2 minute read
Welcoming Austin Magnuson Home To The Catholic Church “A Blessing To Be United Spiritually”
Through 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.
Advertisement
“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 seeing their dad go through this process as they were better able to understand what was going on and comprehend that he was joining the Church.”
As a father, Austin is grateful for the peace and unity his family now experiences.
“Joanna helped lead me to the Catholic faith,” Austin says. “And with our children being raised Catholic, I wanted us all to be practicing the same set of beliefs. It is a blessing to be united spiritually. Showing my kids that our faith is very important is something that has driven me along this path. I want them to see that it can guide us through challenges we face in life. It is also important to me that we worship together as a family and that our children continue to attend Mass after they leave home.”
Now as an active Catholic, Austin looks forward to embracing the stewardship vision in new ways.
“I have enjoyed helping out at the church,” he says. “So far, I have helped take down Christmas decorations, brought up gifts during the service, and helped with the parish fish frys. As time goes on, I will find more ways to be of service.”
Austin Magnuson and family celebrate his Confirmation.
