By almost every measure, Nayya Dobson’s life was good. “I was mentally, physically and emotionally fit,” he said. “But something else was missing and that was my spiritual fitness.”
A year ago, Dobson made the decision to become Catholic. “One day I heard God,” said Dobson, who attends the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria. “I wanted a change in my life. He spoke to me and I’m here today. It’s a very important day for me to continue my spiritual journey.”
Dobson, 27, joined 290 other catechumens, those entering the church who are not baptized, at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington March 9 for the Rite of Election.
Catechumens from 44 churches signed their names in the Book of the Elect before the rite. The book was carried by a representative from each parish to the front of the Cathedral to present it to Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. He signed the book and proceeded to welcome each member with a handshake.
“You are here today as part of God’s divine and mysterious plan — the one who is choosing you — the one who has called you by name,” said Bishop Burbidge in his homily. “And you have said yes to a call that will lead to an Easter like no other. Because on that sacred night, you will enter into an eternal bond with Jesus Christ and his church, through the celebration of the sacraments of baptism and confirmation and Holy Eucharist.”
“I feel like I’ve been a little unhappy and have been seeking the truth to get closer to God and to find peace,” said Kirnjot Kaur, who took religious education classes at Corpus Christi Church in Aldie. “It’s going to mean so much to be a daughter of Christ.”
When asked why she was becoming Catholic, Rosa Duda didn’t hesitate. “Because I believe in Jesus Christ,” said Duda who was accompanied by 12 other Catechumens from Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Winchester. “He has brought a lot of positive things into my life since I started going to church. My husband and I are closer, the kids and I are learning a lot and we feel richer in our lives.”
Kaylyn Combs, also of Sacred Heart Church, said she has always felt drawn to Catholicism. “It’s something I had to do and just had to be a part of,” she said. “I don’t have words to express what this means to me.”
The entire Jobity family is becoming Catholic. Darian and wife, Carmela, came with their 13-year-old daughter and five-month-old son, who were all smiles. “We’ve been searching for this for a long time,” said Darian. “The Catholic Church has opened our eyes to the blessings that we’ve been missing out on. My wife is in the military and knowing that we can go to any Catholic church in the world is a beautiful thing.”
“Dear catechumens, in just a few moments, it will be a great joy and privilege for me to declare that you have been chosen for initiation into the Sacred Mysteries at the forthcoming Easter Vigil,” said Bishop Burbidge. “Because the Lord has chosen you. The Lord has called you by name and promises to bring you new life both now and forever.”
