RCIA Reflections

CLAIRE SWADLING AB'26 (Plymouth, MI)

I'm greatly appreciative of my time at St. Paul's RCIA because it not only allowed me to learn more about Catholic theology and practice, but helped me feel truly welcomed into the Church community. Through weekly Saturday vigils, lectures, and social events, I both learned about and saw what Catholic faith is like, and in doing so strengthened both my understanding of what it means to live a Catholic life and my commitment to living a life that honors Him. I'm especially blessed to have met so many amazing people throughout my time in RCIA, and am so excited to enter the Church along with them. Through the support of Father Sanders, Grace, Anneliese, and many others at St. Paul's, I felt incredibly supported to accept my new life as a Catholic Christian. RCIA was one of my most defining college memories, and my baptism will remain one of the most important days of my life. Accordingly, I extend my utmost gratitude to St. Paul's RCIA for helping me find my way to Him.

BRADFORD DICKSON AB'27 (Imperial Beach, CA)

When I came to Harvard, I was interested in Christ and curious about the Church, but I didn’t have much direction. I believed in God, but I hadn’t found a consistent way to grow in my faith or a community. I wasn’t sure what it meant to actually live out what I believed.

That started to change when I joined the Harvard Men’s Athlete Bible Study. It quickly became one of the most important parts of my week. The conversations were honest, the people were genuine, and for the first time, I had a group of guys around me who were serious about their faith and about supporting each other. That group gave me the space to ask questions, grow, and begin building a personal relationship with Christ.

As I spent more time in that community, I began to feel drawn to the Catholic Church. Ian Rush (FOCUS) and Owen Hale AB'24 had a huge influence on me during that time, both through their friendship and through discipleship. They helped me work through questions, develop spiritual habits, and keep showing up. I eventually began attending RCIA and went to classes with Fr. Sanders almost every week after the Saturday 5 p.m. Mass. His steady presence, deep knowledge, and care for each of us made a big impact on me.

This spring, I was received into the Church. I’m grateful for the people who walked with me and for the Catholic Center that made all of it possible. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow in my faith and getting further involved in the life of the Church here at Harvard.

ALVAN ARULANDU AB'27 (Herndon, VA)

Growing up in a strong Pentecostal family, I joined the Catholic Church to know Christ more fully and participate in His living earthly mission as He intended. After 17 weeks and 20 pages of personal notes, RCIA at St. Paul’s with Fr. Sanders was incredibly helpful, not just with respect to catechesis but also hearing the stories of the rest of the confirmation class. As a neophyte of the Church, I am motivated to attend daily Mass and volunteer for “Food After Mass” following the 5 PM student Mass. Thank you so much to everyone who supported me in this process!