By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
Keith and Robynne Adams have been parishioners at St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea for years.
While they had attended Mass on and off for more than two decades, during the COVID-19 pandemic something shifted — the Holy Spirit began working on their hearts.
They started attending more regularly, and Robynne felt called to finally take the leap and become Catholic. From that point on, they jumped in with both feet, getting involved wherever they could.
It started with Keith, a cradle Catholic, diving back into the faith, and Robynne admitting she wanted to become Catholic. The couple completed the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults process and received the sacrament of confirmation along with their youngest son.
“It was a beautiful experience — the three of us in the same OCIA class and being confirmed at the Easter Vigil,” Robynne said. “God’s timing — it was very special.”
“Without question, OCIA changed everything,” Keith added. “I had an idea of the faith — I’d gone to church my whole life — but it was a fragmented understanding. You could spend a lifetime and never fully comprehend the enormity of the Catholic faith. It’s amazing.”
A big influence on Keith and Robynne were Keith’s parents, Kathleen and Keith, who have been involved at St. Elizabeth for decades. Kathleen even served as Robynne’s sponsor. OCIA touched Keith and Robynne so much that they joined the team.
Now the couple attends Bible study, and Keith studies Scripture each day.
As for giving of their time at St. Elizabeth, the couple tries to help whenever asked.
Keith and Robynne own a construction supply company, so when Father Sebastian Soosai came to St. Elizabeth to serve as pastor, Keith asked whether he needed any materials or help with projects and maintenance. Since then, Keith has gotten very involved in this work.
“Father and I have become friends, and he relies on me for general expertise in construction,” Keith said. “Whenever he asks — Robynne and I are doers. We don’t look for a way around or someone else. We get it done.”
Being in the business, Keith usually has someone he can call if something falls outside his area of expertise.
“That’s how we serve the church,” he said.
Keith and Robynne wouldn’t have it any other way. They love to go where they are called. They also just joined the parish Stewardship Council.
Getting involved has been such a blessing in the couple’s lives, along with recommitting to the faith. They want the same for others and encourage everyone to use their gifts to serve God.
“Just find a way to step in and do what you can,” Robynne said.