Celebrating New Life as One: From baptism to belonging, we rise as one body

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”-John 1:5

On April 4, 2026, as the Church gathered in the stillness and darkness of the Easter Vigil—a night that began in quiet darkness and slowly filled with light, a sacred story unfolded—not only the ancient story of salvation, but the deeply personal journeys of the 19 Elects from our parish RCIA.

They came from different walks of life, young adults, parents, seekers each drawn by a longing they could not fully name. Though their paths were unique, they converged at the same hopeful threshold: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Chosen by God and affirmed by the Church, they have now entered fully into the life of Christ

The Neophytes in waiting

🌱 The Beginning of the Journey

Months ago, their journey began with a simple step forward, curious, searching, and open. Some were inspired by the faith of loved ones; others felt a quiet stirring in moments of reflection.

Week by week, they encountered Scripture, discovered the life of Jesus, and explored the teachings of the Church. There were moments of clarity and moments of struggle. Questions were welcomed, doubts were embraced, and slowly, faith took root—not just as knowledge, but as a living relationship.

Through prayer, study, and the guidance of sponsors and catechists, their desire for the sacraments deepened.

The Rite of Election marked a turning point. Standing before the wider Church, they publicly expressed their desire to receive the sacraments. Their names were inscribed in the Book of the Elect—a visible sign of an invisible call that had been present all along.

The Rite of Election held at Christ the King

🕊️ Lent: A Season of Purification

Lent invited them into deeper reflection and renewal. Through the Scrutinies and continued formation, they were encouraged to look inward, trust more fully, and surrender more deeply.

Going through the 3-step spiritual progression of the scrutiny on the 3rd/4th/5th Sunday of Lent

This was not always easy. Yet grace was quietly at work—in prayer, in shared stories, and in a growing sense of peace that comes from saying “yes” to God.

• Scrutinies: The three scrutinies are distinct but interconnected, each highlighting a different aspect of Christ’s saving power—water, light, and life—guiding the elect step by step toward baptism and Easter.

• Presentations: They received the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer—treasures of the faith handed down through generations.

• Daily Conversion: Through prayer, fasting, and charity, they walked closely with Christ, preparing their hearts for the sacraments

🌌 The Easter Vigil: Night of New Life

At the Easter Vigil—the high point of the Church’s year—their journey reached its fulfillment. Surrounded by the parish community and the light of the Paschal candle, the Elect were:

• Baptized, reborn as children of God.

• Confirmed, sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit

• Welcomed to the Eucharist, sharing for the first time at the table of the Lord.

This night was not only their transformation—it was a renewal for all of us, as we witnessed the power of God’s grace and the joy of new beginnings.

Baptized, Confirmed and nourished by the Bread of Life

🌟 A Voice from the Journey

🙏 Trusting God’s Timing 🙏

I thank God for His blessings. Just last year, in January, my husband passed away. Walking through that season of grief and all the events surrounding it, I came to know God in a much more personal way. In prayer, I told Him that I wanted to become Catholic, and this RCIA journey has truly deepened my understanding of what it means to have a relationship with Him.

For a long time, I desired to be a Catholic Christian, but the timing never seemed right. Through this journey, I have learned many things—especially humility, and how to place my trust in God. With that trust comes surrender, allowing myself to rest in His plan rather than my own. I realized that God’s plan is often greater than anything I could imagine, and that His timing is not ours. Patience and openness are key; sometimes we simply need to go with the flow and follow where He leads.

I am still discovering what God’s plan is for me, but I hold onto the hope that He will use me to help others along the way.

- Mary Lee

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🌱 A Journey of Letting Go and Growing in Faith 🌱

I don’t believe the RCIA journey has to be filled with extraordinary or dramatic experiences. What matters most is knowing that you are walking the right path. For me, the past twelve months have been a steady process of learning and growth—sometimes in ways I didn’t even realize at the time.

Changing one’s outlook and mindset is not always easy. Pride and ego can make it difficult to let go of old ways of thinking. Yet through RCIA, I found myself gradually releasing those burdens. One exercise that stood out was writing down our worries. For me, it was clear which worry I needed to surrender. Going through the process of letting go was deeply meaningful, and it gave me a new sense of relief.

This journey has reshaped my outlook to be more positive and intentional. I now see that all of this comes from God—through faith, through the Church, and through His grace. That gift of peace and transformation is, to me, His greatest blessing.

- Eric Loh

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🌌 From Darkness to Light 🌌

“There can never be light without darkness.” That phrase became etched in my mind during one of the darkest seasons of my life. Whether it was the Holy Spirit prompting me or simply my soul reaching out, that thought carried me home. This is my story.

I grew up attending St. Bernadette, but when the time came to commit, I chose to step away and explore. Looking back now, I am grateful. From Dharma classes to Islamic teachings and various Christian groups, I see how God knew that my younger self wasn’t yet ready to love or understand the Catholic faith as deeply as I do today.

In time, I finally understood that everything unfolds according to His timing. Faith, in all its facets, is a constant lesson in choosing peace and love, no matter how difficult life becomes. Last year, when I felt alone and depleted—questioning my worth and even the people closest to me—Jesus called my heart. Through a series of “coincidences,” He gently guided me home and gave me the space to wrestle with my questions in RCIA. That was when everything began to “click.”

Through pain, He cultivated growth.

Through waiting, He built resilience.

Through all my broken pieces, He made me whole.

I have since chosen Raphael as my baptismal name, meaning “God heals.” Jesus has slowly led me back to the person I thought I had lost. Though I am still a work in progress, I remain in awe of the wonders I have witnessed. The ordinary days will still come, but I no longer walk through them alone. He is always there—more than ever now.

-Raphael Therese Steffie Setiawan

🤝 How We Can Support Them

Their journey does not end at the Easter Vigil—it is just beginning. As a parish, we rejoice with them. Their courage renews our faith. Their “yes” reminds us of the gift we sometimes take for granted. Their presence enriches our community in ways we are only beginning to see. Let us continue to walk with them.

We have a role to play. A smile, a conversation, an invitation to join a ministry, these small things can make a big difference.

Here are a few simple ways we can support them:

• Pray for them daily as they grow in faith.

• Welcome them warmly into parish life.

As missionary disciples let us:

• Invite others who may be discerning the Catholic faith and

• Consider serving as a sponsor for future RCIA journeys.

A sponsor is a valuable support to help accompany Seekers through the journey. At the moment we have 29 seekers journeying with us in different stages of faith that would need your support.

Learn more about St Bernadette's RCIA journey here

The Neophytes and their Sponsors

Closing Reflection

In many ways, their story is our story too. We are all people being called, shaped, and renewed by God—repeatedly. Seeing their journey reminds us of the gift of our own faith and the joy of saying “yes” to God, even in small ways.

So, let us celebrate with them—and continue to walk together as one community. one body in Christ.

Let us Welcome them home.