Shelby Barth of Highland shares her conversion story
By ANDREW HANSEN
Editor
HIGHLAND — Growing up, 26-year-old Shelby Barth attended a non-denominational Christian church but was never baptized. Then God put someone in her life who changed everything. Little did she know that a man named Abe would not only become her husband but would also be the inspiration in her becoming Catholic last year.
Barth, now a parishioner at St. Paul Parish in Highland, shared her story with Catholic Times Editor, Andrew Hansen.
As you grew up a non-Catholic, what did you think about the Catholic faith?
As someone who was not raised Catholic, I had a lot of questions about everything that happened during the Mass and the meaning/history behind it. I felt like there was so much to learn and a bit out of my element, but that also led me to want to learn more and gain a deeper understanding.
The Catholic witness of your now husband, Abe, played a major role, you could say even inspired you to become Catholic?
Early on in our relationship, I could see how important Abe’s faith and upbringing was to him. So, I do feel as though his faith has inspired me from the beginning. He often invited me to attend Mass with him. From then on, our discussion of faith grew. I made the decision to join the Church shortly after our engagement but had been discerning the call to the Catholic faith for quite some time by thenHow often would you and Abe talk about the faith and answer your questions?
Before beginning the RCIA process, I was told that I would end up knowing more about the faith than Abe would, so I must say, I stumped him on a few questions! However, the RCIA process really did open a lot of doors to discussion of faith on a deeper level within our relationship.
Was there anything about the teachings of our faith that you struggled with and if so, how did you overcome that?
I don’t specifically remember struggling with any of the teachings, but more so needing to gain a deeper understanding. My sponsor, Angie Rinderer, and the rest of the RCIA team were always willing to answer our questions and go more in depth of the teachings.
Is there a saint you fell in love with, asking him or her for their intercession and if so, which saint and why?
St. Brigid of Kildare was the patron saint that I chose for confirmation. She is best known for her generosity. Her selflessness is something that has inspired me and a saint I would pray to for intercession.
Last Easter, you were what the Church calls a Catechumen, someone who was unbaptized. On that day, you were baptized, and you received confirmation and first Communion, officially becoming part of our faith. What was that day like?
It was a night filled with so much meaning and the cultivation of my RCIA journey. The Easter Vigil Mass will forever hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to attending this Mass in the future to remember my commitment and support others as they make their own.
When you look back over your journey to our faith, what stands out?
I cannot speak highly enough of the RCIA process at St. Paul (Highland). The team and sponsors showed such determination and devotion throughout the weekly sessions. The team and my sponsor have truly helped me to grow spiritually in a foundation of faith. It is heartwarming to know the support and prayers the parish offered during my journey.
What do you love most about our faith?
There is so much to love and always something new to learn within the faith. I especially enjoyed learning about the sacraments. St. Augustine had described a sacrament as a visible sign of God’s invisible grace, and that really put the sacraments into perspective.