Why I became Catholic: Cathy Mola speaks to The Record’s Debbie Warrier.
I was born in South Wales in the United Kingdom, where I lived for my first 21 years. I was christened and confirmed in our local parish of St Agnes (Church of Wales), and my parish was very much a big part of my childhood through to my young adult years.
My husband Mick and I met here in WA over 17 years ago while I was visiting family.
After travelling to and fro for a few years I finally emigrated in 1994 and we were married in 1995.
Mick comes from a big Catholic family.
Once our children Rhys (12) and Zak (10) came along they were baptised in our local Catholic Church.
When they started school it was at our local Catholic primary.
I started attending Mass regularly and becoming a Catholic seemed the next logical step.
The Catholic Church’s focus on Mary the Mother of Christ is more then I had been taught or remember as a kid.
Now that I am a mother myself I have a whole new insight into the reverence shown to Mary.
If ever I’m struggling with the kids or life gets too hectic, I often find myself turning to Mary for help, guidance and patience.
Without my faith there would be a very big void in my life.
I can always remember feeling slightly sad and empty for all those years when I was unable to receive Holy Communion. It felt almost as if I was missing out on one of the most important parts of the Mass.
The consecration means a lot to me. I do believe that I am eating and drinking the Body and Blood of Christ. Jesus made this great sacrifice for us and I have a desire to be deserving of it.
We come together as one to receive the real presence and strength of Christ Himself. Through Communion He comes into our lives.
My parish priest is Father Joseph Tran at Our Lady of the Mission Church in Whitfords. When he asked me to be a Special Minister I felt it was a great honour and one I was uncertain I was worthy of. In the end I decided to do it.
For the first couple of occasions I was a nervous wreck and my hands shook uncontrollably. It was so emotional, especially when I was handing out the Body and Blood of Christ to people I knew.
In my mind it brought me back to the Last Supper.
My first Reconciliation was one of the hardest things I had to do. I don’t open up very easily anyway so to say what I had to say to the priest was daunting. I had so many emotions running through me. I was very lucky to have a wonderful priest. He held my hand during my confession as I was on the verge of tears. He made the occasion a very special and spiritual one. I could not help but think that Christ was present. I was glad when it was over though!
I feel lucky knowing there is Someone looking out for me the whole time.
During the consecration you can not help but think about Christ coming down on this earth and suffering so much for us. Some things you can’t explain.
You just accept them from the heart.
If you have a story to tell please contact
Debbie via debwarrier@hotmail.com