March 12, 2022: Open Hearts, Open Doors at 980 Park Avenue

One of my favorite passages is Luke 11:9–10, “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” I became Catholic nine years ago and since then so many doors have opened —especially the doors of service to my community.

Many people have asked: “Why did you become Catholic?” A short and simple answer: after the loss of my mother in 2010, I felt lost and alone. I had a big family and friends by my side, but something was missing. That something was finding God and letting God into my life. Maybe God would not only be the answer to help in my time of bereavement but also fulfill that need and desire of many years ago. I thought back to college (Loyola Maryland) when I dabbled with the idea of becoming Catholic. Maybe it was time to revisit this possibility.

My journey to Catholicism and St. Ignatius Loyola Parish started in 2013. The RCIA process enabled me to come to know and become closer to Jesus Christ through reading Scripture, studying Catholic teachings, and focusing on the development of a life of prayer. All of this and entering the Catholic fold have made a great impact on my life, more than I could ever dream.

I come from a loving family that is not religious so I found myself leaning on this Parish to help provide spiritual guidance. I became more involved with St. Ignatius and began meeting new friends. I now have another family—a Spiritual Family.

I love working with our Parish’s service ministries especially the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Their work for the women’s shelter and the Christmas Angel Project has helped me more than I have helped others, recognizing the depths of people’s needs and not just my own. St. Ignatius Loyola offers so many ministry opportunities and I want to participate in all of them!

I had the pleasure of being asked to serve on the RCIA Team and I have learned so much by being on the team. Year after year I continue to grow and learn—not just the material that we teach our catechumens and candidates—but from everyone that I have met through the program.

At one of my RCIA Rites nine years ago, the question was asked, “What do you ask of God’s Church?” I had asked for “love and guidance” and my prayers are being heard and answered. I understand more and also experience God’s loving presence and am realizing that God has always been with me. I just didn’t feel it until I started my journey.

With guidance and discernment, there are always questions about which road to take: the straight and narrow or the one with the curves and bumps? As we know, no matter which road we take, life is always going to be curvy with bumps. God is helping me navigate this winding road.

I am so blessed that I became Catholic at this Parish. Becoming Catholic as an adult is one of life’s most profound and joyous experiences.

God led me to the open doors at 980 Park Avenue and this is where my journey continues. As pilgrims together in this community, let us pray for our catechumens and candidates as we walk with Jesus Christ to the Cross and Resurrection of Easter.

— Sabrina Ng, St. Ignatius Loyola Parishioner & RCIA Team Member