Very Rev. Jamin S. David, J.C.L., V.G. | Diocese of Baton Rouge

As the 2024 Easter Season draws to a close with Pentecost, newly initiated Catholics, or neophytes, are particularly immersed in the awe and wonder of Christ’s resurrection. These new members, who were welcomed into the church at the Easter Vigil Mass, are now beginning their integration into parish life, offering a potential source of renewed energy for other Catholics.

According to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, these neophytes (a term meaning “new plant”) continue their formation and education during a period known as Mystagogy. This post-baptismal catechesis extends at least until Pentecost. During this time, the newly baptized reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, sacraments, and teachings of the Catholic Church. They also consider how they will serve Christ and contribute to the Church's mission and outreach activities.

Robert Bel from Paulina found his faith journey culminating at the Easter Vigil Mass. Raised in the Southern Baptist Church but married to a cradle Catholic with whom he decided to baptize their children in the Catholic Church, Bel embarked on an intense study of Scripture after his first son was born. Initially seeking to refute Catholic teachings using Scripture verses, Bel found himself increasingly drawn towards understanding and accepting them instead.

One significant turning point for Bel was studying John:6 which contains Jesus’ Bread of Life Discourse. The chapter recounts several key events leading up to Jesus' declaration that "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you." After further study of Scriptures such as Jesus' breaking bread with disciples on the road to Emmaus, Bel came to understand and accept the church’s teachings about Jesus' real presence in the Eucharist.

“Now I’m here by the grace of God,” said Bel who joined the church at the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Joseph Church in Paulina.

For Hannah Gosserand, who also entered the Church at St. Joseph Church, the Catholic faith will be the foundation for her marriage and family life. Raised in a non-denominational church but engaged to a Catholic man, Gosserand embarked on her own journey of discovery through RCIA. Despite initial questions about Catholics’ reverence for the Blessed Mother and the structure and meaning behind Mass responses, Gosserand found clarity and conviction in her decision to join the Catholic Church.

“The Easter Vigil was a very emotional time, and when I received Communion for the first time, I was teary-eyed. I was overwhelmed, but it was a good, overwhelmed feeling that I’m welcome here, I have a home here,” said Gosserand.

Gosserand and her fiancé are planning their wedding for November 2025, looking forward to sharing their life together as husband and wife in the Catholic Church.

Bel likened his experience at the Vigil Mass to that of a wedding celebration, surrounded by family, friends, and church members praying age-old prayers. “I had this nervous kind of energy, like I had when I got married,” he said.

Both Bel's and Gosserand's experiences underscore the transformative power of faith journeys culminating in acceptance into the Catholic Church.