Did the RCIA process go by quickly or slowly for you?

[jamzimm]

As someone coming into the Church in a little under 10 months, the wait seems like forever. I desire so much to be in full communion with the Church and I’m experiencing a lot of pain from the wait. I feel very isolated and lonely despite doing everything I can do as someone who hasn’t yet come into full communion.

I’d like to hear about some of your experiences. Did the time zoom by or did it seem to drudge on? What else can you tell me about your conversion experience?

Thank you so much.

 

[MSSheBear]

It seemed to me to be forever for me to get into the RCIA program. I had to at that time wait until Fall. The first months dragged on but by the time Lent came along my head was reeling about how fast things were going. Lent was busy too. Don’t plan a vacation.

On a sour note my parish appointed sponsor decided that I wasn’t going to make so she didn’t bother to get my phone number. She informed me in the beginning of Lent that she was very surprised to see I was there because I didn’t have the support of a Catholic family. She was surprised I could maintain my faith.

So if I had it to do over again I would have tried to find my own sponsor. From what I have observed with Catholic family members I was better off without a Catholic family.

 

[Brassring]

It will seem to take forever, but toward the end of lent, when you are preparing for first Reconciliation, Baptism (if you need it), and confirmation, you’ll wonder where the time went.

My wife and I spent about ten months in the process, but every single minute was enriching.

If you want a way to pass the time quickly, set yourself a goal of reading the entire Bible (with the deuterocanon) and Catechism before your confirmation. I did that just so my protestant friends and relatives couldn’t say I went in blind. It took some work, but I was able to get through it all in about ten months. I got a pamphlet that had a one year reading plan for the Bible and Catechism, and I tried to read three sections a day (didn’t always make it, but the days I did make it made up for it.)

On the plus side, you’ll see just how appropriate Catholic doctrine is according to scripture, contrary to what a lot of protestants believe.

 

[JoyousCatholic]

went much too quickly for me. i was learning so much and enjoying it!!

 

[magnusbar]

I felt it took the time that was needed. Becoming a Catholic shouldn’t be a process of one week, nor should it last for ever. We need to be prepared when we approach Jesus in the eucharist.

What is good about the 10 month RCIA-process is that you really start to long for communion. And when the day comes, you will never stop appreciating the gift God gives us.

Will be praying for you. Good luck on your journey and welcome home!

 

[Brassring]

Also, we’re rather lucky.

Apparently, in the early Church the process of conversion could take three years, and wasn’t always a sure thing. Penance could be a long and grueling process, sometimes taking several more months to complete. Catechumens and candidates weren’t able to be present when the priest consecrated the host and distributed the Eucharist. They were excused after the creed, and the doors were closed behind them.

 

[PJM]

As someone coming into the Church in a little under 10 months, the wait seems like forever. I desire so much to be in full communion with the Church and I’m experiencing a lot of pain from the wait. I feel very isolated and lonely despite doing everything I can do as someone who hasn’t yet come into full communion.

I’d like to hear about some of your experiences. Did the time zoom by or did it seem to drudge on? What else can you tell me about your conversion experience?

Thank you so much.

Now retired I co-taught RCIA for 3 years

The Early Church period of learning most often extended several years, of daily instruction.

CONSIDER THIS

No place else will you be able to get the FULLNESS of God’s graces, and to actually meet Jesus, our God in Person. That dear friend is worth ANY sacrifice.

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

Lk 14:27 And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Phil 2:8 He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.

Heb 12: 2 “Looking on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, who having joy set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and now sitteth on the right hand of the throne of God.

Mk 8: 34 And calling the multitude together with his disciples, he said to them: If any man will follow me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me

Mt 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mt 5:12 Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.

DEAR FRIEND, LIFE WAS NEVER INTENDED TO BE “EASY”. SUFFERING EXIST AS PART OF “THE GOD TEST” , SO THAT WE MIGHT PROVE OUR LOVE; OUR WORTHINESS TO OUR GOD.

Isa.43:7 “every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” & [21] the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. {freely choose to do so… God’s Life Test}

Also I can promise you that what you learn in RCIA will be the tinniest part of what you need to know as a FULLY Informed and practicing Catholic. After all we are some 2,000 years old in our Traditions and Teachings, so what RCIA does {dare I say it"just"} INTRODUCES .our beautiful Catholic Faith

So keep ME in Mind if you have any unanswered questions [PJM] here on CAF, which may well pop up, and know that I offer a TOTALLY FREE OF ALL COST, E-Mailed course that is a SUPPLEMENT to what RCIA with its time constraints is unable to teach.
with one Lesson sent every week., so that one CAN be a truly Informed and practicing Roman Catholic.

God Bless you AND pray very much for the Holy Spirits help

Patrick {PJM]

 

[Horton]

RCIA takes as long as it needs to. In our society today there seems to be a strong desire for instant gratification. I want what I want and want it now. God doesn’t work that way.

Through the RCIA process you learn virtues such as patience. You learn that our life works on God’s time, not ours. In becoming Catholic you learn to surrender to God’s will.

For me RCIA took the right amount of time. I made life long friends and grew to appreciate the community of the Catholic Church. I also grew stronger in my Faith as the weeks went by. Yes I learned the faith but more than that I grew in my faith. I’m a better Catholic for it.