Those entering the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil at St. Joseph Parish in Bowling Green on March 26, 2016, are seen holding lit candles while standing in the sanctuary. Laura Rigsby (then-Clarke) is seen on the left in a blue dress. COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH PARISH
Ten years later: A Catholic convert reflects on her favorite experiences of the faith over the past decade
It’s been ten years since I smelled of Sacred Chrism.
Ten years ago, for the first time, I received the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist.
As I reflect on the past decade, several highlights shine bright in my memory:
- Serving the Diocese of Owensboro as digital media specialist during my first five years. It was during these formative years that I cultivated lasting friendships with peers, elders and even priests who helped me grow and mature in my newfound Catholic faith.
- Celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony. When I remember that the first “meal” we shared as husband and wife was the Eucharist, I remember it was Jesus himself who elevated marriage to a Sacrament at Cana. We strive to keep him at the center of our family.
- Meeting Pope Francis after the Sposi Novelli (newlywed blessing) at his general audience. I am someone who usually has a lot to say, but looking into the eyes of the successor of St. Peter rendered me nearly speechless.
- Being asked to sponsor a candidate for Confirmation. A few years after my own Confirmation I acted as sponsor for another young woman who was coming into full communion with the Church. It was a great gift to share this “full circle” moment with her.
- Witnessing priestly ordinations. These men sacrifice their entire selves for love of Jesus and His Church. Be a friend to our priests. Support our seminarians. Pray for them every day. Without them, we don’t have the Eucharist. Without the Eucharist, we don’t have life within us (John 6:53).
- Cantoring for countless liturgies. Our Lord created me with a song in my heart, and it brings me endless joy to use the gift of music to aid in his worship.
- The birth and baptism of our son. I was always touched by Hannah’s promise that if she were given a son, she would offer him back to the Lord. I always strive to do the same with mine. After all, our children are God’s before they are ours.
- Kneeling on the sidewalk as the National Eucharistic Revival procession passed through downtown Bowling Green. As I knelt I imagined it might feel similar to seeing Jesus pass through a village in ancient Judea.
- Anticipating white smoke during a Conclave for the first time as a Catholic. I had never truly experienced the death of one pontiff and subsequent election of the next. Embracing the universal Church makes you part of a universal family, and like any family, we mourn together, pray together and rejoice together!
- Accompanying a friend from curious to Confirmation. Most recently, a friend who had been curious about Catholicism for quite some time began to ask questions about what we believe and why. Soon she and her husband were enrolled in OCIA. At the time of writing, they are preparing to enter the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil with my husband and me as their sponsors.
God very intentionally gives us opportunities to share our faith with others. This Easter season, I challenge you to know your faith well and be willing to confidently share it when those opportunities arise!
On March 26, 2016, Laura Rigsby (then-Clarke) is confirmed by pastor Fr. Andy Garner during the Easter Vigil at St. Joseph Parish in Bowling Green. COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH PARISH
Laura Rigsby is a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bowling Green, Ky.
Originally printed in the April 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
