Twas the fifth day of the Christmas Octave
Msgr. Francis, Roy and Debbie Hunsberger, and Michael Stocker
From left, Msgr. Francis Osei-Nyarko, Roy and Debbie Hunsberger, and Michael Stocker.
Submitted by Annet O’Mara
Contributing writer
Debra Ann “Thérèse” (her confirmation name) Hunsberger, 69, a former Episcopalian, was received into the Catholic Church on the Feast Day of the Holy Family.
Msgr. Francis Osei-Nyarko, parish pastor of St. Anne, Mother of Mary Church, Mexico and Christ Our Light, Pulaski, assisted by Deacon Terry O’Loughlin, celebrated Debbie’s Rite of Reception with much joy.
Rev. Msgr. Francis Osei-Nyarko, administrator of St. Anne, Mother of Mary Church, Mexico, and Christ Our Light Church, Pulaski, welcomes candidate Deb Hunsberger into the Church during the Order of Christian Initiation. With Hunsberger is her sponsor, Michael Stocker. Behind Msgr. Francis is Deacon Terry O’Loughlin.
“I feel peaceful, happy, blessed, consoled and grateful!” Debbie said, after her Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
Debbie’s journey was not easy. A quarter way into the OCIA, Debbie had to undergo knee surgery. Rehab followed. Yet, she trusted in the Lord, praying the Rosary daily, lifting it up for suffering souls and her own recovery.
“In my pain, Jesus helped me cope,” Debbie said.
“OCIA gave me fellowship. I did not feel alone in my journey. I needed OCIA. I‘d take out the white binder and Catechism, pray, and feel Jesus’ presence,” Debbie reflected.
Debbie’s son and sponsor, Michael Stocker, who had become a Catholic himself three years prior in Pennsylvania, told her not to give up. “Things happen as trials to test your faith. God is greater. He will see you through this, Mom, so stay strong,” Michael often reminded his mother.
This past spring as Debbie recovered, she visited an Amish family whose daughter was badly injured in a buggy accident. She first brought the most needed item on their list — ice.
Later, during the fishing season, Debbie paid many visits to the family, each time giving them a 20-pound silver salmon that her husband, Roy, had caught. It is little wonder that Debbie chose to take on the name “Thérèse,” after St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who taught all to be kind to strangers.
Msgr. Francis remarked, “Like Anna in the Temple who waited for Christ, Debbie waited patiently. She absorbed all the teachings of the Church until she was received. My fervent prayer is that Debbie perseveres in her faith until the end.”
Debbie found community at St. Anne’s quite easily. First day — Frankie Duer ushered her to the fifth row. Her friends Marcia and Rick Delong later flagged her to sit with them. Brad Trudell gave her Magnificat issues. Anne Stark gifted her with an Our Lady of Grace statue.
A welcoming parish, flowing in God’s grace, can nurture Catholic faith seekers.
