Patricia Ray

Patricia Ray

I am Catholic because I chose to become Catholic. When I was in fifth grade and 11 years old, my neighbor and playmate thought I should go to her school. She went to a Catholic grade school, but I very much refused her invitation and told her, “I would never be Catholic if I had to wear long white stockings!” I never forgot that conversation.

Life continued, I got older, graduated from high school. I married, I became a widow, and I moved to Monticello. But something in the back of my mind kept nagging at me, and I didn’t know what it really was.

I went to Mass with my friend, and in the bulletin was a notice that Sister Diana would be holding a six-week information session for anyone who was interested in learning about the Catholic Church. So, I called and asked to be a part of the learning process. About two thirds of the way through the session I knew I wanted more. In a few weeks I, along with five or six others, became a part of the RCIA group for the next 18 months. I came from the mainline Lutheran Church, so there were many familiar things.

Being Catholic means I am not afraid to show my faith to others when in a restaurant, when having people in my home or when discussing politics. I have surrounded myself with good friends, who just happen to be Catholic!! They have helped me over the years. They have answered my questions. They have prayed for me.

I can finally say I am Catholic — even though I don’t wear long white stockings.

Thank you, God, for leading me to this path and walking with me.

Ray, 90, a member of St. Henry in Monticello, is a widow whose husband, Gordon, died in 1983. She loves to travel, having been to Europe and visited eight countries, including Germany, Ireland and Scotland. She has visited Canada and the American South, Southwest and West. Easter 1990 she entered the Church. She has been a lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and a member of the parish council and parish liturgy committee.

“Why I am Catholic” is a new ongoing series in The Catholic Spirit. Want to share why you are Catholic? Submit your story in 300-500 words to [email protected] with “Why I am Catholic” in the subject line.