(Left to right) Jason Rigsby, Joseph Warner Rigsby, and Laura Rigsby belong to St. Joseph Parish in Bowling Green. Laura, who is the Diocese of Owensboro’s digital media specialist, credits her journey into the Catholic Church to St. Joseph’s intercession. | COURTESY OF ELIZABETH CLARKE DONOGHUE
‘It was St. Joseph all along’
Diocesan media specialist credits saint’s intercession for becoming Catholic
BY LAURA RIGSBY, OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
Once upon a time there was a man named Joseph. He was betrothed to the (literally) perfect woman, Mary, who was suddenly pregnant. An angel appeared to Joseph and explained that Mary’s child was the Son of God, and Joseph was being entrusted with His care. He bravely agreed and became the protector of the Holy Family that we know him as today. Although his death is not recorded in Scripture, it is fair to assume that he passed from his earthly life in the care of Jesus and Mary. But his story doesn’t end there. He remains a protector, father, and guide to us all, and God is still using him (and all the saints, for that matter) to lead us to Himself.
Fast forward to the year 2014. A young Laura is completing an internship in Amarillo, Texas. Her handsome suitor from back home in Kentucky has come to visit her, and together they’ve traveled to San Antonio to see the Alamo. They both enjoy visiting historic sites, so they decide to also see the other Spanish Missions in the area.
Their final stop is still an active parish which has just begun their Saturday Vigil Mass. Jason suggests that this historic church would be an awesome place for Laura to experience her first Mass since she’s been asking questions about it lately. Once inside, Laura takes in her surroundings and listens to the beautiful prayers. Her eyes rest on the tabernacle, not knowing what is inside, but feeling drawn to it nonetheless. What is that burning feeling she notices in her heart? Inexplicably, the experience brings tears to her eyes. She realizes this is not just any church.
Laura eventually returns to Kentucky and begins attending Mass with Jason. She becomes increasingly curious about the Eucharist. Why can only Catholics receive it? Why is there so much kneeling and bowing? It’s almost like they’re worshiping it! In RCIA she learns that they are in fact worshiping it, but “it” is actually “Him” — the One by whom we are redeemed, the One by whom the Mass has meaning – Jesus Christ. Laura comes into full Communion with the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil in 2016.
I am Laura. And I fully believe that God sent St. Joseph to lead me to this encounter with Christ, and he continues to guide me even today.
It started with my husband (Jason, the suitor from the story) who came into the Church at St. Joseph Parish in Bowling Green a few years before we met one another.
I, too, came into the Church at the same St. Joseph Parish.
We were married at St. Joseph, our baby was baptized at St. Joseph, and his first name is… you guessed it: Joseph.
St. Joseph has never failed to intercede when we have turned to him for help.
Here’s my favorite part: a year or so after I came into the Church, I told someone my story and realized I had no idea what the name of that parish in San Antonio was. I’m a Millennial, so I Googled it. Mission San José. It was St. Joseph all along.
In this special Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis, I encourage you to look to St. Joseph as your guide. Ask him to lead you to encounter with Jesus. He will take you there.
Laura Rigsby is the digital media specialist for the Office of Communications in the Diocese of Owensboro and with her family belongs to St. Joseph Parish in Bowling Green.
Do you have a St. Joseph story?
Your story could be featured in a future issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic! In honor of the Year of St. Joseph, the WKC is sharing stories of St. Joseph’s impact and intercession on the lives of people all over western Kentucky. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please contact the editor, Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, at [email protected].
Originally printed in the February 2021 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
