Élodie, soon to be baptized, sees it as response to calling

“I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” These are the words that thousands of catechumens around the world are preparing to hear on Easter night when they are baptized. Throughout Lent, Aleteia is sharing with you the stories of some of these men and women, who are happy to become children of God. Read all of the testimonies here. 

Élodie didn’t feel entitled to ask for baptism. And in fact, she didn't! “I would never have dared!” exclaims Élodie, a sparkling forty-something-year-old corporate tax consultant. “I thought you had to be fully acquainted with the Catholic religion, but I didn't receive that education, unlike my husband. Even at Mass, where I’ve regularly accompanied him since we were married, I didn't feel like I belonged...”

From a young age, Élodie attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, more commonly known as the Mormons. Married to Théophile since 2009, she was keen, from the start of their marriage, to learn about the Catholic faith, without actually converting.

She was also influenced by the way her in-laws practice their faith. “It's beautiful to see them live their faith,” she says. “Nevertheless, Théophile never put any pressure on me. We already shared the fact of believing in God, and that was already something!”

During their first years of marriage, while living in Paris, Élodie and Théophile attended two courses offered by the Emmanuel Community: the school of married life and then the school of charity and mission. Very early on, they discussed the religious upbringing they would give to their future children.

“I was keen for them to be baptized and to have a Catholic upbringing. I hadn’t yet encountered this merciful God of the Catholics, but I did not want a punishing God, as he is presented in my childhood religion, based on many prohibitions,” she explains.

A few years later, having become parents to two daughters, they moved to Val d'Oise. There, they became involved in the charitable works of their parish as organizers. With each contact with the Church, Élodie received a “wonderful welcome” from the priests.

“There was nothing but light from beginning to end. I realized that it wasn't just the Emmanuel Community that I loved, but the entire Catholic Church. Several priests offered to baptize me, while being very respectful of my freedom. Then at one point I knew that if I said ‘yes’ to a baptismal process, I was ready to accept everything.”

She finally made the decision following a discussion with a friend about the saints. “There was still a barrier to my conversion because of the saints! I didn't understand why Catholics venerated them so much. And then I understood that they were just offering help, their intercession, and at that moment, I knew that I was ready for baptism.”

This personal journey didn’t escape the attention of the priest in her parish, in the diocese of Pontoise, who suggested that she be baptized. “As I didn’t expressly request baptism, I truly see this step as a response to a calling,” she emphasizes.

This call to embrace Christ and the Catholic faith wasn’t easy to accept because of how it would affect her relationship with her own LDS family. “My relatives were suspicious of my conversion. They’re happy because they know it’s important for me and for my family, but it remains hurtful for them,” she acknowledges, full of gratitude to her parents who first passed on the faith to her. 

Since she said “yes” and began the catechumenate journey, Élodie has felt an immense sense of peace. “Whereas for a very long time I didn't feel comfortable in a church and in the Church, more recently I feel at home. My heart is at peace. I can really be myself,” she testifies. “I also realized that I didn't have to understand everything in order to progress. What's important is the desire to love, to discover, and to encounter Christ.”