Florida Catholic | New Catholic Advances On Faith Journey At Easter

New Catholic advances on faith journey at Easter

Lynelle Olson was one of about 550 catechumens who entered full communion with the church at the Easter Vigil at parishes throughout the diocese.

LAURA DODSON | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 04.04.08

LAKELAND | The Easter Vigil for Lynelle Olson was unquestionably a submersion into the life of her community. Olson of St. Joseph Parish here, one of nine parish neophytes, is a mere 18 years old, yet she is mature in her faith and a budding evangelist.

Still bubbly, Olson recalled the evening. “I was so excited — so happy to be there. My Aunt Jeannie (Mamula) was next to me the whole time and was so proud. She was so happy she almost cried. My friends and family were there and so proud — the whole experience was really beautiful.”

Olson recalled, “The whole community knelt when Father (John P. Caulfield, pastor) presented us before baptism and used our baptismal names; I chose Maria. Everyone was seeing us and knowing who we are. Father (Caulfield) filled a shell with water, poured it over my forehead and baptized me and I had a smile on my face the whole time. The church welcomed us — everyone had welcoming smiles.”

Once baptized, Olson donned her white robe signifying her new creation in Christ and readiness to be confirmed — sealed with the Holy Spirit. Mamula commented, “It struck me that the white gown represented the purity of her soul at that moment. I was very privileged to be a part of it.”

“I can remember being confirmed,” Olson said. “I got a chill through my body and an indescribable happiness. It was one of the happiest nights of my whole life. Father (Caulfield) made the sign of the cross on my forehead and I loved the smell of the oil. The smell of incense filled the whole church. We used all of our senses at the Mass.”

Mamula said, “We were both excited and giggling. She was eagerly waiting. She really has an understanding of how very special our faith is, and I know it comes from the Holy Spirit because the depth of her understanding could not be learned or taught in nine months.”

It was with this abiding patience and anticipation that Olson approached first Eucharist. “Everything I expected during the long wait of going through the process was really special, and having my aunt next to me for support was really worth it. Everything that led up to the day and the whole journey I went through was special,” she said.

Olson’s description of Communion was brief, yet full, “It was an amazing experience. I felt happiness all over.”

As the evening came to an end, Olson sensed a new journey was about to begin. “So many people came up to congratulate me after Mass — people I don’t even know. I felt at home. I must remain faithful and hopefully bring more of my friends to church. It can make my faith stronger.”

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New Catholic advances on faith journey at Easter

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