Mid-America TEC member Amanda Brown is celebrating her 12th anniversary of becoming Catholic. With the Easter season upon us, Amanda recently spent some time reflecting on becoming Catholic and how TEC played a part in that decision.
Congratulations on celebrating 12 years of being Catholic! How does that make you feel?
Old! It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been 12 years. So many things have happened in that time, but joining the Church was the best decision I made in the past 12 years. When I made it through the nine months of RCIA prep and received my sacraments at Easter Vigil I knew that I was right where I was meant to be.
How did you find out about TEC?
I was working at the local Catholic school’s early childhood center and was struggling to find a church where I felt at home. I was also trying to meet some people around my age. My friend and co-worker, at the time, suggested a TEC weekend to me. I remember wondering if being 21 was going to be too old, but she assured me it would be just fine. As I went on that weekend, I was so nervous. I’m not sure I said two words the whole weekend, and yet I was so overwhelmed with love and acceptance.
How did TEC play a part in your choosing to become Catholic?
Growing up, I attended a Baptist church, and I loved the people I met and the church I attended, but I always felt like there was something I was missing. I always had a vision of a church that sings all the time because I love to sing, but could never tell you what the church was. It was just something I thought I dreamed up. That was until I attended the TEC weekend, where my dream became a reality. I left that weekend knowing that I had found where I was meant to be, my church home and family. I called the Church office and started RCIA classes not too long after the weekend.
I feel TEC is where my real journey began... I learned so much about myself and about the Church.
Why do you continue to stay involved in TEC?
I feel TEC is where my real journey began. Even though I was probably the quietest person on that weekend, I learned so much about myself and about the Church. I talked to our Heavenly Father so much that weekend. I had no idea where he wanted me to be until that very weekend. I stay involved in TEC because it's life changing. I love seeing the reactions of the candidates and the growth of the candidates throughout the weekend. I feel I am doing the work that He wants me to do while serving on the TEC weekends.
Anything else you would like to share?
My first weekend was Mid-America TEC #218, in Moberly, Missouri, in July 2009. Since that weekend, I have served on many other weekends. I think I've served in every role possible, including being Director. I have also served as a member of the Mid-America core council. I currently serve as a member of the TEC Encounter planning committee and the Formation & Enrichment Ministry Team on the national level for the TEC Conference.
Picture, top right: Amanda receiving her First Holy Communion, 12 years ago at St. Pius X in Moberly, MO.
