I'm so nervous

[mariahloves]

So I’m getting baptised, confirmed, and having first communion in a little over a week…and I’m just getting really nervous all of a sudden for some reason. I keep worrying about making a mistake becoming Catholic, I have no idea how I am going to tell my dad that I have become Catholic (extremely long story short: my dad used to be like a Baptist minister, he got some degree in theology or whatever, has the Bible memorized to a ridiculous extent, constantly talked about God, left this Baptist church and went to a non denom, now doesn’t go to church but still preachy, HATES Catholicsm with the traditional worshipping mary/saints/statues, pope is the antichrist, whore of babylon thing, and yeah forunately I don’t live with him…he’s also living in sin with his girlfriend perhaps I could throw that in his face the next time he pulls a “Catholics do ___” on me), I’m not sure my mom is as okay with this as I thought she was although I have been able to steer her in the right direction so to speak, my grandma is converting which is nice because she was hostile about Catholicsm before but I’m almost jealous because I wanted this to be “my thing” I guess, is that weird? I’m also scared now that I become Catholic every temptation is going to be amplified…and I’m concerned about confessing my sins. Terrified is actually a more accurate term to use.

Yes that was an extremely long paragraph but there’s more…I was wondering if you guys can explain to me the jist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil? What should I expect, and how should I dress? What should I be saying and doing? I have not mastered the art of Catholic hand gestures and whatnot so I definetely need help in this department. It would take the edge off if I was more prepared for what is to come, and did any converts here feel really anxious about baptism/confirmation? Or am I just strange

 

[JRKH]

So I’m getting baptised, confirmed, and having first communion in a little over a week…and I’m just getting really nervous all of a sudden for some reason. I keep worrying about making a mistake becoming Catholic, I have no idea how I am going to tell my dad that I have become Catholic (extremely long story short: my dad used to be like a Baptist minister, he got some degree in theology or whatever, has the Bible memorized to a ridiculous extent, constantly talked about God, left this Baptist church and went to a non denom, now doesn’t go to church but still preachy, HATES Catholicsm with the traditional worshipping mary/saints/statues, pope is the antichrist, whore of babylon thing, and yeah forunately I don’t live with him…he’s also living in sin with his girlfriend perhaps I could throw that in his face the next time he pulls a “Catholics do ___” on me), I’m not sure my mom is as okay with this as I thought she was although I have been able to steer her in the right direction so to speak, my grandma is converting which is nice because she was hostile about Catholicsm before but I’m almost jealous because I wanted this to be “my thing” I guess, is that weird? I’m also scared now that I become Catholic every temptation is going to be amplified…and I’m concerned about confessing my sins. Terrified is actually a more accurate term to use.

Yes that was an extremely long paragraph but there’s more…I was wondering if you guys can explain to me the jist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil? What should I expect, and how should I dress? What should I be saying and doing? I have not mastered the art of Catholic hand gestures and whatnot so I definetely need help in this department. It would take the edge off if I was more prepared for what is to come, and did any converts here feel really anxious about baptism/confirmation? Or am I just strange

I’m sure that others will be able to provide many good clear answers.
For myself, as I was reading through your concerns, I thought of a new “bride or groom” who, even though they are completely in Love, will naturally have “jitters” as the big day approaches.
In a very real sense that is what you are right now, A new bride to Christ in His Church. You Love Our Lord and do not want to make any mistakes. Don’t worry. Your Love is forgiving and only smiles on any such missteps as a wrong gesture or what not.

Are you asking about items in general relating to the Tridiuum or things specific to your coming into The Church?

Peace
James

 

[Moscati]

You’re not strange–I know exactly how you feel! I think everyone in our RCIA class is having some jitters, based on yesterday’s class. Someone had told one of the catechumens in passing that baptism via immersion was a “fuller sign”, and he was suddenly, irrationally (he understood the Church teaching, and told us he knew it didn’t make sense) worried that his baptism wasn’t going to be valid.

I too am most nervous about confession, even though Fr. has done his very best to assure us that its not something to be scared of. I’ve made a list, so I can just read off what I need to say, and I’m also going to bring my book with the Act of Contrition, so I won’t have to be worried about trying to remember anything. I’m sure we’ll feel better afterwards.

Is your class doing a rehearsal? We’re having one next Tuesday, so we’ll know ahead of time exactly what’s going to happen and what we need to do during the Vigil. I would ask your RCIA team to go over it with you.

We went over the Triduum in class yesterday–all the really amazing and different things we’ll be doing as part of the liturgy–veneration of the Cross, feet washing, etc. I’m excited! You can just go with the flow for all of this though, as a part of the congregation.

 

[SemperJase]

my grandma is converting which is nice because she was hostile about Catholicsm before but I’m almost jealous because I wanted this to be “my thing” I guess, is that weird?
…
I was wondering if you guys can explain to me the jist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil? What should I expect, and how should I dress? What should I be saying and doing? I have not mastered the art of Catholic hand gestures and whatnot so I definetely need help in this department. It would take the edge off if I was more prepared for what is to come, and did any converts here feel really anxious about baptism/confirmation? Or am I just strange

Wow. So I take it that your parents are divorced and that you live with your mother - under 18? Curious to know if you had actively attended a baptist or non-denominational church prior to becoming Catholic.

Anyway, regarding your grandmother, sometimes when we are on a journey that we expect to go through alone, we can get used to the idea. It can be unexpected to have company and that requires a change in perspective. God doesn’t want you to do this alone. Please recognize this as a blessing. One thing I have become more acutely aware of lately is the different emphasis the Catholic Church has on how we approach God (I’m a convert from a non-denominational church too. This is my 5th anniversary as a Catholic). As Catholics, we worship as community whereas evangelicals focus more on the “God and me” aspect of their faith. Your grandmother’s decision helps establish that community within your family.

Looking forward to Holy Week, Holy Thursday is the day of the Last Supper when Jesus first instituted the Eucharist. It is the last day that the Eucharist is offered until the Easter Vigil.

Good Friday is the day of our Lord’s death by crucifixion. It is a day of fasting.

The Easter Vigil will be the first celebration of Easter, our Lord’s Resurrection. Dress nicely. Pastels are appropriate, blouse and skirt or a dress. You might want layers if it is still cold in your area - some services will start with Catechumens in the parking lot processing in.

Don’t worry about the hand gestures. I was a sponsor last year for a good friend. He had no idea what was going to happen during the vigil. I led him through it. Your sponsor or someone will be there to guide you. Don’t worry, you can’t mess it up.

Just be prepared, the Easter Vigil is a looooooooong service. Figure a good 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

One clarification, Moscati mentions confession. Those who are getting baptized during the Easter Vigil will not need to go to confession before the mass. This is because sins are forgiven through baptism. Only “candidates” who have previously been baptized and will receive only first communion and/or confirmation will need to go to confession prior to the vigil so that they may be in a forgiven state prior to receiving the Eucharist.

 

[japhy]

I keep worrying about making a mistake becoming Catholic, I have no idea how I am going to tell my dad … I’m not sure my mom is as okay with this as I thought she was … my grandma is converting which is nice … but I’m almost jealous because I wanted this to be “my thing” I guess, is that weird?

Come up for air!

First, about your mom and dad: It is not a sin against the fourth commandment (to honor your father and mother) if you enter the Church against their wishes. Obedience to God’s righteous will trumps obedience to the misguided will of a parent who does not understand what the Catholic Church truly is. Don’t pass up God for mere man. If your parents don’t understand, try to explain to them… get the help of a priest or a knowledgeable apologist if necessary.

Second, about your grandma: Read Luke 15, especially the parable of the Prodigal Son. Notice the attitude of the elder son, the one who never left his father. He is grumpy and rude because his younger brother, who was irresponsible and reckless, has returned and their father is celebrating his return. Someone repenting, or entering the Church, is a cause for great joy and celebration, never for hard feelings. Your entrance into the Church is not a “private” affair, although it is very personal for you of course. But jealousy is the wrong reaction (as I’m sure you know). Plus… your grandma might now be a very important ally for you as you deal with your family’s reaction!

I’m also scared now that I become Catholic every temptation is going to be amplified… and I’m [terrified] about confessing my sins.

That is precisely how Satan wants you to feel about confessing your sins. He doesn’t want you to be terrified about committing them, nor does he want you to feel terrified when you think of them, but he wants you to be absolutely petrified about confessing them and receiving absolution from the Church and forgiveness from Almighty God. See, Satan works by fear and coercion, like a Mafia don. “Fear of the Lord” is a different kind of “fear” (awe, wonder, acknowledgment, etc.) from the fear which Satan stirs up in us.

All you need to remember are the words of angels – to Zechariah, to Mary, to the shepherds, and to the women who came to the tomb of our Lord – they are even words which came from the mouth of our Lord Himself: “Be not afraid!”

he’s also living in sin with his girlfriend perhaps I could throw that in his face…

Don’t, please. Sin is not a bargaining chip. You should pray for your father and his girlfriend, and you should respectfully challenge him to repent and reform his life, but do not attempt to excuse the sinful behavior of some Catholics by the sinful behavior of your once-Baptist-preacher father. God doesn’t accept that sort of logic; if He did, He would not have sent His Son to die for all our sins.

I was wondering if you guys can explain to me the jist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil?

In another post. I need breakfast!

 

[GEddie]

Yes that was an extremely long paragraph but there’s more…I was wondering if you guys can explain to me the jist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil? What should I expect, and how should I dress? What should I be saying and doing?

Holy Thursday is the anniversary of the Last Supper (1st Eucharist) and our LORD’s last full day humanly alive. There is usually one Mass said, in the evening, which is combined with reenactment of Washing of the Feet (some guys are chosen for Father to wash their feet, the way our LORD did for Saint Peter et al in the Cenaculum). This is the last mass before the Easter Vigil.

Good Friday is the anniversary of HIS death. No Masses are said this day (the one day of the year that this is universally the case) and the Host is removed from the tabernacle, representing our LORD being out of life. There are various prayer services and Confessions are said on this day.

The Easter Vigil takes place at sundown on Holy Saturday. It is the beginning of Easter, since, as in Judaism, the liturgical day begins not at midnight as in the civil sphere but the preceding sundown. It begins with the blessing of the fire, which is used to light the Paschal candle (about 50 cm long and embossed with the year; it is made from the Paschal candles of the preceding two years). Everybody processing into the darkened church by candlelight, and the light coming on, represents the Resurrection.

Easter Vigil is a long ceremony, having twice as many readings as a ordinary Mass, and also the baptismal and Confirmational groups. But certainly resurrection from death merits a couple hours of celebration!!!

Dress? Well, that’s up to you and depends on where you live and worship. If your initiatory sacraments are at the Easter Vigil, you would want to be somewhat dressed up.
The other two days are not particularly dressy AIUI.

There isn’t much for nonpriests to “say or do” on these occasions. Just be there physically and open your being to HIM.

ICXC NIKA

 

[GEddie]

I’m also scared now that I become Catholic every temptation is going to be amplified…and I’m concerned about confessing my sins. Terrified is actually a more accurate term to use.

Don’t be. What can Father do to you? Anthing you’ve sinned will come out when you awaken from death anyhow; and by going to Confession you clear your name for that day.

ICXC NIKA

 

[GEddie]

HATES Catholicsm with the traditional worshipping mary/saints/statues, pope is the antichrist, whore of babylon thing, and yeah forunately I don’t live with him…he’s also living in sin with his girlfriend perhaps I could throw that in his face the next time he pulls a “Catholics do ___” on me

I wouldn’t do that, because that would equate something that is a sin, with something that is only misunderstood. ICXC NIKA

 

[puzzleannie]

So I’m getting baptised, confirmed, and having first communion in a little over a week…and I’m just getting really nervous all of a sudden for some reason. I keep worrying about making a mistake becoming Catholic, I have no idea how I am going to tell my dad that I have become Catholic *(extremely *
*. . . . . *

Yes that was an extremely long paragraph but there’s more…I was wondering if you guys can explain to me the jist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil? What should I expect, and how should I dress? What should I be saying and doing? I have not mastered the art of Catholic hand gestures and whatnot so I definetely need help in this department. It would take the edge off if I was more prepared for what is to come, and did any converts here feel really anxious about baptism/confirmation? Or am I just strange

almost all converts feel nervous at this time. Part of it is natural, like pre-wedding jitters, almost all experience on some level the reality that the enemy fights to prevent these souls from seeking union with Christ and His Church, and that the fight intensifies the closer we get to Easter.

that is precisely why the Church in her wisdom offers the prayers and rites of Lent, especially the scrutinies and minor exorcisms. We are not making people jump through hoops, we are offering the help they need at this last stage, which is not called purification and enlightenment because it sounds good. This is also the period of most intense spiritual growth withing, and when you think purification, think of the deep cleaning you do once every 10 years, or when you move, deep down, throwing things away, scrubbing using strong cleansers, returning things to a pristine state.

You must, must, must bring these questions to your catechist, director, or the priest. That is why we are here and what we expect.

I can tell you in general I can’t tell you the plan and logistics in your own parish. Please! call and ask your questions of them. Also talk to your sponsor specifically about help in dealing with your family. That is one reason you have a sponsor. That also would be a good question in your group sharing time, because others probably have the same concern, and many of them have already gone through this.

What is your final preparation?
continue prayer and fasting, most especially pray with the Creed and the Our Father, the premier prayers of the Elect, which you should have been given, and will give back during the rites on Holy Saturday. Attend all the Holy Week liturgies, the instruction this period comes primarily from the scripture readings of this week, focusing on the Passion.

Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord’s Supper when Christ gave us the ordained priesthood and the Eucharist. The Lenten Fast ends before this Mass begins. This is now one liturgical celebration extending from this evening throughout the Triduum, the next 3 days and culminating in the Easter Vigil and other Masses of Easter.

Good Friday - used to be called Mass of the Catechumens or Mass of the pre-Sanctified–that is you, it is for you primarily, and the rest of us are invited to commemorate the Lord’s Passion and suffering and sacrifice for our sakes. the service will be sometime during the afternoon, ask.

The fast today and tomorrow is one of anticipation, they way we fast because we are going to a big party where there is going to be a delicious buffet–or the way an athlete or warrior fasts in preparation for a fight that is going to be tough, so his strength is saved for his muscles and brain, not diverted to digestion. Eat enough for strength but still fast from treat foods.

You are in pray and silence as much as you can manage this week. Limit travel, shopping, no parties (this might require some negotiation around the family I realize). get a good night’s sleep

Holy Saturday you will have your retreat in the morning, or probably at least meet for some kind of walk through or preparation for the Vigil, and there are special prayers, blessings and readings to guide your meditation and spiritual preparation. Rest, Rest, Rest. Eat a light supper, you don’t want to be queasy. Report to the gathering place as told, and you should already have been told what to wear and what to bring. If not, ask, ask, ask.

Come with an attitude of hopeful anticipation and prepare your heart for joy beyond imagining.

Welcome HOme!

ooooooh! I love my job

oh and you can let go of the terror of sin right now, they will all be wiped away at Baptism as if they never happened. and you have the security of knowing, should you ever fall into sin again, that the battle has been fought and won for you, and you need merely confess–a sacrament where you meet Christ himself, a source of mercy not terror.

 

[Bookcat]

So I’m getting baptised, confirmed, and having first communion in a little over a week…and I’m just getting really nervous all of a sudden for some reason. I keep worrying about making a mistake becoming Catholic, I have no idea how I am going to tell my dad that I have become Catholic (extremely long story short: my dad used to be like a Baptist minister, he got some degree in theology or whatever, has the Bible memorized to a ridiculous extent, constantly talked about God, left this Baptist church and went to a non denom, now doesn’t go to church but still preachy, HATES Catholicsm with the traditional worshipping mary/saints/statues, pope is the antichrist, whore of babylon thing, and yeah forunately I don’t live with him…he’s also living in sin with his girlfriend perhaps I could throw that in his face the next time he pulls a “Catholics do ___” on me), I’m not sure my mom is as okay with this as I thought she was although I have been able to steer her in the right direction so to speak, my grandma is converting which is nice because she was hostile about Catholicsm before but I’m almost jealous because I wanted this to be “my thing” I guess, is that weird? I’m also scared now that I become Catholic every temptation is going to be amplified…and I’m concerned about confessing my sins. Terrified is actually a more accurate term to use.

Yes that was an extremely long paragraph but there’s more…I was wondering if you guys can explain to me the jist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil? What should I expect, and how should I dress? What should I be saying and doing? I have not mastered the art of Catholic hand gestures and whatnot so I definetely need help in this department. It would take the edge off if I was more prepared for what is to come, and did any converts here feel really anxious about baptism/confirmation? Or am I just strange

Do not be afraid…as one who entered into full communion with the Catholic Church at age 18 …I can say you are doing the right thing! For it is following Jesus Christ!

This is part of the “take up your cross and follow me” the “unless you hate your father…and mother…you can not be my disciple”

(understanding of course that he is using a semitic way of speaking here…one must prefer him and follow him even when others are against it etc) and see Luke 12:52…

Love them and respect them…but keep following Christ in full communion with his Church…

it may be a ‘kind of martyrdom’ for you…baptism is being conformed to the death of Christ …and rising to new life!

Jesus is our hope our joy!

and such anxiety can be quite normal…even Jesus experienced anxiety in the garden…

By the way…it can be too that the devil tries to tempt you right before…just stand fast and look to Christ! One great convert was very tempted in the days before baptism …but once he was baptized…I recall the temptations fell away (but be aware they can come again later and purify ones faith and love more…but that is just part of the Christian life…and well even human life…)

In the words of Jesus…do not fear only believe.

Hold fast to Jesus Christ!

 

[Bookcat]

mariahloves

read these

Holy Triduum per se

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20060412_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20070404_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20090408_en.html

Holy Thursday…

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20060413_coena-domini_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20070405_messa-crismale_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20070405_coena-domini_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20090409_coena-domini_en.html

Good Friday Way of the Cross

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2008/march/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20080321_via-crucis-colosseo_en.html

Easter Vigil

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20060415_veglia-pasquale_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20070407_veglia-pasquale_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20080322_veglia-pasquale_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20090411_veglia-pasquale_en.html

 

[karennascargo3]

Boy can I relate! Although I am already baptized, I will also be Confirmed and receive my First Communion at the Easter Vigil, along with my husband and teenage son (who will be baptized). It’s been a long and extraordinary journey – especially in dealing with well meaning relatives who don’t ‘get it’ and think we’ve flipped a lid and are joining a cult or something.

Here’s how I have resolved the situation. As difficult as it is and no matter what the cost, we are all responsible for our relationship with God. Each of us have to find our path and following it, even if it means broken relationships with those we love and enduring their disapproval or disappointment in you. Remember that no matter what you are faced to endure, is less than the blink of an eye compared to the time you will spend in eternity with our Lord.

I just took a deep breath and have told my whole family and friends. Most have not been very supportive at all, which hurts greatly and puts our relationship as walking on egg shells. That probably will never change. But one thing I did make clear is that this is something I will NOT argue about nor debate. If they want to understand my reasons, I’ll be more than happy to share how and why I made this choice; but outside of that, they’re to leave it alone. If you do that right from the start, you don’t have to constantly keep going back over it with them.

Plus, you also have to give them the grace to have some time to digest all of this and get use to it. It tends to throw them for a loop big time and they need acclimated, especially when Catholicism ‘appears’ so contrary to many other Christian faiths. You need to work at showing them we agree on so many points, rather than allowing them to focus in on the differences.

You might also want to speak to your priest, or at least to your sponsor. It helps to get perspective and encouragement. It builds up the courage to ‘come out of the closet’ which has to happen at some point or another…LOL. Plus you might end up surprised. I was soooo sure my married daughter would give us the worst time; however, even though she doesn’t agree with our choice, she’s been remarkably supportive in respecting our decision. I will tell you that I did a couple of Novenas before breaking the news to everyone. I am totally convinced God softened a few hearts before the big announcement.

About your Grandma. I can understand this being ‘your moment’; but it’s important to remember that isn’t true of any of us in any congregation – even if you’re the only one getting baptized, confirmed or having your First Communion. It is a time that the entire congregation renews their baptism, confirmation and first communion - just as if it were their first. It’s wonderful for those of us who are coming in to the Catholic faith and special, but it is just as special and sacred to everyone. You see, there is no ‘us’ or ‘them’. We’re all Catechumens on that day! That’s the way my sponsor explained it to me anyway.

With all of that said, I’m still quite nervous about the ‘mechanics’ of it all and that I’ll look like an idiot by not saying or doing the correct things. I’m also in a motorized wheelchair and frequently have seizures. I’m a nervous wreck about manovering around without inadvertantly running into and knocking Father to the ground or wiping out the alter table! LOL! But then again, at our RICA class this week, it seems everyone else is nervous too. Humm, but maybe that’s because they’re worried I’ll knock them over too…LOL!.

 

[SonofMonica]

mariahloves –

I am entering the Church with you this Easter Vigil. Is it normal to be nervous and have reservations? Only if what you’re doing is important! Together, let’s remember one thing as we go into this Holy Week:

GOD LOVES US!

He loves us even more than our own parents love us, and there is nothing we can do (or do incorrectly) to make him stop loving us. I’m joining my prayers with you as we enter this exciting yet fearful time. God bless.

 

[japhy]

I was wondering if you guys can explain to me the jist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil? What should I expect, and how should I dress? What should I be saying and doing? I have not mastered the art of Catholic hand gestures…

Ah, this is my forte! (See my signature…)

First, you should dress decently for Mass all the time, but the Paschal Triduum (from the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday through to Easter Sunday) is the holiest time of the year, and so you should dress more formally than usual.

On Holy Thursday, we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood. The Mass is not very different until after Holy Communion, when the priest will process around the church with the Eucharist, while the congregation kneels (and preferably sings a Eucharistic hymn, such as “Pange Lingua” (“Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory…”)). Just follow the lead of the rest of the parishioners.

On Good Friday, there is no Mass; rather, there is a service of the Lord’s Passion consisting of 1) a Liturgy of the Word followed by solemn intercessions, 2) veneration of the cross/crucifix, and 3) reception of Holy Communion (which was consecrated at Mass on Holy Thursday).

On Holy Saturday, there is virtually nothing going on until the Easter Vigil Mass after sunset. This liturgy has four parts: 1) the Lucernarium (“Office [Service] of Light”), with the blessing of a fire and the preparation and lighting of the Paschal Candle, followed by the singing of the Exsultet (an absolutely beautiful hymn), 2) the Liturgy of the Word (with 9 readings, taking you through salvation history, from Creation to the Resurrection), 3) the sacraments of initiation, namely Baptism and Confirmation, and 4) the Liturgy of the Eucharist, when you will, for the very first time, receive Jesus Christ sacramentally, in His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, the Most Blessed Sacrament, Holy Communion!

The priest will guide you through the liturgies when you are to say to do something special. Be at peace!

 

[Justin_Mee]

Ah, this is my forte! (See my signature…)

First, you should dress decently for Mass all the time, but the Paschal Triduum (from the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday through to Easter Sunday) is the holiest time of the year, and so you should dress more formally than usual.

On Holy Thursday, we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood. The Mass is not very different until after Holy Communion, when the priest will process around the church with the Eucharist, while the congregation kneels (and preferably sings a Eucharistic hymn, such as “Pange Lingua” (“Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory…”)). Just follow the lead of the rest of the parishioners.

On Good Friday, there is no Mass; rather, there is a service of the Lord’s Passion consisting of 1) a Liturgy of the Word followed by solemn intercessions, 2) veneration of the cross/crucifix, and 3) reception of Holy Communion (which was consecrated at Mass on Holy Thursday).

On Holy Saturday, there is virtually nothing going on until the Easter Vigil Mass after sunset. This liturgy has four parts: 1) the Lucernarium (“Office [Service] of Light”), with the blessing of a fire and the preparation and lighting of the Paschal Candle, followed by the singing of the Exsultet (an absolutely beautiful hymn), 2) the Liturgy of the Word (with 9 readings, taking you through salvation history, from Creation to the Resurrection), 3) the sacraments of initiation, namely Baptism and Confirmation, and 4) the Liturgy of the Eucharist, when you will, for the very first time, receive Jesus Christ sacramentally, in His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, the Most Blessed Sacrament, Holy Communion!

The priest will guide you through the liturgies when you are to say to do something special. Be at peace!

Thanks. This answered a question that I had also. I was worried that the Priest was going to say, “now turn around and recite the Nicene Creed to the congregation.”

 

[puzzleannie]

Thanks. This answered a question that I had also. I was worried that the Priest was going to say, “now turn around and recite the Nicene Creed to the congregation.”

no, there is no test. during the profession of faith he asks the questions, do you believe those elements, you respond yes or I do or I believe.

please, please, please ask these questions NOW of your RCIA team

 

[Justin_Mee]

no, there is no test. during the profession of faith he asks the questions, do you believe those elements, you respond yes or I do or I believe.

please, please, please ask these questions NOW of your RCIA team

I have and he is not sure. My RCIA class consists of…me. Small parish.

 

[mariahloves]

Wow. So I take it that your parents are divorced and that you live with your mother - under 18? Curious to know if you had actively attended a baptist or non-denominational church prior to becoming Catholic.

Yes, mom and dad are seperated and I live with my mom, which is good because she’s much more tolerant than him. I attended my dad’s Baptist church occasionally when I was 8-10 years old but I didn’t really attend church of my own accord until recently at my grandma’s SDA church.

Anyway, regarding your grandmother, sometimes when we are on a journey that we expect to go through alone, we can get used to the idea. It can be unexpected to have company and that requires a change in perspective. God doesn’t want you to do this alone. Please recognize this as a blessing. One thing I have become more acutely aware of lately is the different emphasis the Catholic Church has on how we approach God (I’m a convert from a non-denominational church too. This is my 5th anniversary as a Catholic). As Catholics, we worship as community whereas evangelicals focus more on the “God and me” aspect of their faith. Your grandmother’s decision helps establish that community within your family.

I know I should be looking at this as a blessing, I do in some ways I just have this feeling of “but I wanted to be Catholic first” that I need to get over, but you’re right the CC has a larger focus on the community of believers and the more the merrier.

Good Friday is the day of our Lord’s death by crucifixion. It is a day of fasting.

Completely abstaining from food or is it one where you just eat very little?

One clarification, Moscati mentions confession. Those who are getting baptized during the Easter Vigil will not need to go to confession before the mass. This is because sins are forgiven through baptism. Only “candidates” who have previously been baptized and will receive only first communion and/or confirmation will need to go to confession prior to the vigil so that they may be in a forgiven state prior to receiving the Eucharist.

Yes I knew that but eventually I will have to confess and thats what scares me, but thank God I don’t have to confess now because I have no idea how much time that would take lol

 

[mariahloves]

Is your class doing a rehearsal? We’re having one next Tuesday, so we’ll know ahead of time exactly what’s going to happen and what we need to do during the Vigil. I would ask your RCIA team to go over it with you.

I think we’ll be having a rehearsal for the Easter Vigil next Tuesday as well but I’m not sure.

Come up for air!

First, about your mom and dad: It is not a sin against the fourth commandment (to honor your father and mother) if you enter the Church against their wishes. Obedience to God’s righteous will trumps obedience to the misguided will of a parent who does not understand what the Catholic Church truly is. Don’t pass up God for mere man. If your parents don’t understand, try to explain to them… get the help of a priest or a knowledgeable apologist if necessary.

I know but although my dad and I do not live together I have an unusually close relationship with him considering the circumstances of rarely seeing him, it’s just unfortunate that I can’t be forthcoming with him and I doubt I’ll ever have to lie because who randomly asks “did you become Catholic?” but it still feels like deceit to me. I’d never not be a Catholic because of other people’s opinions but it’s an added battle I wish I didn’t have to fight.

Your entrance into the Church is not a “private” affair, although it is very personal for you of course. But jealousy is the wrong reaction (as I’m sure you know). Plus… your grandma might now be a very important ally for you as you deal with your family’s reaction!

That is so true, thank you. I’m getting over it I guess I just wanted it to be “my thing” but now it’s not, but it’s such a good thing.

That is precisely how Satan wants you to feel about confessing your sins. He doesn’t want you to be terrified about committing them, nor does he want you to feel terrified when you think of them, but he wants you to be absolutely petrified about confessing them and receiving absolution from the Church and forgiveness from Almighty God.

That makes sense. I guess I just have to really take responsibility for my sins and I’m not excited about that

Don’t, please. Sin is not a bargaining chip. You should pray for your father and his girlfriend, and you should respectfully challenge him to repent and reform his life, but do not attempt to excuse the sinful behavior of some Catholics by the sinful behavior of your once-Baptist-preacher father. God doesn’t accept that sort of logic; if He did, He would not have sent His Son to die for all our sins.

Oh yeah I was only half joking when I said that…but the thought is always in the back of my mind, how can he throw stones at me when he’s a sinner himself? It’s just annoying/frusurating especially when he’s SO hostile about the CC.

 

[mariahloves]

Holy Thursday is the anniversary of the Last Supper (1st Eucharist) and our LORD’s last full day humanly alive. There is usually one Mass said, in the evening, which is combined with reenactment of Washing of the Feet (some guys are chosen for Father to wash their feet, the way our LORD did for Saint Peter et al in the Cenaculum). This is the last mass before the Easter Vigil.

Good Friday is the anniversary of HIS death. No Masses are said this day (the one day of the year that this is universally the case) and the Host is removed from the tabernacle, representing our LORD being out of life. There are various prayer services and Confessions are said on this day.

The Easter Vigil takes place at sundown on Holy Saturday. It is the beginning of Easter, since, as in Judaism, the liturgical day begins not at midnight as in the civil sphere but the preceding sundown. It begins with the blessing of the fire, which is used to light the Paschal candle (about 50 cm long and embossed with the year; it is made from the Paschal candles of the preceding two years). Everybody processing into the darkened church by candlelight, and the light coming on, represents the Resurrection.

Easter Vigil is a long ceremony, having twice as many readings as a ordinary Mass, and also the baptismal and Confirmational groups. But certainly resurrection from death merits a couple hours of celebration!!!

Dress? Well, that’s up to you and depends on where you live and worship. If your initiatory sacraments are at the Easter Vigil, you would want to be somewhat dressed up.
The other two days are not particularly dressy AIUI.

There isn’t much for nonpriests to “say or do” on these occasions. Just be there physically and open your being to HIM.

ICXC NIKA

Thank you very much for explaining this to me.

that is precisely why the Church in her wisdom offers the prayers and rites of Lent, especially the scrutinies and minor exorcisms. We are not making people jump through hoops, we are offering the help they need at this last stage, which is not called purification and enlightenment because it sounds good.

I really like this, that we have the scrutinies and everything and of course RCIA is absolutely wonderful and like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

You must, must, must bring these questions to your catechist, director, or the priest. That is why we are here and what we expect.

I would like to talk to the priest he’s really cool and nice but the parish is a large one and I don’t want to tie up his time because I’m sure he has more pressing issues to address but I’ll try to talk to my sponser and catechist about any extra questions

What is your final preparation?
continue prayer and fasting, most especially pray with the Creed and the Our Father, the premier prayers of the Elect, which you should have been given, and will give back during the rites on Holy Saturday. Attend all the Holy Week liturgies, the instruction this period comes primarily from the scripture readings of this week, focusing on the Passion.

Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord’s Supper when Christ gave us the ordained priesthood and the Eucharist. The Lenten Fast ends before this Mass begins. This is now one liturgical celebration extending from this evening throughout the Triduum, the next 3 days and culminating in the Easter Vigil and other Masses of Easter.

Good Friday - used to be called Mass of the Catechumens or Mass of the pre-Sanctified–that is you, it is for you primarily, and the rest of us are invited to commemorate the Lord’s Passion and suffering and sacrifice for our sakes. the service will be sometime during the afternoon, ask.

The fast today and tomorrow is one of anticipation, they way we fast because we are going to a big party where there is going to be a delicious buffet–or the way an athlete or warrior fasts in preparation for a fight that is going to be tough, so his strength is saved for his muscles and brain, not diverted to digestion. Eat enough for strength but still fast from treat foods.

You are in pray and silence as much as you can manage this week. Limit travel, shopping, no parties (this might require some negotiation around the family I realize). get a good night’s sleep

Holy Saturday you will have your retreat in the morning, or probably at least meet for some kind of walk through or preparation for the Vigil, and there are special prayers, blessings and readings to guide your meditation and spiritual preparation. Rest, Rest, Rest. Eat a light supper, you don’t want to be queasy. Report to the gathering place as told, and you should already have been told what to wear and what to bring. If not, ask, ask, ask.

Come with an attitude of hopeful anticipation and prepare your heart for joy beyond imagining.

Welcome HOme!

ooooooh! I love my job

oh and you can let go of the terror of sin right now, they will all be wiped away at Baptism as if they never happened. and you have the security of knowing, should you ever fall into sin again, that the battle has been fought and won for you, and you need merely confess–a sacrament where you meet Christ himself, a source of mercy not terror.
Thank you very much for all of the advice it’s very helpful I’ll definetely do what you said