We must approach the subject of the personhood of the creatures with humility and charity. Though the manner of their creation is indubitably sinful, there are other examples of persons conceived in sin, even violence, who still merit all the protections their human dignity requires. Ah, but they are not human, the objection goes.

But what is human? Is humanity defined by the flesh, or the spirit? Is humanity a static, rigid, unchanging thing, or is it dynamic, in movement, progressing toward a higher goal, toward unity with Christ? Perhaps a more expansive conception of what constitutes the imago Dei may be in order. – Excerpt from early draft of Pope Gelasius III encyclical, Amor Dei; Wikileaks release of Vatican hack

Father Ed pulled into the dark parking lot and drove to the entrance of the church, parking at the curb instead of in a marked space.  Despite the late hour, he wanted to check the sacristy to make sure the altar was set for morning Mass. His early appointments to the nursing homes in Bonner’s Ferry would complicate getting back on time.

He entered the church, finished his prep, then headed back to the car.  As he locked the door, a deep husky voice from the shadows beside the entrance startled him.

“Good evening, Father.”

Fr. Ed took a deep breath and turned toward the source but saw only darkness beyond the edge of the light. He suppressed a shudder.

“Yes? How can I help you?” He cocked his head, peering into the shadow.  A shape moved, a figure of some bulk. It receded a little deeper into the shadow.

“I would like to meet with you to discuss my faith.”

Fr. Ed tried to conceal his surprise. 

“Well, of course. Is this something urgent, or would you like to set up an appointment?”  He shifted position for a glimpse of his visitor, to no avail.

“There is some urgency, but not this moment. I’m interested in the process to become a Catholic.”

“You are not Catholic?”

“No, but I believe. I want to take the sacraments. I want to better know God.”

Father Ed held his breath. A convert? Suddenly, a possible path to redemption and an end to his exile appeared.

“Of course. I can help you with that.”  Father Ed’s mind raced, reviewing all he knew about the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults, wanting to be sure he did this correctly, always with the Bishop in mind. “May I ask how you found me? And how you came to your interest in the Catholic faith?”

There was a rustling from the shadow, and Father Ed caught another glimpse of a large person, a big man judging from the deep voice with a faint, incongruous lisp.

“I’ve been watching you.”  Fr. Ed concealed his concern about that revelation. He waited for the other to continue.

“I have many questions of my creator. A few of them I have found answers for, most not. I read the Old Books when I can, and I ponder my life, my existence, my purpose. From what I have learned, much of what I know about the mysteries comes from the Catholic Church. My people hold many of the same beliefs, though we do not profess that faith. I want to learn more. I believe I should be a Catholic.”

“Your people?  Are you from Idaho, or somewhere else?”

“I was born in this region, across the mountains, to the south.”

Father Ed struggled with the geography of the statement, trying to marry that up with the odd accent and evasiveness of the exchange.

“Well, it’s a long process, and we’ll have to set up many appointments to explore your commitment and teach everything you’ll need to know to take the sacraments. Were you baptized?”

“No. I seek all the sacraments.”

The timing was good. They could prepare for baptism at the Easter mass, which would be ideal.  

“We’ll have to set up a regular time and place to meet. We can use the meeting room in the rectory, or here in the Church.  Oh, and I’m sorry, we never did introductions.  My name is Father Ed Ryan.  You can call me Father Ed, or just Father.”

“My name is…”  At that moment, the headlights of a car swept across the parking lot. Fr. Ed looked away at the new arrival, heard the rustle and swish of fabric, and turned back.  The person was gone.

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