W ELCOMING
AUSTIN MAGNU S O N T
Austin Magnuson and family celebrate his Confirmation.
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hrough her patient perseverance, Joanna Magnuson saw that the power of a praying wife is great indeed. “Austin and I have been married for 13 years, and we both explored each other’s faith affiliations prior to marriage,” she says. “Austin grew up in a Protestant family, and I am a ‘cradle Catholic.’ We had many good discussions about the differences in the faith traditions we were raised with. I prayed that he would eventually convert and become a member of the Catholic Church. In the end, we decided to attend Mass regularly, with Austin attending but not receiving Communion.” In due time, Joanna’s prayers were answered when Austin decided to enter the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults process, or RCIA, a couple of years ago. In July 2020, he received the Sacraments of First Confession, Confirmation, and First Communion, and was fully initiated into the Catholic Church. “RCIA was an enjoyable experience because it made me reflect on my faith and what I believe,” Austin says. “I don’t normally think about why I believe what I believe, so it was good to explore these ideas. I liked meeting the other members of the RCIA class, as well. They were very nice people and we had some great discussions. Overall, going through the RCIA process really helped reaffirm my faith.” Joanna is grateful to have been privileged to walk alongside Austin on the journey “home to Rome.” “This journey has brought about some conversations regarding our faith as a couple, and has brought God more into the forefront of our marriage relationship,” she says. “Throughout it, we have spent a lot of quality time together and have learned more about each other. We have also enjoyed getting to know other couples going through the same process.” Joanna appreciates the impact that Austin’s conversion has made on their five children, as well. “It has been wonderful for our family to see Austin go through this part of his faith journey,” Joanna says. “I especially love that our children have been able to witness it. Austin has set a very positive example for them. Our two oldest children, in particular, enjoyed
