Question for other converts

[StudentMI]

I’m not sure if this belongs in Spirituality or Evangelization or Back Fence. Sorry to the moderators if it needs to be moved.

Have any other converts noticed how when you’re converting and shortly after you are kind of treasured and befriended and asked to join this or that etc. But, come next year and a new batch of RCIA candidates, you’re pushed aside?

That just seems to be my experience. I did meet many nice, kind people who did not stop being such when I was fully Catholic. But, I also encountered many people who couldn’t be bothered to say hi once RCIA was done. My own sponsor among them, sorry to say.

Just wondered if any other converts else encountered this?

 

[pianistclare]

I’m not a convert, but I work with RCIA candidates.
While I agree, it would be very bad form to ignore someone new the parish,
but your identity as a Catholic has very little with people and much more to do with Christ.
Get involved! Find a place where your hands and feet are needed!
There’s plenty of ways to be involved and make oodles of friends.
But the main purpose of your conversion is that relationship with Christ. And He is indeed there, in the Eucharist, in your parish.
Remember, those same people that shepherded you, are helping others this next go-round.
I hope and pray things look up for you.
Go bless, and welcome home.

 

[casslean]

I’m not sure if this belongs in Spirituality or Evangelization or Back Fence. Sorry to the moderators if it needs to be moved.

Have any other converts noticed how when you’re converting and shortly after you are kind of treasured and befriended and asked to join this or that etc. But, come next year and a new batch of RCIA candidates, you’re pushed aside?

That just seems to be my experience. I did meet many nice, kind people who did not stop being such when I was fully Catholic. But, I also encountered many people who couldn’t be bothered to say hi once RCIA was done. My own sponsor among them, sorry to say.

Just wondered if any other converts else encountered this?

That has not been my experience. Our RCIA team took the initiative to ensure that the new converts were welcomed into ministries where they could start to find their own place in the church. When I was in RCIA, those same people would take the time to single out other RCIA candidates to introduce us - and those were often some of the most active members of the church.

I do think there is an element of transition for us converts, because being an RCIA catechumen or candidate becomes an identity of sorts. With our entry into the church, we move away from that old identity and need to start discerning our new identity as Catholics. If you’re feeling a bit abandoned, maybe it would be helpful to spend some time in prayer discerning what your role and purpose is as a Catholic - what is God calling yuo to do? Once you find that ministry, the role, that is meant for you, I’m sure you will find that same welcoming spirit once again - just as you did when you followed God’s call to join the church through RCIA.

 

[InNomineDomini]

Have any other converts noticed how when you’re converting and shortly after you are kind of treasured and befriended and asked to join this or that etc. But, come next year and a new batch of RCIA candidates, you’re pushed aside?

That’s not been my own experience at all.

Having said that, the way you worded this reminds me a bit of the Litany of Humility. This set of circumstances may not be as horrible as you think.

 

[SuS33]

I’m not sure if this belongs in Spirituality or Evangelization or Back Fence. Sorry to the moderators if it needs to be moved.

Have any other converts noticed how when you’re converting and shortly after you are kind of treasured and befriended and asked to join this or that etc. But, come next year and a new batch of RCIA candidates, you’re pushed aside?

That just seems to be my experience. I did meet many nice, kind people who did not stop being such when I was fully Catholic. But, I also encountered many people who couldn’t be bothered to say hi once RCIA was done. My own sponsor among them, sorry to say.

Just wondered if any other converts else encountered this?

I’m not a convert but I’ve seen it happen with cradle Catholics. I just pray for these people.

 

[SuS33]

I’m not a convert, but I work with RCIA candidates.
While I agree, it would be very bad form to ignore someone new the parish,
but your identity as a Catholic has very little with people and much more to do with Christ.
Get involved! Find a place where your hands and feet are needed!
There’s plenty of ways to be involved and make oodles of friends.
But the main purpose of your conversion is that relationship with Christ. And He is indeed there, in the Eucharist, in your parish.
Remember, those same people that shepherded you, are helping others this next go-round.
I hope and pray things look up for you.
Go bless, and welcome home.

I agree but we have the communion of saints. We don’t follow Christ alone we follow Christ as one body, one flock. We should do our best to welcome everyone always and to worship Christ not only by ourselves but with others.

 

[pianistclare]

I agree but we have the communion of saints. We don’t follow Christ alone we follow Christ as one body, one flock. We should do our best to welcome everyone always and to worship Christ not only by ourselves but with others.

I didn’t say we shouldn’t. Thanks.