God's Gifts: Joining the Catholic faith
By TAVIA MALONE
Globe staff writer
Posted May 2, 2002

CARROLL - Entering the Catholic faith as an adult is an entirely different procedure than entering as a child. One Carroll St. Lawrence parishioner recently was baptized into the Catholic faith and is happy to be receiving the many gifts that Catholicism has to offer.

Jeff Baker, 38, became interested in the Catholic faith through a young girl he works with, 12-year-old Holly Smith. Baker began taking Smith to her CCD classes at St. Lawrence's Parish about three years ago. Baker would stay through the entire CCD class with Holly and listened intently to what the teachers had to say.

"I really got into the Catholic faith through CCD class," explained Baker. "I didn't go to any church before; I was nondenominational."

After about two years of attending CCD with Holly, Baker thought he might be interested in becoming a Catholic.

"I saw Deacon Tim Murphy in the hall at CCD and asked him what it would take to be Catholic," Baker said. "I figured you just had to sign a paper and that was it."

Baker learned about RCIA classes from Murphy and since they had already started that year, he would have to wait until the next session. Baker was a bit apprehensive to commit himself to the six-month program.

"In the end, I decided to go ahead and do it," he said.

Baker, his wife, Rhonda, and his two boys, Justin and Kyle, all went to the classes together. Since Rhonda, Justin and Kyle had already been baptized in the Methodist church, they did not have to participate in the Easter Vigil, when Jeff was baptized.

"RCIA really opened my eyes to what should have been done a long time ago," said Baker. "I want to go to church and be involved."

At the Easter Vigil, Jeff was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic church. Baker's sponsor was Mary Baumhover, of Carroll, who was Holly Smith's 4th grade CCD teacher. Baumhover served as a guide for Baker through the RCIA program and she was also available to answer any questions that he might have.

"Mary is so knowledgeable," he said. "I was impressed with many things and how much she knows about the Catholic church."

Baker now attends church every week with his family at St. Lawrence. Although the family lives in rural Scranton, Baker felt that St. Lawrence Parish was his home since he had attended CCD with Smith and knew some of the parishioners. Baker said that he wants to get more involved in his parish in the future, but he is unsure of which area to pursue.

"After the Easter Vigil, quite a few parishioners came forward and welcomed me into the church," said Baker.

He still attends CCD class with Holly, and just went to the last CCD class of the year with her last Wednesday evening. "I wish CCD would run year round, I really enjoy it," Baker said.

Baker enjoys going to Mass and CCD classes and learning more about the Catholic faith. To him, attending church, listening and learning about the Catholic faith is truly one of God's gifts.