Growing up as a Jew, I felt something was not quite right, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. It was only years later, in my twenties, that I began to develop an intimate relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and a process called “Writing down your soul.” And that relationship has led me to Christ. I didn’t know much about Christianity, except that it was the unpracticed religion of my father’s family. However, I felt a strong, heartfelt relationship with our Lord. I knew that following Jesus was a part of God’s plan for me.

Fast forward to the summer of 2025, when we came across the amazing, vibrant community at St. Anthony’s. I’m forever grateful that we found the flyer that brought us to this RCIA program. Our initial calling and curiosity have led us to a deep, meaningful, and comprehensive process that is called the Step-In Program.

From the very first meeting, we felt welcomed, supported, and gently encouraged to step into our journey of faith. As we progressed through the catechism learning material, we got to know the unique life stories and to witness the deep transformation of our group members through guided and unguided table discussions, and many memorable events.

We also grew in wisdom and understanding by learning from our priests—Father Joe and Father David—whose devotion to the priesthood, and specifically to the program, never ceased to amaze us. With their love, wit, determination, and leadership, they acted as guiding lights—showing us what is possible when we walk the path of Christ.

I couldn’t have imagined a better way to be initiated into the Catholic Church than with the Step-In Program. As a young man who is starting to find his place in the world and build his identity—for the good of his family and community—nothing is as meaningful as grounding my identity in Jesus Christ, aspiring to be more like Him every single day, and joining His mission through His Church.

To end on a note of encouragement, because life is full of challenges and uncertainty—if you feel the calling of the Lord, whatever it may mean to you, and whether you are young, old, from different backgrounds or otherwise—I encourage you to take the leap of faith. This is the moment, in times of great difficulty, to unite in Christ, to be saved, and to do good in the world by His light. Any negative thought or emotion that holds you back in life can be forgiven, released, and taken from your shoulders. A life of peace, joy, charity, and unity is possible for all of us—if we are willing to take the step and carry our cross.

May God bless you.

Ian Raphaël Florent