This interview has been edited for clarity.
Briana Jansky: How are you adjusting to your new role as director of formation and catechesis with the Diocese of Savannah, and how did that come to be?
Paul Albert: A lot of pieces kind of came together, and it’s been cool to see how God has implemented my skills and experiences to adapt them to the role. He’s given me the tools to have a good grasp and understanding of the role, and also stretched and challenged me. The grace of the Lord has become even more abundant as he opens my eyes and heart, and makes use of my natural gifts.
My wife and I were praying, and the Lord placed it on both of our hearts. At first, I didn't see myself working in diocesan life, but things fell into place when the job opened up, and my wife had always had it in her heart that she wanted to live in Georgia.
BJ: Can you talk to me about your reversion to the church, and how it sprang you into your roles in ministry and evangelization?
PA: I attended Catholic school from kindergarten through high school, and my family was heavily involved in the Haitian Catholic Charismatic Renewal. When I was 13 years old, my father had actually joined the Church, which sparked a curiosity within me.
However, I began to think about a lot of theological questions that do not have easy answers. As I got older, the doubt grew. Then I met this priest who actually encouraged me to join RCIA, and he was persistent. I remember at the first meeting being on the edge of my seat with anticipation. He ended up answering a lot of my objections.
BJ: You seem to be put in a position often to work with a lot of youth. During your talk at the Congress, you really emphasized community. In your experience why is that important for youth (or anyone) to understand about the church?
PA: Before I converted, I had lots of friends and we were living a worldly lifestyle. After I converted, I thought to myself, “Something has to change.” I found that as I grew closer to conversion and to the Church, the more alone I ended up. I eventually moved away from where my friends were and stayed with my uncle for a while. He really discipled me and poured into me.
BJ: How has your experience at the National Eucharistic Congress helped prepare you for your new role?
PA: I feel a renewal for revival, that’s for sure. My role in diocesan ministry is to make sure that our priests have enough time to make the sacraments readily available. Right now, our priests wear a lot of hats. So what I want to achieve is to be there for my priests to allow them to stay a bit longer for confession, or celebrate an extra Mass, or have an extra Holy Hour. People need the sacraments, and they need access to Christ.
BJ: What is your hope going forward to see in terms of the fruit of the National Eucharistic Revival and the Congress?
PA: I’ve found that the key to revival is a true emphasis on the Real Presence of the Eucharist. That’s the way, moving forward. The truth is that the Church is hemorrhaging, and we’ve got to contend with that. The Eucharistic Christ is the answer. I think we also need to bring back the preaching style of St. Peter, who’s actually my confirmation saint. He preached and converted three thousand! We need that in a time when the church is hemorrhaging.
Briana Jansky is a freelance writer, author, blogger, and host of the Geeks For Jesus podcast.
