‘God had plans for me outside my comfort zone’: a first taste of Church community since COVID

“All for His Glory”

These four words struck my heart as I watched the opening video of the Upper Room from the basement at All Saints Parish with about 20 other attendees.

Truthfully, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to the Sept. 18 event. I’ve had my fair share of attending numerous Catholic retreats, conferences, and archdiocesan events in the past thanks to my years in youth and young adult ministry. This was my third Upper Room since its initial launch in 2019, where I served as a volunteer. Last year, I attended the conference virtually at home, and this year, I chose to attend at a parish host site with my sister Eileen.

How different could it be?

As Catholics, haven’t we all heard about the different ways we can spread the Gospel? Personally, I find a possible danger of attending many Catholic events is that the content can become quite repetitive. I was afraid of that happening, but I wanted to remain hopeful. To my surprise, this conference surpassed my expectations. 

It’s been a long time since I’ve attended a conference in-person for the sole purpose of attending it. As a frequent volunteer, I’d almost forgotten how different the experience is through an attendee’s eyes. Sure enough, God had a few surprises in store for me. 

The funny thing is, the one thing I dreaded the most actually became my favourite part of the conference. I am a natural introvert at heart, even in my spiritual life. You will probably find me serving at events alongside others, but I am most comfortable spending time with God alone. So, when I realized that part of attending the conference at a parish host site meant that there was a discussion component, I was hesitant.

Living in a pandemic and being in isolation had taken its toll on me and I didn’t feel ready to talk to strangers about Jesus again. But alas, God had plans for me outside of my comfort zone. It felt like riding an old bike, new and familiar all at the same time. I learned so much about myself and my faith through the various speakers and discussions. Each person in the group had different takeaways from each session, and for the first time in a long time I felt part of a community again.

Each of the event speakers on the screen brought beautiful insights that I had never thought about before. I was reminded that I can never really “hear it all” or “know it all” when it comes to our faith. There will always be a new facet of the same diamond that I’ll discover each time I learn something. There was such a huge emphasis on being a “missionary disciple” and I wanted to learn more. I was doubtful how I could serve God in my current state as a full-time student with a part-time job. How could someone like me with such a busy schedule serve God? Luckily, he answered my question through Archbishop Michael Miller’s opening session.

The archbishop said, “the mission is not a ministry reserved to a few.” I cannot tell you how much this consoled my heart. Because of my current season of life, I had grown discouraged that I was no longer a “good Catholic” because I wasn’t as involved with my parish or community as I once was before.

I was reminded that serving God isn’t only for select people. It is for everyone.

Everyone is called to the same mission of evangelizing and bringing more people to Jesus. There’s no blueprint on how to serve God. He specifically wants each and every one of us to serve and participate in this mission. He is calling us to give all that we can uniquely offer.

Heather Khym, co-founder of Life Restoration and co-host of the popular podcast Abiding Together, was an absolute delight. Even though I watched the conference through a screen, I could feel God speaking to me directly through her. She invited us to reflect on the “inner room of our own hearts” and to think of the “veils” that may become barriers in our relationship with Jesus. Her words pierced me like a knife. 

It was a timely reminder. I didn’t realize how far I’ve gotten from my Beloved until I realized that I couldn’t remember the last time I had sat down to pray in silence. I no longer had the same intimacy with Jesus because I prioritized these “veils” over my relationship with him. This broke me.

Heather reminded us that “Jesus is the answer for everything we’re longing for”, and I couldn’t agree more. At that moment, all I wanted to do was to satiate my thirst for God. He longed for me, and I, in turn, longed for him once more. I felt a desire to bring people to Jesus.

The other speakers, Tim Glemkowski, author of Made for Mission, and Eric Chow, director of the Proclaim movement, provided great insight and tips in moving forward in mission. What I appreciated most was the emphasis on clarity and practicality. It didn’t feel like another talk where I wasn’t sure where to go next with the information I received. I felt convicted, on fire, and equipped in ways I could respond in “missionary moments” and how to proclaim the Gospel in my everyday life.

Attending this conference surprised me. If this is what our present missionary disciples look like, I am inspired and hopeful for future generations to come.

This is all for God and it is evident that he is with us. All for you and your glory, Lord!

Emi Namoro is a first-year psychology student at Douglas College and a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish. She blogs at eminamoro.com and runs A Pondering Heart podcast.

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