By KATE BLAIN
Assistant Editor

Don Albin becomes thoughtful when he talks about converting to Catholicism.

"I guess that's what religion is: a search for something to lead you through your life," he said. "You get into a rut and need something to spark you."

Mr. Albin traveled from Annunciation parish in Ilion on Feb. 17 to sign the Book of the Elect at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. That marked a step in the process of joining the Church, and he hopes the spark of that ceremony will help kindle the fire of a lifelong faith.

Moving faith

A hard-working employee of a convenience-store chain in his hometown, Mr. Albin could be considered an unlikely candidate for conversion. He celebrates his 25th wedding anniversary this year; and he and his wife, Cynthia, are the parents of three grown children and have three grandchildren.

Mr. Albin's father was a Catholic but didn't practice his religion, so Mr. Albin was never baptized. Instead, he was raised in his mother's faith: Christian Science, founded by Mary Baker Eddy. Mr. Albin described it as "dealing with everything through faith" -- including health issues. Christian Scientists may be best known for their reliance on faith over medical intervention.

As an adult, Mr. Albin stopped practicing any religion. He believed in God but didn't go to church, and he saw all religions as the same.

Question for Dad

However, Cynthia is a Catholic, and the couple raised their children in the Church. Mr. Albin recalled their asking why Daddy didn't attend Mass with them, but he didn't feel a pull toward becoming Catholic until much later.

It was only last year that he felt "I just needed something in my life." He found out about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) process at Annunciation parish and decided to join.

Entering the Church

RCIA participants meet weekly to explore their interest in Catholicism, talking about Scripture, Catholic teachings and their own experiences.

From his first meeting, Mr. Albin said, "I was sure about wanting to join the Church. I just feel peacefulness....It fit."

He said he found reassurance, as well: "I've always liked to be kind and try to help other people whenever they needed it." In the RCIA meetings, "you get the understanding that what you're doing is what you're supposed to do."

Baptism

Before the ceremony at the Cathedral, Mr. Albin told The Evangelist that "anticipation is high. I don't know what my reaction will be. It should be something of a relief or a release that you're finally where you need to be."

He is looking forward to his Baptism, which will probably take place in his home parish at Easter.

"I'm experiencing this for the first time," he said of his new role as a Catholic. "I would hope that everybody chooses to enter the church [of] whatever faith you believe in. If you become Catholic like me, that's a good thing."