Sue DeClerk joined the church as a convert and has sponsored and supported new converts through the RCIA program at St. Paul Church in Pocahontas since it began in 1989.Sue DeClerk is a true believer in life-long learning. The 67-year-old was among the first sponsors in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program when it was implemented at St. Paul Church in 1989. Through the years she has continued to be a vital part of the program she believes is beneficial for all those involved.
“I think we get more out of it than the converts,” DeClerk said. “I learn something new every year.”
DeClerk, who converted to Catholicism in 1956, described the “casual setting” of the RCIA sessions as “less intimidating” than the previous process for entering the Church.
“When I came into the Church you had to be instructed one-on-one with the priest,” DeClerk said. “This is much better because of the open discussions. We all learn from each other. It’s not only an opportunity to strengthen our own faith, as we share that faith with others. And, if the candidate doesn’t want to ask a question in class, they have someone they can talk to one-on-one in their sponsor.”
So contagious was DeClerk’s enthusiasm for the program that her husband of 50 years, Rainer, later came on board as an RCIA team member and has sponsored five candidates himself. A member of the local Knights of Columbus, Rainer also instructs a class on the rosary for those coming into the Church. He also gives them a rosary and cards describing the mysteries, courtesy of Knights of Columbus.
Rainer DeClerk said the RCIA program allows those entering the Church an opportunity to not only become acquainted with the beliefs and rich tradition of the Catholic Church but also with its members.
“Being a part of the RCIA program helps them become a part of the Church family even before they join — something you didn’t have with the previous method,” he said. “The sponsor also follows up with the new member after they join. You don’t just have them join and then forget about them. A sponsor should help them become involved in the Church, find the activity or area of service in which he or she would like to participate.”
And Church participation is an area in which the DeClerks are shining examples. In addition to working together as RCIA team members and sponsors, the couple serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and participate in the perpetual adoration — all of which Sue DeClerk’s first candidate, Angie Higginbotham, is now also involved.
“We were in the very first RCIA class,” Higginbotham said. “She later became my aunt, but she was a fabulous sponsor. She kept me motivated and she is just an all-around great person. I think it helped because she had once been there.”
In addition, DeClerk also prepares second graders for their first Communion as a religious education teacher.
Ronnie Rose, RCIA coordinator, said the DeClerks are not only a vital part of RCIA, they are also the first to volunteer wherever there is a need.
He recalled a recent example in which Rainer DeClerk drove the church bus to nearby Imboden to pick up displaced Catholics from New Orleans for Sunday Mass and included a noon meal.
“They are willing to serve as sponsors each year,” Rose said. “Last year they provided everyone with a year-end retreat — a day of reflection at their cabin with a big barbecue. They were very gracious hosts. They’re wonderful people, and in my opinion personify what being Christian is all about.”
In addition to her work at the parish, DeClerk also continues her learning process by attending classes at the local college. She has taken a number of art classes and is currently taking a class in German.
