I vividly remember the day my dad joined the Catholic Church. While our entire family celebrated, it was my mom who felt that moment most deeply. As a devout Catholic, she confided that she’d been praying for my dad to embrace the Faith for over thirty-seven years. Thinking back, I don’t remember her ever nagging my dad to convert or guilt him into attending Mass. Instead of being a “clanging gong”she led him to the Church with a gentle whisper – by praying unceasingly and embracing a life devoted to God. By living her faith, day in and day out, she inspired my dad to seek a closer relationship with God. At the time, I marveled at her patience and the strength of her faith, but it wasn’t until years later that I truly appreciated the power of her quiet evangelization.
 
Fast-forward to 2019, I was happily married to my amazing husband, Tom, and we had three beautiful boys. Much like my dad, Tom was a devoted husband, loving father and an all-around good person…who happened to not be Catholic. While he supported my Catholic beliefs and participated in our boys’ religious education, I wanted more. I wanted my husband to be my partner in Faith. Following my mom’s example, I prayed for Tom’s conversion and did my best to live a life that reflected God’s love. Despite my best efforts, I often found myself questioning my faith and doubting my worthiness to inspire others.
 
Luckily, God had a plan. It came in the form of a letter, inviting Tom to explore the RCIA Program at J&A. Now generally I’m a “clean freak” but instead of throwing away that invitation, I left it laying on our kitchen counter for weeks. One day the letter disappeared – Tom had answered the call and began his Faith Formation process. Within a year, he entered into full Communion with the Church and my prayers were answered. Tom heard God’s call because the Holy Spirit guided me to remain silent, to pray but not to interfere with God’s message. God’s love can cut through the noise of our world, if our hearts are listening. Tom accepted God’s loving invitation and once again my family was blessed by the power of quiet evangelization.