship is with each other — for their family,” Fitzmaurice said. “It’s definitely something I want to emulate.”
Family background
Fitzmaurice attended Hanalani Schools, a small Christian school in Mililani, through 10th grade, later attending a public high school. His family occasionally attended church, he said, but it wasn’t a regular occurrence.
Fitzmaurice studied psychology at the University of Hawaii. After a few years as a social worker, he returned to college to earn a degree in computer security networking; he now works for ComTel, a local information technology services company that counts the Diocese of Honolulu among its customers.
Fitzmaurice met Estefany while working at Schofield Barracks, where she was a manager and he was in information technology.
They began spending time together and were married just over a year after they started dating.
About a year ago, Fitzmaurice joined the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults at St. John’s. He said his faith developed gradually rather than in one identifiable moment.
“When it kind of pieced together, I wanted to be with my wife, and we wanted to have kids, and this is how we would want to raise our kids, going back to her parents and the example they set,” he said.
Estefany Fitzmaurice said her husband is “very caring and generous,” and he selflessly gives his time and effort for others at work and at home.
“I think I am most excited for him to be able to receive Communion, too, when we go to Mass,” she said. “He is also eager to learn more about the church’s teachings and traditions, which will help us to serve Christ together.”
Openness to faith
The couple recently received a convalidation of their marriage at St. John, witnessed by Deacon Romeo Ganibe.
“I admire Austin in his willingness to engage in the process of becoming a Catholic,” Deacon Ganibe said. “This includes his openness to learning the Catholic faith, his commitment to grow in his faith, and his willingness to participate in the community and support of the parish.”
After receiving their sacraments, the newly initiated are called neophytes, which means “one who is initiated at the Easter Vigil.”
Deacon Ganibe said it is the responsibility of all parishioners to mentor and help neophytes to navigate their journey and fulfill their baptismal vocation. This includes promoting regular Mass attendance and encouraging them to serve in various roles within the parish community, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Like everything new in life there is uncertainty, despite being ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church.
“My hope is that Austin will regularly participate in the Eucharist (and) practice his sacrament of reconciliation,” Deacon Ganibe said, as well as focusing on “praying daily, reading Scripture, serving others and striving to grow in holiness.”
Above: Austin Fitzmaurice says his wife Estephany’s strong family helped inspire him to join the Catholic faith. (Courtesy photo)