“From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1229

The testimonials below are shared by the Candidates and Catechumens who have experienced the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults formation process at St. Francis Borgia.   These very personal stories describe their faith journey into full communion with the Catholic Church.  Let us be sure to welcome our new members, and express our gratitude to their sponsors who have been with them on their journey!

We welcome the following members of our Church, who will receive Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil this weekend.  Please pray for them and their families as they enter fully into the life of the Church!

• Lauren Williams, and her sons Grayson and Beckham. Lauren was baptized, as were her sons. In addition, Lauren received the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
• Matthew Lotshaw – Matt was baptized, confirmed, and received his First Holy Communion
• Edward Menefee – Ed received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion
• Tammra Donaldson – Tammy received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion
• Andrea Gildehaus – Andrea received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion
• Tiffany Emmons – Tiffany received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion
• Joseph and Patricia Hight and their children, Bryton, Skylar, and Aurora – Joe, Trish, Bryton and Skylar received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil. Aurora, who is a second grader in our parish grade school, received her First Holy Communion with her classmates on Saturday, March 27.
• Matthew Shortal – Matt received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
   

Welcome our newest members of the Catholic Church!  Let us keep them all in our prayers as they continue their faith journey with all of us as a Parish Family.
 
On May 27, 2020

• Fred Dressell received into the Church (Profession of the Faith)
• Lisa Hall received First Communion and Confirmation

On May 30, 2020

• Michael Beaman was Baptized and received First Communion and Confirmation 
• Ryan Vedder received into the Church (Profession of the Faith)
• Chris Cavin received First Communion and Confirmation

Shelby Monzyk

As the end of the RCIA program rapidly approaches, I am very excited to introduce myself! My name is Shelby Monzyk and my husband is Mark. We currently reside in Wentzville where I teach 7th grade science. I am thrilled to finally receive the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. Mark and I are so grateful to be able to be joining such a welcoming, supportive community! My sponsors are my mother-in-law Robin Monzyk and Carolyn Kohler.
 

Riley Taylor

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Riley Taylor. I was raised in Washington. My wonderful husband, Danny, and I recently purchased a home and moved back to town. I am a registered nurse, currently working for BJC Medical Group, and in pursuit of my master’s degree. I chose to become a member of the Catholic Church to provide a single faith household for our family, but I’ve found much more along the way. I feel blessed to be welcomed into this parish. I look forward to meeting you all! My sponsors are my sister-in-law Christine Taylor and Karen Kleekamp.
 

Robert Luck

My name is Robert Luck, and I've resided in Washington since 12 years of age. I am marrying Claire Unnerstall on June 1st at Saint Francis Borgia. She rehabilitates individuals through Occupational Therapy. We have a beautiful, five-month-old daughter, Sophia. I work as a Trade Services Representative at US Bank in Downtown Saint Louis. My mother had me baptized in the Lutheran faith when i was four. Some of my fondest memories are of my grandmother taking me to church on Sunday's (St. Joseph Catholic Parish). My journey to RCIA began from curiosity and having a daughter. Being confirmed into the parish will help strengthen my relationship with God and my family.  My sponsor is Chris Derner.

 
James Hargraves

Hello, my name is James Hargraves. I am a local one IBEW electrician. I have been married to my wife Julie since 2011. We have two handsome sons Luke and Caleb. Luke attends Borgia grade school and we absolutely love the faith based learning. I feel so blessed to join this wonderful church community. Please pray for me as I continue my journey.  My sponsor is Jim Armistead.

Amanda Mitchell

My name is Amanda Mitchell. I have been married to my wonderful husband Jeremy Mitchell for 13 years. We are high school sweethearts. Going on 21 years together. We have a five year old son named Jaxon Mitchell. He attends Borgia grade school. I am originally from Tennessee. My husband is from Union.  We have a family business in Washington called Hodge Transportation where we all work together. I'm so blessed and feel incredible to be on this journey. I have met some amazing people while attending the RCIA classes. Thank you for your prayers and kindness with welcoming my family.  My sponsor is Mary Armistead.

Skylar Sack

My name is Skylar Sack.  I am 26 years old and married to Lindsay. I am a System Technician for Charter Communications.  We just bought a house in Union to make more room for our two little girls, Bailey who is 3 and Leela who is 11 months old.  We wanted to go through RCIA and convert to the Catholic faith because it is the most structured religion, in our opinion.  Also, the teachings are clearer and bring us closer to God.  We want our children to grow up with God and his teachings in their lives.

Hi, my name is Lindsay Sack.  I am married to Skylar Sack. We have two children named Bailey and Leela.  I was raised a Baptist, but when my mom married into a Catholic family, and converted herself, I was introduced to Catholicism for the first time.  As time went on and I had a family of my own I felt I needed to rethink the church we needed to grow in.  After being raised Baptist, going to a Lutheran school, then married into a Catholic family, I really feel like the deep roots of Catholicism is the church I wanted my family to grow in.

Hi my name is Jeff Schmidt. I am 35 years old, married to Tegan Schmidt, father of Will and Connor. I grew up in Morrison, Missouri and was raised in my early years as Catholic. My wife and I decided to send our son Will to Borgia for his education and we love it. So my wife and I decided we wanted to experience the same religious education our son was receiving. We want to be a Catholic family together. Thank you so much.

My name is Tegan Schmidt and my husband is Jeff. We have been married almost 11 years and have lived in Washington for a little over 10. Our son, William, is a kindergartener at SFBGS and I have enjoyed watching him grow in his faith for the last 2 years since attending SFBGS. Growing up in a Baptist church, however, my knowledge of the Catholic faith was little to none. As my husband was more familiar with the Catholic faith, I wanted to learn more so that I would understand more of what Will is learning while at school and be able to grow in these experiences together as a family.

Thank you for welcoming us into the parish. My name is Benjamin Schnapp. I married my wife Brittany in September of 2016. I am self employed and own Next Generation Waterproofing. She  and I were honored to have our marriage blessed by Deacon Leon Noelker a few weeks ago on  January 20 ^th. We have two children, David Alan age 1 and are happy to announce the birth of our daughter AdaBelle Jane on January 29 ^th. We joined the parish to better ourselves and expand our knowledge of the Catholic faith. It has helped our marriage, made us a closer family and has helped us build relationships that we hope will last for years to come.  May God bless us all! Thank you for welcoming us into your parish family.

Lindsey Martin

My name is Lindsey Martin. I grew up in the Arnold/Imperial area. I moved to Washington, MO in 2014.  I am engaged to Joe Brahan and we are planning a May wedding.  Joe and I have a daughter who is 20 months old. Lola has brought so many joys to our busy lives!  I work as a Customer Service supervisor at STL Medical Supply in Fenton, MO.  When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with Joe and Lola!  

Joe was raised Catholic and I was raised Presbyterian. After we were engaged and had Lola, we decided that she would be raised Catholic and that I would convert for a full Catholic wedding and so our family can be involved with the local church! The RCIA program has brought my family closer to God and has taught me more about the Catholic faith. I look forward to meeting and getting to know more of the Borgia parishioners.

Lindsey's sponsor is Jane Maune.
 

Melonie Nance

My name is Melonie Nance. I grew up in the Washington area. My husband Dennis and I have been married for 44 years. We have one daughter, Jaime and her husband Scott Obermark; and two sons, Daniel Nance and Eric Nance and his wife Angela.  We have been blessed with five grandchildren and a sixth due in June. They are Josie, Ryker and Reid Obermark, and Emmy Nance and Liam Nance.  I am retired and enjoy watching my grandchildren and spending time at our vacation home in Branson.

I grew up going to the Methodist church. My husband is Catholic and all of our children were baptized Catholic. With the encouragement from my family and friends and my desire to learn more about the Catholic faith, I decided to go through the RCIA program. I feel like it has brought me closer to my family and to God. I cannot wait for my Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion into the church.

Melonie's sponsor is Scott Obermark.
 

Paula Pedrotti

My name is Paula Pedrotti, and with the exception of a few years I have been a lifelong resident of Franklin County. I graduated from Pacific High School in 1993 and went on to graduate from Jefferson College and then the University of Missouri Saint Louis in 2005. I began working in public safety in 2005 as a 911 operator and have continued to work in that field since that time.
 
My mother raised me and my brother in the Baptist tradition, but even though I had strong faith I did not feel passionately about being a Protestant. When I was introduced to the Catholic faith I felt as though my soul had found its home. The first time I walked into the Church I felt as though my soul was filled with peace, and I knew then that this was where I belonged.  

Because of my work schedule I had a difficult time completing RCIA classes and have finally, after many years of yearning,  completed them despite my 40-70 hour per week work schedule. I very much enjoy listening to EWTN on my long commute to and from work. I am so thankful for the RCIA program and St. Francis Borgia as they have all worked so hard to help me on my journey despite my complex work schedule.

Paula's sponsor is Kathleen Marquart.