Troy Andersen, Eric Jordan, and Tristan Jarvis began OCIA at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Largo like many others in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, seeking to enter the Catholic Church. It was there that they discovered their shared talents and interests.

Each of these men came to OCIA with his own journey to the faith. For Troy Andersen, it was his wife who encouraged him to consider Catholicism more fully.

“I grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness and our family stopped going to that when I was about 13 years old. I primarily lived a secular lifestyle from that moment until recently,” shared Troy Andersen. “Around St. Patrick’s Day last year, my wife said to me, ‘For somebody who talks about God and Jesus as much as you do, I think it’s really important that you get baptized.’ I agreed with her and I said ‘Okay, but I’m going to pick which faith I want to be baptized in.’”

They had attended Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Largo often, and Andersen concluded that the Catholic Church was the right fit for him both emotionally and intellectually.

“Every Sunday was an absolute joy!” said Andersen. “Upon further investigation on being a Catholic, I really gravitated towards the idea that it is the most ancient of the Christian denominations. I’m very much somebody who believes in going to the primary source for information, so Catholicism seemed to be the best fit.”

Tristan Jarvis can trace his journey to Catholicism back to childhood, despite growing up without a faith life.

“Attending Protestant Sunday school with my grandparents, I experienced quiet, personal moments of God’s presence with me,” said Jarvis. “I grew up in an atheist household and gradually lost the innate faith I had as a child. In my twenties, fatherhood awakened a profound hunger for truth and meaning. Unexplainable events in my life that seemed to be clear signs of God’s guidance prompted me to dig deeper into the mysteries of life with logic and reason. That search led ultimately to the Catholic Church.”

He now looks ahead to the Easter Vigil with excited anticipation, knowing he will then be fully initiated and can continue to grow in holiness.

“I look forward to receiving the sacraments regularly, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, for ongoing healing and strength,” said Jarvis. “Ultimately, I’m eager to grow in holiness through faith, to love my family through Christ’s example, to serve others in this earthly life, and to obtain the promises of Christ that point our souls to life eternally with him.”

For Eric Jordan, it was his sons and best friend who led him to the faith.

“It was like a calling,” said Jordan. “My sons, Elijah and Abram, were seeking a closer relationship with God and joined a youth group at another church. This made me look at my own life and realize I needed to make some improvements. I began to look for ways to become a better father and a better person. And although I didn't know it yet, God was leading me to St Patrick's. Somewhere along the way, I realized, the only true way to improve is to seek the Lord. So, I did something I hadn't done in quite some time: I prayed. I asked God to lead me in the right direction, and he did.”

As he explored the Catholic faith, he reached out to his best friend, someone he knew was knowledgeable. It turned out that this friend was the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick Catholic Church. They met and discussed his thoughts and feelings surrounding the faith.

“He said the three words I needed to hear: ‘Come to church,’” Jordan recalled.

He and his sons were invited to Mass followed by a breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Jordan accepted the offer and the experience changed his life.

“The first homily I ever heard in that church was from Father Charles. He said that everyone is welcome, everyone is loved, and no one is an outsider to God,” said Jordan. He recalled how those words resonated with him. “Me, the guy that feels like he's on the outside of everything looking in, had just been given the fullness of the truth. It was like God had put those words in Father Charles’ mouth just for me to hear. He was speaking directly to me. God had called us to that place and time and all we had to do was listen.”

OCIA became not only a place to learn and grow in faith, but also something that brought his family closer together.

“My whole life has been changed since we started our journey to become Catholic, and starting OCIA, said Jordan. “I think what most excites me is watching my sons come into the faith and seeing them strive for closer relationships with God. Being able to witness their transition to the Catholic faith is such a wonderful blessing.”

Throughout their OCIA journey, Sister Kathleen Luger, OSC, has accompanied these three young men as their OCIA director. “These three young men came to inquire about the Catholic faith at different times during the course of a year,” said Sister Luger. With a background as an accomplished musician, she also recognized a unique opportunity to help them grow not only in faith, but in sharing their gifts. “During our sharing in the OCIA sessions, we discovered they were all musicians. I suggested they get together and form a group.”

These three men began to meet regularly to practice, aided by Sister Luger. Before entering religious life, she played in a symphony orchestra and taught music. Those experiences proved vital, she now helps the men select music and deepen their understanding of the liturgy.

Fighting back nerves and jitters, they played together for the first time at a Pentecost celebration at the parish in 2025 and were well-received by members of the community. It is through opportunities to play music at St. Patrick Catholic Church that they encounter the Church in a new way and grow in both their musical abilities and their faith. They participate in communal prayer, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and parish celebrations they may not have attended otherwise.

“When they can see that their gift can be used in the service of God who they are coming to know, they can see God’s providential hand in it,” said Sister Luger. “It has also helped them to become part of the larger community. They formed a special bond with each other and those in the classes, but they also have come to know and feel welcomed by other members of the parish.”

These men shared how God has worked in their lives even before they are fully initiated into the Church.

“In my heart, I’d always been looking to find a reason to play music for people in a meaningful way,” said Andersen. “He afforded the three of us this opportunity to play in a band that has no ego, a band that has a purpose beyond us and our talents. It truly fills our hearts to be playing in front of the altar to aid in the atmosphere where people are adoring Jesus, there’s nothing like it on earth for us!”

Jordan echoed the same sentiment.

“We're very blessed with this opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in Christ worship the Lord our God. It means everything to us.”

The trio continues to play at a variety of parish events, notably First Friday Adoration. They are excited to continue to play following their entrance into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

“Participating in music ministry at St. Patrick has been a true gift of grace,” added Jarvis. “Providing the music for the monthly First Friday holy hours has deepened my sense of belonging and community within the parish.”

They also look forward to the impact their music can continue to provide.

“What excites me most about playing in this praise band is hopefully attracting more people into St. Patrick’s,” said Andersen. “If we end up getting our name out there and we still play good music and people enjoy listening, there’s a good chance they might come on in and fill the pews. What excites me most is glorifying God and getting his message of peace and love out to as many people as we can.”

“Serving at parish gatherings already shows me how sacred music draws people closer to Christ into the community,” said Jarvis. “Looking ahead, I’m eager to grow with the ministry by refining my gift, building fellowship, and contributing to prayerful worship.”

While their music helps others encounter the Lord, the true encounter is happening within their own hearts.

“The grace they receive from these practices is elevating their human capacity to turn away from their former way of life and live a life of faith,” said Sister Luger. “Their music used in the worship and service of God has taken on a whole new dimension. Reflecting on the hymns and songs they sing has led them to a deeper relationship with the Lord.”

“Saying ‘yes’ to God’s will has accelerated my growth in a short time, refining both my skill and my heart as I prepare for full initiation into the Church,” added Jarvis.

Having grown closer to God and each other throughout this experience, these men are excited for what the future holds and share immense gratitude for the blessings they have received.

“I’m so grateful for this blessing. I’m so grateful for my two brothers and I’m so grateful to the parishioners who have encouraged us after every single performance,” said Andersen.

“God knew our hearts, and he put us together. I am very proud to call Tristan and Troy my brothers. I am very proud to serve St Patrick's,” added Jordan.

The Lord calls all people at all stages of their faith. These men show what it means to hear that call and respond with faith and trust.

“When those in OCIA see others who are not full members serving, it helps them to realize that their gifts and talents can also be used in the service of God,” said Sister Luger. It shows them that their participation in the life of the community is not in the future, but a way of life they can experience in the present.”

Andersen and Jarvis encouraged others in OCIA to get involved.

“If you are being called for a special purpose within the Church before you’re baptized, do not think of it as overbearing or too much, but that is simply what God is asking you to do,” shared Andersen. “If your heart is open to that, then he’s called you to do something special for Him. Don’t hesitate. Jump at the chance. It will only deepen your faith and deepen your relationship.”

“I felt real apprehension and a deep sense of unworthiness,” explained Jarvis. “But here’s the truth: the Church wants you there. Your desire to serve is already the Holy Spirit at work. Whether music, hospitality, or just helping out, don’t hesitate to get involved. It builds real community, deepens your formation, and prepares your heart for baptism. Don’t let fear stop you; you’re welcome as family right now.”

*The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process in which adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church through preparation for and reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. For more information about OCIA, click here.