Testimonies

Ted Gussett

Come and See. It was more like “Ted, Its time for you to go and learn” because of where I was in my life. When I think about it mine is such a complicated story it wouldn't be a simple testimony and it goes way beyond Come and See. It's about the Love of God and all the wonderful people that helped me. No one pushed anything on me but everyone showed a Love that can only come from God.

I have been blessed in so many ways and my first experience at St. Laurence began with a call Fr. Roy Oggero made to Pat Kerlin and her suggestion, “come and see!” I stopped going to church when I was barely a teenager about thirty-five years ago and it was very uncomfortable as I was walking in that first evening at the R.E. Center. I was worried but as uneducated as it made me feel it was a great start! I somehow knew in my heart that everyone there would not judge me and I quickly felt very comfortable with the group. By far the night of the tour of the church was the best!

Deacon Al presented everything so beautifully. His talked of his personal inspirations in the church and the amazing Joy and awe he feels throughout the Mass. I really cannot describe what I saw in him beyond Love. Love is a word that has new meaning for me this year. I walk in thru the doors of St. Laurence and… Love.

Cindy and Terry Savely

Going to my first Come and See meeting was one the most challenging decisions I ever made, but the most rewarding because it was the beginning of my religious journey. I learned from the team about how the church has changed and how my faith could be enhanced with this knowledge. The team was truly caring and listened to me and made me feel comfortable to ask any questions. Because of this positive experience I am proud to be a strong practicing Catholic at St. Laurence and involved in many ministries and bible studies to continue my religious journey. Though this journey my husband witnessed my transformation and he became a Catholic (after being married 39 years) thru the RCIA process. Our life has been completely changed and we thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed on us.

Being able to share our love of God to each other is our new way of life and it is truly beautiful. On our 40th Wedding Anniversary we renewed our wedding vows in the church and I felt I was in a dream. I have seen my husband’s transformation before my eyes and we have had many callings to get involved in our church. Presently we are on the RCIA Core team and also sponsors for those yearning to become Catholic. We are also Extraordinary Ministers and are humbled to be able to give the Blood and Body of Christ to the congregation. So many prayers have been answered in our family and we have learned so much about our faith and yearn for more. For this I am truly blessed and thank the Come and See team for their commitment to this ministry.

Once Cindy began going to Come and See, I started seeing a change in her. I was not sure what I was seeing but something was happening. Her meetings went on for a few weeks and I began to think in ways I had not thought of since I was a young boy going to a Baptist church in the mid 60’s. In other words, I once again began thinking of God. On the 10th Sunday of Ordinary time 2010, I went to my first Mass with her.

There are things that happen in all of our lives that changes our course and I am so thankful to Jesus that Cindy went to Come and See. Had that not happened, I cannot help but wonder if I would have ever realized that I was never abandoned by God , I had abandoned him.

Julie Thomas

I saw the bulletin with the Come and See announcement and was eager to learn more about it. I found the facilitators and the group were genuinely welcoming. They were knowledgeable and able to answer questions, especially about the many changes that occurred as a result of Vatican II. I felt comfortable sharing my story with the team because I truly believe they were interested in my spiritual journey back to the church. This ministry sparked my interest to learn more about my faith. I now feel at home at St.Laurence. I would recommend Come and See for anyone who has been away from the church and yearning to come home.