Finding Our Path: Joining a Catholic Lay Association

Alex and Iliana.

Hello, my name is Alex and my wife is Iliana. We’d like to share with you our journey of becoming Associates of the Incarnate Word. When my wife and I first started discussing our spiritual journey, we found ourselves at a crossroads. Both of us were raised in Catholic families with different cultural backgrounds, my wife was born in the US while I was born and raised in Mexico. We met in college back in 2009 and we got married a few years later, but because of work, we were relocating between different cities across the US and Mexico.  This movement kept us away from our friends, family and religious communities.

As time passed, we were given the opportunity to move to the Cleveland Metro Area.  We felt a yearning for deeper community and a more active role in our faith. We found ourselves in a new place with no family or friends. It was during a particular evening walk around the neighborhood that I saw a Catholic school logo that was familiar to me. It looked like the one that was at my elementary school back in Guadalajara, Mexico. Looking closer to the information they had on their sign, I realized that the school belonged to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament of Cleveland. It was a branch of the sisters that managed the elementary school I attended in Mexico! We knocked on their door to say “Hi” in hope of reconnecting with the sisters. We were looking for guidance and received a warm welcome by the sisters. During our first conversation, we were invited to attend their next lay associates meeting to know more about their charisms and community.

While sharing our hopes and dreams over a cup of tea, the idea of joining a Catholic lay association emerged. At first, we were unsure about what a lay association entailed. We did some research and discovered that these organizations are dedicated to living out the Catholic faith in the world, often focusing on service, spiritual growth, and community building. The more we learned, the more we felt drawn to the mission of these associations. We wanted to be part of something larger than ourselves, to contribute positively to our community, and to deepen our relationship with God.

On a Sunday after Mass, we attended one of their lay association meetings. We were warmly welcomed by members who shared their experiences and the transformative impact the association had on their lives. Listening to their stories, we felt a spark of excitement and connection. It was clear that this was a community where we could grow together in faith and service.

After much prayer and contemplation, we made the decision to join. The process was enriching; we participated in retreats, engaged in discussions about our faith, and began volunteering for various service projects. Each experience reinforced our commitment and helped us to cultivate a deeper understanding of our beliefs.

Joining this lay association has been a beautiful journey for us as a couple. We have not only strengthened our bond through shared experiences, but have also formed lasting friendships with others who share our values. Together, we are learning to live our faith actively and joyfully, making a positive impact in our community and growing closer to God.

Then we met OPAL and realized that these associations are everywhere. We were never actually alone, we were just not looking. My husband Alex was the one that joined their meeting first. Due to work, I couldn’t join right away, but he would talk to me about everything that happened during their meetings, and I would respond and ask questions. Fortunately, I was able to join a weekend retreat and have not looked back since. Just like the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, the Associates welcomed us with open arms, so did OPAL and their leaders. It is amazing to see them strive for a better tomorrow and share their love with everyone. The patience and care they have shown us is beyond words. They are so lovely and all the work and dedication they have is admirable. Just being in their presence brings me so much comfort.

As we continue this path, we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community that inspires us to live out our faith in meaningful ways. Joining The Incarnate Word lay association and OPAL, was not just a decision; it has become a vital part of our lives, guiding us as we navigate our spiritual journey together. 

When greed and fear is all you see on the news, the love that you see in the sisters, the associates and OPAL team members, is the grace that gives hope for a better tomorrow. 

Speaking of OPAL, we hope to see you all at our next OPAL zoom conference on May 3, at 9:30 AM EST.