Encouragement

Love One Another As I Have Loved You

As I retire from the RCIA volunteer ministry in the Catholic Church I was involved in most of my adult life, the word 'encouragement' encapsulates much of that journey. I believe that offering and receiving encouragement is by the will and the grace of God. It is an important aspect of Jesus' call to us all to "love one another as I have loved you."

Having been supported and encouraged by others throughout my life, I often feel called to encourage others. When the TuesdayCreations theme of Encouragement was announced last week, I spent some time pondering the direction I wanted to take. As this week unfolded I realized how deeply I appreciateed the encouragement I had received by the grace of God during the years of ministry I accompanied those seeking Baptism. I also treasured how others felt encouraged by my words, actions and prayers. In describing their personal experiences during my retirement reception, I was reminded of the many shapes and forms encouragement can be offered and received. As I sought to encourage others, there were countless times when God gave me the words. That feeling was often transcendent. In the moment, I felt like an observer hearing the words God gave me.

Thoughts of giving and receiving encouragement fills my heart as I reflect on my past, present and future. There are so many ways we can choose to encourage one another. Being open to encouragement from others often requires humility. Encouragement truly is a precious gift to receive and to offer others.

Encouragement is an act of love.

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This poem, written by Amanda Lotito, who journeyed in RCIA last year, beautifully expresses the impact of giving and receiving encouragement. Thank you Amanda!

🌷 A Poem for Karen,

You changed my life.

A bright smile and a warm hello

One of a kind

A diamond of the rarest find

Comforting, caring, creative, clever

You are the most exceptional mentor ever

Boundless knowledge

Your legacy we acknowledge

Roots have been planted

A garden you have sown

A heartfelt thank you to you

Your love in every stone

For a deeper, divinely love

Celebration and appreciation, dear Karen

Our lovely little dove

Yet! Don’t fret! Don’t be blue!

A beautiful tune will still be heard from the church pew

You shared your life’s passion, guided us and graced us

With it came wisdom and wit -

You made RCIA classes lit! 🔥

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These excerpts are from the heart-warming remarks Rachael Lehman offered as she described her RCIA journey with her son. Rachael referenced encouragement and went on to describe what that experience felt like for her; compassion, love, deeply personal, acceptance, embracing questions, patience, openness...

Thank you Rachael!

"Dear Karen,

With deep gratitude and admiration, I write to honour and celebrate your remarkable service after 40 years devoted to RCIA at Sacred Heart.

RCIA is not simply a program; it is a journey of transformation. For so many, you have been the steady companion on that journey—offering wisdom, encouragement, and compassion at every step. Your ability to teach with both clarity and love has made the teachings of the Church come alive in a deeply personal way.

On a personal note, Marcus’ and my baptism was so special—truly a memory I will hold near and dear to my heart. Your presence, guidance, and care made that moment even more meaningful, and it is something I will always be grateful for. I also want you to know how much it meant to me that I always felt accepted by you, even when I doubted myself. I always had so many questions and you embraced that. As someone so new on my Catholic journey, your patience and openness gave me confidence and peace.

I didn’t realize how much better my life would be with God so deeply embedded in it, and I truly credit you with helping to open that door for me. Because of your guidance, my faith feels real, personal, and present in my everyday life—and that has changed me in the best way ..."

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Photos taken by Dan Lebsack and others during the retirement reception.