By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
Many years ago, through a simple invitation, Trudy and James Rawlins got involved at St. Ann Church in Kaneohe. They both felt unworthy but were assured that no one is truly worthy on their own. Instead, through the grace of God, we are all given the specific gifts we need to be his hands and feet.
“We answered this first call humbly and agreed to serve,” Trudy said.
This led to increasing involvement, and serving has become a big part of Trudy’s life. Her biggest passion is Bible study because Scripture is such an important part of her faith life.
Rawlins returned to the Catholic faith in the 1980s; at the time, she was interested in reading Scripture, Catholic books and anything she could get her hands on. There weren’t any Catholic Bible studies at the time, so she got involved with a nondenominational group that studied the Bible.
After about seven years with that group, Sister Anne Clare De Costa asked Rawlins to lead a Bible study at St. Ann. The group slowly aged out, but Rawlins got another boost when she found Catholic Scripture Studies, which was similar to the nondenominational study that she had been doing. She’s been hosting this gathering since 2007.
“I think it would be safe to say that my involvement in all other ministries has flowed from this first love,” Rawlins said. “St. Jerome, the patron saint of Catholic Scripture Studies, famously declared that ‘Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.’”
After many years of serving on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults team — now called Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — Rawlins accepted the position of coordinator last summer.
“I am motivated by the desire that our candidates receive the message of Jesus’ love for them and the singular importance of our Catholic faith,” she said. “My model is St. Teresa of Calcutta, who declared, ‘We are not called to be successful, but to be faithful.’”
When Rawlins serves through OCIA, she loves the big reward — welcoming those new Catholics into the church at the Easter Vigil.
“And then looking around and seeing all the familiar faces of those who have gone through OCIA and are still present among us,” she says.
Trudy also leads adult faith formation, where the team plans Advent and Lenten retreats, as well as one-off sessions throughout the year. She also helps with baptism preparations.
Another ministry in which Rawlins feels she receives more than she gives is bringing the Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass.
“Seeing their desire to receive him strengthens my faith,” she said. “Sharing the Gospels also feeds them.”
Rawlins also helps coordinate prayer services and prayer opportunities. Making these available is important to her because she believes there is no relationship with Jesus without prayer.
Rawlins encourages everyone to reflect on their gifts and look for ways to serve. She suggests paying attention to where others affirm those gifts.
“Be proactive,” Trudy says. “Search out the ministries in the parish and find a good fit — be not afraid. If it is from God, it will prosper.”
Rawlins said she feels blessed to be a member of St. Ann. It’s easy to get tired because she is so involved, but she leans on St. Paul in Galatians 6:9.
“I love the verse, ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,’” she said.
Above: Trudy Rawlins participates in many ministries at St. Ann Church in Kaneohe, from OCIA to adult faith formation to Scripture studies. (Courtesy Catholic Stewardship Consultants)