Why I became Catholic: The Record’s Debbie Warrier speaks to Kay Gibbens
By Debbie Warrier
My father was a lapsed Catholic partly because of his wartime experiences. My mother came from a Protestant background. I remember attending a Baptist Sunday school when I was about eight. From this background came a personal and intimate journey towards Catholicism.
Before converting I felt like I was on the outside looking in. Influenced by my son attending Catholic schools and some Church-going Catholic friends, I began going to Church. This was on and off for many years. More recently I wanted to be part of that inner circle. I think that I have always had a strong spirituality. I became Catholic because it felt right and was comfortable.
One of the reasons I didn’t convert sooner was the deaths of my sons. One died at 12 months after an accident at home. The other was 16 years old when he died in a horse riding accident. Some of my family and friends probably think I converted because of my grief. However, I was determined that this would not be the case. It did influence my decision but was not the sole reason.
At the time of my sons’ deaths I had the support of Christian friends who prayed for me. That touched me. I am sure that through them God was gently pushing and prompting me towards a deeper faith. He works in mysterious ways.
The final prompt towards my conversion happened 12 months ago. My husband and I were asked by friends to be the Godparents of their daughter. It occurred to me neither my husband nor I were Catholic which disqualified us from this important role.
I approached my Parish Priest Father Joseph Rathnaraj and discussed it with him. Time was running out. The only answer was that I become Catholic as soon as possible. My baptism was on a Thursday and my friend’s daughter’s baptism was on the following Sunday!
I have received a lot of support from my parish in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. After I had my Confirmation and received Holy Communion parishioners hugged, welcomed and congratulated me. It was both touching and humbling. Now I feel like I am part of a bigger family.
I also believe that my sons were supporting me from a much better place. My faith helps me cope with my loss. It gives me balance in my life. Our relationships with God and loved ones go beyond our time on earth. It is not just in the here and now.
We have to be open to Jesus in our life. Being Catholic has to be the real thing everyday not just at Easter and Christmas. Some people seem to only feel a connection with Christ during the bad times. We can overlook little things that we can be thankful for everyday, like new life flowering in your garden.
Since the RCIA process I have absorbed aspects of Catholicism and there is still so much more to learn. I have been challenged and become more mindful of my behavior. I ask myself, “Am I being like Jesus to my neighbour?” My perspective has become more reflective.
I like the reflection called “Footprints in the sand” by Mary Stevenson. Christ walks beside you in the good times and carries you through the hard times. Jesus has always been there in my life, even when I was not aware of it.