Emily’s story: “A little moment with God”

Catechumen Emily Mitchell (left) with her sponsor: Fiona McKenna, at St Joseph’s O’Connor

With the Lenten season upon us, the Catholic Voice has been sharing stories of candidates (those already baptised in other Christian traditions recognised by the Catholic Church) and catechumens (those never previously baptised) who are preparing to be received into the Catholic faith at this year’s Easter Vigils throughout the Archdiocese.

Today, catechumen Emily Michell tells her story.

From a non-faith, non-Catholic background, Emily was working as a child support assistant at St Thomas More’s Primary School Campbell in Canberra when she discovered she felt at home in her work environment.

“I loved the structure of the school,” she said. “And I loved going to Mass”.

Her feelings for both were that she wanted to be baptised and learn more about the Catholic faith and the Bible. With the help of the then parish priest Fr Emil Milat, Emily started at RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). 

Emily said she “really enjoyed” her RCIA journey, though one recent instance of indecision resulted in a flash of revelation.

Emily’s sponsor, Fiona McKenna, suggested she wear something white for her upcoming baptism, perhaps a stole (shawl), a mantilla (veil), or even a robe.

This was all a bit too much for Emily. First, she wanted the stole, then she didn’t, then she wanted the mantilla, then she didn’t…but then she opted for – the mantilla!

“Usually, I am not indecisive like that,” Emily said. “It was just this moment…I feel like God was telling me to wear the veil at my baptism. I had a little moment with God.”

It may have only been a “little moment”, but it was a profound one for Emily and made so because, throughout her faith journey, God had come knocking on a different door than the one she had expected.

“People always say to listen to God’s words. And I thought you would kind of hear a voice. But [for me], it was more like what I was thinking and feeling. 

“It was different…it’s actually in my heart,” she said.

• Emily Michell will be received into the church through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at St Joseph’s O’Connor in Canberra at the Easter Vigil on 30 March.