Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

At 94 years old, Lois Reising has embraced the Catholic faith, a journey that culminated on February 25 when she received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and holy Communion from Father Rob Johnson at Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Maryville. Despite always feeling close to God, Reising's transition to Catholicism was gradual. Previously active in an Evangelical Reform church that closed, she began attending Mass with her son Greg Reising and granddaughter Laura Bettorf.

Laura Bettorf recalls a significant moment in her grandmother’s conversion: “I wanted to pray with my mom and my grandma wanted to be involved with that prayer as well,” she said. “That was the first time she made the Sign of the Cross, and I definitely think that was a turning point in her moving toward the Catholic faith.”

Bettorf attended OCIA classes with her grandmother and helped teach her about Catholicism. Greg Reising served as his mother's formal sponsor. Reflecting on her decision to join the Church despite her age, Reising told Father Johnson, “You know, Father, I am 94 years old; I might not have much time considering my age.” She expressed admiration for the younger parishioners' faith.

Reising attends Mass regularly at Mother of Perpetual Help or St. Ann Catholic Church in Jacob when visiting Greg. She remains humble about her journey into Catholicism: “I’m happy to be back at church and feel right at home, but there is so much to learn still,” she said.