Ernest D'Agrosa

One particular Sunday morning during Lent in 2015, I attended Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. It was the first time I had been to Mass in quite some time. Even despite being a lifelong Catholic.  

  

I always had a mind and a heart for the faith, as well as a sincere belief in God. I was raised Catholic, and attended St. Lucy’s Catholic School as a young kid growing up in The Bronx.  I was baptized in the faith, and received my First Confession and Holy Communion, but the one Sacrament that I never received was Confirmation. Then one Sunday I read that the church was offering Adult Confirmation on Pentecost. So I jumped at the opportunity. On the Feast of Pentecost in 2015 I was confirmed by Fr. Bradley and I took St. Joseph as my patron saint. 

  

I started looking for a Bible Study where I could grow and deepen my understanding of The Faith and was looking to make new friends at this new church. I was a turtle who was trying to come out my shell. I found that fellowship and brotherhood in the Saturday morning Men’s Bible Study at 8:30 A.M.  I also found something else in that Men’s group. Through one of my fellow brothers I was introduced to a young lady who would become my wife, and who was also a fellow turtle Liz Solis.  

  

In the summer of 2019, Liz and I began our courtship, during which we had many “holy dates” where we went to Mass together, went to Adoration, and prayed The Rosary while we walked along the Chisholm Trail. We shared our love for Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and all the Saints, especially St. Therese of Lisieux and Padre Pio. By Christmas, I knew I found the woman who God meant for me. We were married a year later on the Feast of the Holy Spouses, January 23,  2021 by Fr. Bradley in front of all our family and friends.  

  

Looking back on it, that Sunday morning in Lent 2015 was the best decision I could’ve ever made. I am blessed to be a parishioner of such a wonderful, vibrant community of faithful and caring Catholics.