Florida Catholic | Final Steps To Easter Vigil Inspire ‘Sense Of Belonging’

Final steps to Easter Vigil inspire ‘sense of belonging’

LAURA DODSON | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 04.04.08

Cheryl Drohan finally fulfills her desire to walk up to Father Stephen Parkes, pastor of Most Precious Blood Parish in Oviedo, for her first Eucharist at the Easter Vigil March 22.

Courtesy Photo | Ed Ruping
Cheryl Drohan finally fulfills her desire to walk up to Father Stephen Parkes, pastor of Most Precious Blood Parish in Oviedo, for her first Eucharist at the Easter Vigil March 22.

OVIEDO | Cheryl Drohan, now one of four neophytes (newly baptized Catholics) at Most Precious Blood Parish here, reflected on the final steps in her journey to full communion in the church at the Easter Vigil March 22. “I truly have the sense of belonging.”

“I have to say I was leading up to it during the day,” she said. “I was very calm — not crying or scared. I thought — it’s time. Plus, my parents and in-laws came so there was a lot of activity at my house.”

Inclement weather loomed all day, threatening the beginning of the vigil which is held outside in the evening hours. The vigil began, as planned, with a fire in which the new paschal candle was lit. The light of the candle symbolizes the resurrected Christ.

“The lights were off in the church. The fire was lit and we all stayed outside. We made it in just in time before the rain and wind kicked up,” shared Drohan. “I knew I was doing this for his glory.”

With her sponsor at her side, Drohan plunged headlong into the darkness to be washed clean of sin; sealed with the Holy Spirit by the oil of confirmation and finally nourished by the Eucharist.

Debbie Pulliam, her sponsor said, “It was incredible. What struck me was that Cheryl and I had such a connection that night, as if we were the only people there. We found ourselves in the moment. Any time we weren’t walking, we were touching and it added to the sense that we were doing this together. It was very much a connection. I found myself smiling the whole night. I felt so much joy for her. I just was so happy.”

Drohan was moved by the words of Father Stephen Parkes, pastor. “When Father (Parkes) started the rite of baptism, he spoke about each one of us. He shared memories and things he knew that brought us to the church — introducing us in a personal way to the parish. We were crying and Father (Parkes) got choked up. I was trying to get composed and someone from the initiation team handed me a wad of tissues. It was one of those memories I’ll never forget.”

The journey to this night was very important to Drohan, and her sponsor played an important role. “Debbie, my sponsor, stayed with me the whole time, with her hand on my shoulder. Communion is something I’ve waited such a long time for and it was almost automatic. I’ve watched for so long. I’ve waited for my chance to walk up. It really was calming and soothing,” said Drohan.

“I don’t think anyone knows the sacrifice Cheryl made,” Pulliam shared. “She has waited so many years to go to Communion and on Saturday, she was sick. She did not receive from the cup out of respect for others. Her own faith is such that she believes the cup doesn’t spread germs, but she was far too considerate of the faith place of anyone who may not believe as she does.

“And of course she knows that she received the body and blood of Our Lord completely in the host, but she would have liked to finally participate fully. Instead she’s looking forward to the next Mass and understands that her journey continues.”

Particularly touching to Drohan was the call of the neophytes by Father Parkes to the sanctuary for confirmation. Each had selected a patron saint and he called each one by the name of that saint.

“I chose Catherine of Siena because it was the name of our parish in Miami where I first saw catechumens and it was an awakening to me that it was an option. I read more about her. I don’t relate to her as so young and devout so early, but I do relate to her message — that faith is a lifelong journey and love for Jesus is always growing. It started in me in Miami and she’s with me now.”

Although Drohan remembered the smell of the oil, what touched her most was the community’s reaction. “Father (Parkes) asked the parish to welcome us and it wasn’t the usual subdued applause — there was whooping and hollering.”

Drohan added, “I looked at my in-laws and my parents — my mother-in-law was crying and my mother was smiling — very happy for me.”

When asked about future plans, Drohan responded: “I want to become involved. What can I do to help? I want to spread my wings and learn more. When mystagogy (a period of catechesis following the baptism of an adult) ends, I want to do a Bible study or something for my education to continue.”

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Final steps to Easter Vigil inspire ‘sense of belonging’

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