The Diocese of Lansing parish that will be receiving the most people into the Catholic Church this Easter Vigil is Saint John the Evangelist in Fenton with 58 converts. Here’s a lovely photograph of just some of that happy band. So, what’s going on in Fenton? Here are the prayerful thoughts of Sandy Shaker, pictured below, Director of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults at Saint John. Sandy writes:
Saint John the Evangelist in Fenton continues to welcome among the highest number of candidates and catechumens at the Holy Saturday Vigil. Recently, the Diocese of Lansing’s Communications Department asked, “Why is Saint John such a hub for converts?” The answer is simple: it is the Lord. God has been drawing many people to our parish, and we are grateful to welcome each person as they seek Him and grow in discipleship. In response, our parish has expanded opportunities for all of us to deepen our faith — together.
While we are grateful for our programs and staff, this growth became especially visible after the COVID years, when most of our programming was on hold. People began coming to the parish — often with little or no prior connection to our community or to the Catholic Church — and asking sincere questions about faith and discipleship. It has been a joy to listen, to walk with them, and to help them take the next step. We are doing our best to keep pace with where God is leading, often we are struggling to keep up with His pace. In recent years, our staff has often left meetings in awe of how people are responding to God’s personal call. Where parents, students, and engaged couples once resisted sacramental preparation requirements, they now express gratitude and frequently ask for additional formation opportunities. We recently hired a Director of Discipleship to help direct this enthusiasm.
• Visible Transformation and Leadership:
I can share what I have witnessed firsthand, along with what others in the community have shared with me. Our pastor, clergy, staff, and ministry leaders have also been “infected” by this renewal. Our Mass schedule has expanded, as have opportunities for Adoration, Confession, and communal prayer, including the Rosary. We also offer a variety of formation opportunities for anyone who would like to learn more and grow closer to the Lord — for example, OCIA, Refresh, The Search, Campfire Chats, Bible studies, our Catholic speaker series, spirituality discussion groups, a virtue support group, and That Man Is You. If you are new, returning, or simply curious, you are very welcome to join us.
• Welcoming All Ages and Families:
Our Holy Innocents Chapel is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, awaits all who come to pray — whether for a few quiet minutes or a longer visit. We provide youth nights for middle school and high school students, and for younger children, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Growing Catholics. Enrollment at Saint John School continues to increase, and our students benefit from Eucharistic visits at the school. The children often share their love for Jesus with their families, inspiring many parents to participate in our OCIA program.
• Prayer as the Foundation of OCIA:
Our Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program is sustained by prayer. As the OCIA Coordinator, I begin requesting prayer support from the parish in the summer. Each person enrolled in OCIA is paired with a Prayer Warrior who prays for them daily through the Vigil on Holy Saturday. Each year, I also ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede so that those seeking her Son, Jesus, may be guided to Him.
• Strengths of Our OCIA Ministry:
OCIA is a ministry I care deeply about, and many participants have shared that they experience genuine joy in the classroom. Another strength of our program is our flexibility in supporting those with complex schedules, family responsibilities, and other commitments. Together, we ensure they can participate fully. Our newest converts have become joyful witnesses, sharing the Gospel and inviting others to come to know the Lord. I would also be remiss not to acknowledge the faithful service of our Knights of Columbus, Outreach Service, Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, and Gabriel Project. The welcome and hospitality extended to those in OCIA by our parishioners are truly outstanding.
• Gratitude for God’s Blessings:
We at Saint John are grateful to God for His many blessings. It has been deeply humbling to witness all that God continues to do for His people. We look forward to continuing to welcome, accompany, and support all whom the Lord is drawing to Himself.
