Finally Going To Do It (RCIA)

[GameSetMatch606]

First RCIA class last night went well. As I mentioned before, I met with the priest already one-on-one last Thursday and last night was the first RCIA class. It was just me, another girl my age, and a lady from the church - who I assume is a sponsor. My worry is that she is already a sponsor for the girl. While I know a good amount about the Bible already and some Catholic customs - the other girl doesn’t know anything. I feel like we sort of go back to the basics in the class. I get there about 15 minutes early so the priest and I can talk about Catholic current events and other things. He is surprised I know so much about the faith and I keep telling him I have researched this for 6 years now LOL. Would the lady be able to sponsor us both?

 

[Used2beSherryG]

Welcome to CAF and congratulations on beginning your journeys in learning about our beautiful Catholic faith. I belong to a very small parish where our deacon leads the RCIA classes. Since he has begun treatments for cancer, he asked me to join in the RCIA and become familiar with how he teaches the class and I agreed. So, I am also beginning a new RCIA journey! We have two people who are discerning and neither one has a sponsor in tow at this point. I am so impressed with how our deacon is teaching the class and hope and pray that your instructors are able to explain everything to your satisfaction as you begin your study. I will pray for you and pray, too for sponsors for each of you. Sometimes, between classes, it helps to have someone to discuss what you are learning. Your idea about using this forum is excellent, too as there are lots of good Catholics here who love the faith and take time to explain it. Enjoy the journey, relax and ask for God’s help. We are all cheering for you.

 

[Joe_5859]

First RCIA class last night went well. As I mentioned before, I met with the priest already one-on-one last Thursday and last night was the first RCIA class. It was just me, another girl my age, and a lady from the church - who I assume is a sponsor. My worry is that she is already a sponsor for the girl. While I know a good amount about the Bible already and some Catholic customs - the other girl doesn’t know anything. I feel like we sort of go back to the basics in the class. I get there about 15 minutes early so the priest and I can talk about Catholic current events and other things. He is surprised I know so much about the faith and I keep telling him I have researched this for 6 years now LOL. Would the lady be able to sponsor us both?

Theoretically, one person could be the sponsor for more than one person, but I imagine they would try to avoid that if at all possible. It is helpful to have that one-on-one person you can talk with about your journey. Again, don’t be too concerned that you don’t have a sponsor at this point. In due time, it will happen.

RCIA definitely differs from parish to parish and even from year to year in the same parish. In my RCIA group, we have three candidates who are all closer to where you are at in terms of what they already know, but some years there are those who don’t even know who Noah or Abraham or Moses are. So it can be tricky to bring everyone along together when people are in different places. But it’s good that you are speaking one on one with the priest and of course you are always welcome here on the forum.

 

[PJM]

=GameSetMatch606;12412877]Hi everyone. I have been interested in the Catholic Church ever since attending my first Mass with a college friend six years ago. I am 26, married, and have a four year old daughter. I have attended several masses in various parishes since then but have never had the courage to start RCIA and the process of joining the Church. My wife and I both were raised Protestant. She has been supportive of my journey but doesn’t have a connection like I have felt in the Mass. The imagery, the rituals, the Eucharist, it is all so different, unique, and interesting than what we grew up with and I just enjoy it. I just wish she was a part of the journey with me. I also don’t have any other Catholic members of my family and all the Catholic co-workers I know - don’t really go to church often or anything. Tonight is the first night of RCIA in a local parish and I have gotten the courage to go. I am not the most sociable or outspoken person so hopefully I do alright. I am nervous!

Awesome!

RCIA stands for “Rites of Initiation for Christian Adults” and classes normally begin with Back to School and culminate on Easter Sunday. Glad to hear your in at the start of your parish program.

You’ll do just fine. God, the Holy Spirit is on your side!

God Bless you, pray much:thumbsup:

Patrick {PJM} here on CAF

 

[PJM]

=GameSetMatch606;12412877]Hi everyone. I have been interested in the Catholic Church ever since attending my first Mass with a college friend six years ago. I am 26, married, and have a four year old daughter. I have attended several masses in various parishes since then but have never had the courage to start RCIA and the process of joining the Church. My wife and I both were raised Protestant. She has been supportive of my journey but doesn’t have a connection like I have felt in the Mass. The imagery, the rituals, the Eucharist, it is all so different, unique, and interesting than what we grew up with and I just enjoy it. I just wish she was a part of the journey with me. I also don’t have any other Catholic members of my family and all the Catholic co-workers I know - don’t really go to church often or anything. Tonight is the first night of RCIA in a local parish and I have gotten the courage to go. I am not the most sociable or outspoken person so hopefully I do alright. I am nervous!

I tried to send you a private message but your in-box is full.

You may wish to clean it out?

God Bless you,
Patrick

 

[casslean]

I’m going to jump in on this thread as well. I’ve just started RCIA this year, after almost nine years of attending Mass, on and off, and will be baptized this Easter. I love the classes - we have a wonderful small group of people who are so close and so willing to help and support one another. Although I have attended Mass for some time, it was not until I began this journey that I truly began to feel that I was drawing closer to God.

Also, for both GameSetMatch and RJG, I can sympathize with you. Not only was I not raised in a Catholic home, I was raised in a somewhat “anti-religion” home, so joining the church has been a big move for me. I came in with very little support. In a very short time, however, that has changed. If I have learned anything about the Catholic Church, it is that practically everyone is happy to welcome a new member. I am very shy and did not know anyone in our Church before starting RCIA. The priest teaching the classes found me a sponsor – my sponsor has embraced his role enthusiastically and the congregation has embraced me as a part of the Church community more and more with every passing week. I am sure you will both find people who are happy to join you on your journey.