Just been Recieved after RCIA. My Priest has asked me to choose a Ministry to fulfil?

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This is a way of helping you connect with the parish. You’ve just had an intense experience with a lot of support. Now you’re being dropped into the deep end of the pool and it can be hard to get your footing.

One thing we have people do is to explore different groups and ministries in the parish. Talk to the people who work with St. Vincent de Paul or the ones who bring communion to the sick. How much time and preparation are needed? What do the participants get from it?

Or maybe there’s a need that isn’t currently being met and you would be just the person to do it. Keep an open mind and heart.
 
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I’m also well aware of the difficulties of shift work. Most ministries want you to dedicate a specific time each week, and that can be a major issue for people without a consistent work schedule.

@Ncharm , how much of an issue is work schedule for you?
 
So much fantastic advice here it’s all so helpful. I may offer to be a server during Holy Communion firstly, to gain a deeper experience of the Mass and to help integrate and connect with other members of the Parish. I think there might be something else out there for me , but I need time for it to become clear and yes I will pray about this and be honest with my Priest. Thank you all
 
We RCIA folks are supposed to encourage new Catholics to get involved in that first year. The first year can be very difficult and if you are connected to the parish it can help.

What about simply joining the Men’s Fellowship or the Knights or the Catholic Daughters or a Bible Study or Prayer group? Maybe volunteer to help clean the Church once a month.
 
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I feel that this was out of place, if this was a requirement.
What the opening poster said in his own response to this shows why saying this would have been out of place.
 
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My work schedule is a massive problem. Retail store open 7 days a week from early until late. Different shifts and days off every week. It’s a miracle I was able to get through RCIA and attend the essential Rites along the way. The Priest was very patient and understanding in this regard.
 
As part of our RCIA team, I am on mailing list for those just coming into the Church.

Today, I received an email inviting me (everyone receiving this email) to attend a bonfire, to participate in a book club/study and to join the parish at our annual picnic.

The RCIA leader also invited people to sit with her at Mass.

All of that just to encourage our new members. We don’t want them to feel lost or dropped, after coming into the Church.
 
Your priest is just trying to welcome you to the parish and help you build roots in the community.

He won’t take it personally if you have limited time to commit outside of mass, but it maybe beneficial to visit a handful of ministries to see what’s out there.
 
Ncharm said:
I may offer to be a server during Holy Communion firstly, to gain a deeper experience of the Mass and to help integrate and connect with other members of the Parish. I think there might be something else out there for me , but I need time for it to become clear and yes I will pray about this and be honest with my Priest. Thank you all
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It seems that with your heavy workload, your dedication to becoming Catholic is a shining example of God’s grace and of your faith and faithfulness.
And already, listening to everyone’s thoughtful posts, you have found focus towards a valuable, and achievable Sunday Mass ministry.

Welcome to the blessings of the Catholic Church…
 
Please not in any way to take away from the rest of the great posts, it’s a common thing too that some Priests and nuns can be pushy and encroach on peoples boundaries unthinkingly. My uncle is one of these and people tend to dodge him. He doesn’t have a good concept of how difficult family life is for people. The solution. Know your capabilities and don’t be afraid to state boundaries.

This may not at all be the case for your Priest at all though.
 
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After RCIA, the neophytes enter the time we call mystagogy. This is a time for deeper understanding of our faith and becoming part of our community. I, too, felt the same as you and wanted time to just “be.” I started with a Bible study which was amazing. I soon realized that I had to put my enthusiasm for my new faith into a ministry. I prayed about it and God did lead me to several areas of ministry. It’s a great way to get to know other parishioners, too.
 
Emeraldlady said:
Please not in any way to take away from the rest of the great posts, it’s a common thing too that some Priests and nuns can be pushy and encroach on peoples boundaries unthinkingly. My uncle is one of these and people tend to dodge him. He doesn’t have a good concept of how difficult family life is for people. The solution. Know your capabilities and don’t be afraid to state boundaries.

This may not at all be the case for your Priest at all though.
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Even very good people tend in my experience to have some difficulty with the life of shift work, if they or a family member have not experienced it personally. It’s just not the sort of thing that occurs to most people to think about.
 
Pray for God’s guidance and follow His plan. God has work for all of us to do. And you minister to others wherever you are. God bless you.
 
There are flexible schedule ministries… website content management, food packaging for outreach programs… I’m sure there are others.
 
This is a common practice in parishes. After being received into the church or registering you might be asked to fulfill a ministry. Just see what the priest has in mind. There are several things you could do without giving up much of your time.
 
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