Posted on 02/28/2011 2:56:13 PM PST by NYer
Convert pulled to Catholic Church through love of violin, friends at Berryville
When Jeff Hendrix was 5 years old, he experienced a moment of “transcendence” while listening to the 19th-century symphonic suite “Scheherazade” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. For the next two years, he begged his parents to let him take up the violin in an attempt to recapture that pivotal experience.
“That really was to me, I think the Holy Spirit’s first entrée in my life into really what beauty and truth and goodness was like,” Hendrix said, sitting in the classroom at St. Charles School in Arlington where he teaches sixth grade. “Music has always been an important part of my life.”
Born in Bremen, Ind., in 1954, the youngest of five brothers and sisters, Hendrix was raised by an evangelical United Brethren pastor — a background that “taught me to love the Lord, to avoid sin, to seek salvation,” he said.
He followed his nearly lifelong attraction to music, planning to graduate from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., with a degree in music. Feeling continuously unfulfilled, however, Hendrix switched tracks and discerned what he thought was a call to ordained ministry in the Protestant church. He earned a master’s in divinity from Duke University in Durham, N.C. — where he met his wife, Mochel — and the two embarked on a life of ministering to the United Methodist community together.
For 20 years they served in the Virginia Annual Conference of the Methodist Church, ministering in communities all over Virginia. But despite his active ministry, he remained unfulfilled — searching for “more meaning, more purpose, something I couldn’t put my finger on.”
In the early 1980s, Hendrix was invited to an ecumenical book study led by two monks at Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville. He developed long-term relationships with several of the monks, and Hendrix began attending regular retreats at the monastery, still searching for complete fulfillment.
“That started to open me up yet to another experience of transcendence that was more specific, especially in a time in my life when I was really searching,” he said. “Even though I will always love the United Methodist Church for what it taught me and what it has done for me, the best answers that I was receiving were coming from the Catholic sector of influences in my life.”
It was in Berryville that he found the closer relationship with Christ for which he had been searching — in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
“It was only really when I was in the chapel there at Holy Cross Abbey that I began to have an extreme awareness of the real presence of Christ in the tabernacle, in the Eucharist,” he said. “I started to really yearn for that.”
Realizing that a conversion to the Catholic Church meant leaving behind two decades of work, the common bond of ministry with his wife and his Protestant roots, Hendrix struggled with his decision. But he retired from his Methodist ministry in the spring of 2001.
Leaving the Methodist Church was not a rejection of that branch of faith that taught him so much, Hendrix said.
“I honor and respect the United Methodist Church,” he said. “But it’s not the fullness of the Faith.”
Months later, with Youth Apostle Father Jack Peterson, who had given Hendrix catechesis lessons, as his sponsor, Hendrix was confirmed at Holy Cross Abbey in June 2001. He now is a parishioner of St. James Parish in Falls Church.
“I feel like everything in my life has been leading me to that decision,” he said. “I am as sure as I can be, in this life, that that’s the best and most grace-filled decision I’ve ever made in my life.”
Hendrix’s journey has since taken another turn — one dictated by the controlling arm of cancer — as he undergoes chemotherapy. He wrote a short book — tentatively called A Little Guide for Your Last Days — that tackles, from the Catholic perspective, answers to the questions “Why am I still here?” and “What do I do with the time I have left?”
Though the answers to those questions have yet to play out in Hendrix’s life, he has found a home at St. Charles where he can be a positive influence on his students.
“I feel incredibly blessed to be eight years now teaching in a Catholic parochial setting where we can talk about what’s really important,” he said.
The strain of “Scheherazade” that pulled him along since an early age led him to what he truly believes to be the fullness of faith.
“I am so happy to be living in the sacramental grace of the Catholic Church now, that I yearned for,” he said.
Though Hendrix played the violin in community orchestras for many years throughout his life, his connection with the instrument doesn’t seem as vital now as it once did. He’s found a more absolute method of finding transcendence. After all, he said, the violin served its purpose. It was a “hook of the Holy Spirit.”
My favorite show. Love it and try to watch each week.
I don't see any proof of throngs of conversions or people throcking to Catholic churches. (Quite the contrary, I've heard of dozens of Catholic churches and organizations going broke.) I DO see hundreds of thousands of Catholics attending Pentecostal or Charismatic churches.
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You might be surprised to find out, FRiend. Many are coming home. I’ve seen evidence of it here, in my corner of nowhere. Please keep two things in mind. The first is that this is not the only country where one finds Catholics. Here, we are the minority. In the rest of the world, that isn’t the case. There are many places where folks are coming home, in addition to the US. The second is that you might have noticed, in some ways, our press is, umm, slightly slanted in it’s overall reporting. Not just about Catholicism, but a few other things. With a bit of research, you may find unexpected news in lots of places, in addition to this sort.
btw, cool name.
You’re missing the point. The converts coming into the Catholic faith know exactly what they are leaving and exactly what they are joining. The Catholics leaving do not know those things.
Welcome home Jeffry and Mochel.
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Anglican Priest Comes Home! [Tim Gahles and his wife Vanessa and family]
The Conversion of Alphonse Ratisbonne
The Journey Home: June 7 - Michael Cumbie - Former Charismatic Episcopal clergyman
Former Colombian model shares conversion story [Amada Rosa Pérez ]
The Leadership of Jesus - SF Master Sergeant Mike Cutone (Conversion Story/Book Review/Interview)
Former Mormon looks forward to baptism at Easter vigil [Melissa Reeves]
From Lesbian Atheist to Stay-at-Home Mother of Six: Quebec Journalist Tells Her Story [Brigitte Bedard]
New Catholics a sign of Easter blessing for church (in Oregon)
Protestant Organist Finds Musical Home in the Catholic Church [Gary Marks]
Record number confirmed in Baltimore, despite recent media attacks on Church
An inspiring story of one man’s journey to becoming Catholic[Jeremy Feldbusch]
Can It Be? (Testimony of a former Jehovah's Witness)
Why I am a Catholic[CAROLYN E. DAVIS ]
Man Who "Died" 5 Times Is Becoming Catholic [Jeremy Feldbusch] (Thousands to Enter Church at Easter)
EWTN - The Journey Home - Monday March 22 - Fr. Donald Calloway
Mystery, Meditation, Media: An Interview with Matt Swaim - (Former Presbyterian)
The Reasons for G.K. Chesterton's Conversion
Fr. John Corapi's Conversion story - March 6 at 10pm on EWTN
Responding to the Pope’s Anglican Invitation (priest relates journey from Pentecostalism) [Father Douglas Grandon ]
In the Breaking of the Bread (conversion story of Tim Drake)
Australia's Traditional Anglicans Vote to Convert to Catholicism
Church of England Bishop Converts to Rome [Bishop Paul Richardson}
From Krishna to Christ: The Conversion Testimony of Father Jay Kythe
Ex-Protestant at home in Byzantine Catholic Church {Father James Barrand]
In Iraq, soldier finds a new faith (Muslim converts to Catholic faith)
Why I Left Anglicanism [Fr. Longenecker]
EWTN - The Journey Home - Oct. 26, 2009 - David Twellman, former United Methodist
Senior Anglican bishop reveals he is ready to convert to Roman Catholicism, Rev John Hind
Book: "You Have Not Chosen Me, But I Have Chosen You..." (23 Surprised Converts)
Newt Gingrich on Catholicism and JPII
Mickey Rourke thanks God and Catholic faith for 'second chance'
Catholic convert and political commentator Robert Novak passes away
Why Newt Gingrich Converted to Catholicism
Reading Into the Church [Deal W. Hudson]
Gnarly: from abuse victim, to prostitute, to surfer, to minister [Mary Setterholm]
Cathedral rector’s priestly journey began with early conversion [ Fr. Bob Clements]
The Great Philosopher Who Became Catholic [Mortimer J. Adler]
The Greater Blessings [David Mills]
EWTN - Journey Home - June 22, 2009 at 8pm - Dr. Jay Budziszewski - former Episcopalian
Cardinal says Catholics humbled by Anglicans' decision to join church
Catholic convert from Oregon coast becomes a priest (former Evangelical)
EWTN - The Journey Home - June 15, 2009 - Marcus interviews a Muslim convert [Talat Strokirk]
(All Saints) Sisters Doing It For Themselves (Anglican House converting en masse)
Journey Home to the Catholic Church: I Have Jumped into the Tiber to Swim Across (UK minister, Fr. Jeffrey Steel )
EWTN - Journey Home - June 8, 2009 at 8pm - Fr. Jay Toborowsky, Jewish convert
EWTN - Monday 8pm - Journey Home - Jerry & Yolanda Cleffi (former Assembly of God)
Exclusive: Newt Gingrich Opens Up on Catholic Conversion and Embracing 'Overt Christianity'
Mom’s Gift From Pope [Heidi Sierras]
The Journey Home - April 27 @ 8pm - Doug Grandon former Episcopal clergyman
EWTN - The Journey Home - April 20 - Msgr. Keith Barltrop, former Baptist
Journey Home - Monday April 6 - Kenneth Howell, Former Presbyterian minister
Newt Gingrich on his conversion to Catholicism
Gingrich Keeps Quiet on Catholic Conversion (received into Church over the past weekend)
Exclusive: Newt Gingrich conversion details; plans release of JP2 documentary
“150,000 new or returning Catholics”
Catholic Church prepares for tens of thousands of U.S. converts
Gingrich to Become Catholic During Easter Season
Faith Journey Leads United Methodist from Pastorate to Catholic Priesthood
From Atheist to Catholic (‘Unshakable’ Rationalist Blogged Her Way Into the Church) [Jennifer Fulwiler]
Former Episcopal bishop discusses his new life as Catholic priest [Father Jeffrey N. Steenson]
The Newt Evangelization: Gingrich to become Catholic
Conservative Episcopal bishop resigned to become Roman Catholic priest (New Mexico) Rev. Jeffrey Steenson
Converted Muslim Tells Story Behind Papal Baptism
EWTN - The Journey Home - December 1 - Dr. Steven C. Smith (former Willow Creek)
Former Socialist senator who converted to Catholicism calls for end to abortion [Mercedes Aroz]
Young New Yorker leaves police force to become priest [Nicholas Fernandez]
Interesting Deathbed Converts
Hollywood screenwriter returns to Cleveland, turns life over to God [Joe Eszterhas]
A Journey in Prayer {Randy Hain} [Ecumenical]
ECUMENIC] Our Conversion Experience (SDA to Catholic) [Brandon and Tara Ogden]
An open letter to Mr. Stephen A. Baldwin, Actor, and “born again” Christian [ Victor R. Claveau, MJ "
Sick person who suffered accident recounts conversion after traveling to Lourdes [Ecumenical] [Antonio Escobedo Garcia]
Welcome Home! Anglo-Catholic Sisters on the Road to Rome [Ecumenical]
Former Anglican Bishop, Catholic Convert, Jeffrey Steenson on Anglocatholicism [Ecumenical]
Jeffrey Steenson: Why I Became Catholic [Address to Anglican Use Conference]
Tony Snow Dead at 53, A Tribute to a Catholic Journalist [Tony Snow - Catholic Convert]
A Sexual Revolution (One woman's journey from pro-choice atheist to pro-life Catholic) [Jennifer Fulwiler]
C of E bishop will defect to Rome
Assyrian bishop explains his journey into communion with the Catholic Church
Virginia Tech tragedy leads bereaved mother on journey back to faith [Marian Hammaren]
Journey Home - EWTN at 8pm - Dr. William Bales, former Presbyterian Minister [Ecumenical]
First the Protestants, Now the Cults: Will We (the Catholic Church) Be Ready? [Open]
Six Million African Muslims Convert to Christianity Each Year [OPEN]
EWTN - The Journey Home - May 19 - Tom Cabeen, former Jehovah's Witness [Ecumenic]
A TRIUMPH AND A TRAGEDY [James Akin]
Alex Jones: the evangelical who became a Catholic deacon
Mary and the Problem of Christian Unity [Kenneth J. Howell, Ph. D.}
How the Saints Helped Lead Me Home [Chris Findley]
Who is Mary of Nazareth? [Kenneth J. Howell, Ph. D.}
A story of conversion at the Lamb of God Shrine
EWTN - Journey Home - 4/7/08 - Rosalind Moss - Former Jew & Evangelical Christian
Our Lady’s Gentle Call to Peace [Joan Tussing]
Coming Out of Sodom (Reversion Experience of Once-Active Homosexual) [Eric Hess]
Our Journey Home [Larry and Joetta Lewis]
Book on Mary turns runaway youngster immersed in drugs and crime into a priest
Dr. Robert C. Koons (former Lutheran) - Journey Home - Monday 3/31 - Conversion Story
The Story of a Convert from Islam – Baptized by the Pope at St. Peter's [Magdi Cristiano Allam]
How Do We Know It’s the True Church? - Twelve Things to Look For [Fr. Dwight Longenecker]
"Have you not read?" The Authority behind Biblical Interpretation [Robert Sungenis]
New Catholics ‘ on fire’ for faith
New faith pulls Hot Springs family together (Baptists join Catholic Church at Easter Vigil) [Danny Morrison and family
SciFi Writer, John C. Wright, Enters Catholic Church at Easter Vigil (conversion story)[John C. Wright]
"What is Truth?" An Examination of Sola Scriptura [Dwight Longenecker’family]
LOGIC AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF PROTESTANTISM [Fr. Brian Harrison]
Pope baptizes prominent Italian Muslim [Magdi Allam]
My Journey of Faith [Marco Fallon]
My (Imminent) Reception into the Roman Catholic Church [Robert Koons]
Thousands in U.S. to Join (Catholic) Church - Many Feel They Have Found a Home
TURN ABOUT (Carl Olson, former Evangelical and Monday's guest on EWTN's Journey Home)
Former Southern Baptist Pastor Now a Traveling Crusader for the Catholic Church [Michael Cumbie]
All Roads Lead To Rome (A Southern Baptist's Journey into the Catholic Church)[John David Young]
Allen Hunt, Methodist Minister ...Journeys Home (Catholic, Re: Real Presence)/a>
The Challenges and Graces of Conversion [Chris Findley]
An Open Letter...from Bishop John Lipscomb [Another TEC Bishop Goes Papist]
Unlocking the Convert's Heart [Marcus Grodi]
His Open Arms Welcomed Me [ Paul Thigpen}
Why I'm Catholic (Sola Scriptura leads atheist to Catholic Church)
From Calvinist to Catholic (another powerful conversion story) Rodney Beason
Good-bye To All That (Another Episcopalian gets ready to swim the Tiber)
Bp. Steenson's Letter to his clergy on his conversion to the Catholic Church
Bishop Steenson’s Statement to the House [of Bishops: Episcopal (TEC) to Catholic]
Bp. Steenson's Letter to his clergy on his conversion to the Catholic Church
Bishop Steenson Will Become a Roman Catholic
Married man considers turn as Catholic priest
Pavarotti returns to the Catholic faith before dying
Searching For Authority (A Methodist minister finds himself surprised by Truth!)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part VI: The Biblical Reality (Al Kresta)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part V: The Catholics and the Pope(Al Kresta)
The Hail Mary of a Protestant (A true story)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part IV: Crucifix and Altar(Al Kresta)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part III: Tradition and Church (Al Kresta)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part II: Doubts (Al Kresta)
Conversion Story - Rusty Tisdale (former Pentecostal)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part I: Darkness(Al Kresta)
Conversion Story - Matt Enloe (former Baptist) [prepare to be amazed!]
THE ORTHODOX REVIVAL IN RUSSIA
Conversion Story - David Finkelstein (former Jew)
Conversion Story - John Weidner (former Evangelical)
Patty Bonds (former Baptist and sister of Dr. James White) to appear on The Journey Home - May 7
Pastor and Flock Become Catholics
Why Converts Choose Catholicism
From Calvinist to Catholic
The journey back - Dr. Beckwith explains his reasons for returning to the Catholic Church
Famous Homosexual Italian Author Returned to the Church Before Dying of AIDS
Dr. Francis Beckwith Returns To Full Communion With The Church
laetare (commentary on ordination of married Anglican convert to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles) Father Bill Lowe
Catholic Converts - Stephen K. Ray (former Evangelical)
Catholic Converts - Malcolm Muggeridge
Catholic Converts - Richard John Neuhaus
Catholic Converts - Avery Cardinal Dulles
Catholic Converts - Israel (Eugenio) Zolli - Chief Rabbi of Rome
Catholic Converts - Robert H. Bork , American Jurist (Catholic Caucus)
Catholic Converts - Marcus Grodi
He Was an Evangelical Christian Until He Read Aquinas [Rob Evans]
The Scott Hahn Conversion Story
FORMER PENTECOSTAL RELATES MIRACLE THAT OCCURRED WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
Interview with Roy Schoeman - A Jewish Convert
Church Is Still Attracting Converts [Jim Anderson]
Our priest shared that at Christmas time he had many, many, many Confessions of people coming back to the Catholic Church.
I am expecting the same here at Easter.
Our little church’s RCIA class (adults coming into full Communion with the Catholic Church) has 25 people in it. Two of them previously unchurched at all.
Now if something like that is happening in every Catholic Church — that’s a lot of people!
Mochel is still a Methodist pastor.
Jeffrey is suffering from cancer. I don’t know if it is terminal.
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