RCIA class 2018-2019 ✝️

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ShowersofRoses said:
You can always ask and see if they can work around your schedule.
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I thought of that, but I’d hate making such a request when there’s a good chance I’d only attend them sporadically. I’ve made a preliminary inquiry on the the parish website as to times and such and am waiting for a response. I’m curious, but do not feel a strong calling to get any more involved than I already am. Not yet anyway.

Also, by remaining Protestant while also embracing Catholicism I’m quite certain I will carry more credibility with my evangelical friends and my family when I defend the RC church. Father Warren Tanghe, who was featured on Journey Home a few years back, felt the same way for a time before he converted from Anglicanism. Ultimately he went from being an Anglican Priest to a Catholic one, but for a time he and his advisor felt his greater work was to remain where he was. I’m very comfortable with that role for now. 🙂
 
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That’s an interesting perspective.

For me, I was desperate for the Sacraments. I decided, finally, to join the Church on Easter Sunday last year. The next morning I was down at the local parish, knocking on the doors and basically begging to be let in, haha. 😁

Once I knew Jesus was in the Blessed Sacrament, nothing was going to stand between me and Him. I was so eager to be able to really partake of His Precious Body after a lifetime of symbolic communion. RCIA really was a great year of building relationships that finally culminated in getting to be joined with my Savior. Being forgiven in the Sacrament of Confession was also a huge deal for me.

Confirmation was an amazing experience, for me. I truly felt the Holy Spirit and it made the pain and hardships worth it.

But everyone’s journey is different. If you’re content to stay outside for now and witness, I can understand.

I just think that when our Protestant friends and family see us desperate to join in the Church, they will wonder why we have such eagerness. What makes the Church so special?

Standing on the outside for years might give the impression that there’s nothing in the Church worth converting for.

To me, the Sacraments and the Church were the Pearl of Great Price, and I gave up a lot of relationships and suffered to attain it. But that’s just my opinion and my .02.

I do hope you are blessed CelticWarlord in your faith and life no matter what you do!
 
ShowersofRoses said:
Standing on the outside for years might give the impression that there’s nothing in the Church worth converting for.
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On the other hand, they’ve seen and listened to me championing and defending the church for years already. Many of them have completely altered their views of Catholicism. My ministery in this regard has many more converts I’ve yet to meet, I’m sure. 🙂

-CW, Ecumenical Expert. 😉
 
I have my first class next week and I am so excited, and also nervous. I have anxiety which makes it difficult to be around people I don’t know very well or speak infront of people - however - it is something I’ve wanted to do for such a long time now that I feel now I have the strength to get through it. Look forward to hearing about everyone’s experiences this year ❤️
 
Good for you for finally taking the plunge and stepping out of your comfort zone, MrsGT!

I pray you will be comfortable at your class and have a great year!
 
That is wonderful. ❤️ It’s fantastic that you care so much about your Protestant family and friends and are successful at changing their minds and hearts. That’s a difficult job!!

It is sad to read the harsh views some on here have towards our separated friends.

Like I said, you do what’s best for you.

(But I will keep hoping you finally take the plunge some day. 😁😁)
 
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Good for you! Keep up the good fight. Hopefully you too will come home soon! 🙂
 
Yay! I’m so glad you are making a start of it even though it will be a challenge for you.
 
That’s the ticket, Alex! Finding the time for all these classes can be challenging. I think it’s going to be worth it for me. Hopefully you will feel the same.
 
My parish has a grade school, and in addition, staff that teaches religious education. We have a Director who oversees all, then there’s the parish school of religion for the kiddos that go to public schools, and then there’s the RCIA coordinator who teaches the RCIA classes. They are all certified by the Paul VI Institute in the St. Louis Archdiocese to direct/teach, and work in teams. My understanding is that the RCIA Coordinator has a team of parishioners who help her with presentations on various topics. I’m not sure which study program they use.
 
The Holy Spirit leads each of us at different paces. What is important is that we recognize his leading and remain open and responsive. There is a right time for each of us, and prayers are that you (and all others) get there in God’s perfect timing.
 
ShowersofRoses said:
Once I knew Jesus was in the Blessed Sacrament, nothing was going to stand between me and Him.
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Basically this. I remember praying in the chapel many times with a very real nearly physical hunger for the Eucharist. I knew for sure after my first mass that I was home.

When I months later was beginning to doubt, the Lord was faithful and he told me clear as day “at once they dropped their nets and followed Him.”

(Edit to be clear that I came in at the 2017 vigil. Good luck to this year’s rcia folks)
 
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It frequently amazes me how God will accommodate our idiosyncrasies while getting us involved all the same. Last night at the Rosary on the Steps the regular fellow who leads wasn’t there. It was me and about 16 other people, none of whom knew my name. With no one to lead the prayer they asked if I would do it for them. I was stunned. Me? I’m just the stranger who showed up a month ago. They don’t even know me, except that I’m the renegade Protestant who comes to their prayers. “Is this permissible” I asked? Apparently so. I did it and didn’t forget any of the elements. Most stressful prayer meeting I’ve ever been to. LOL And they thanked me profusely when I was leaving, which was immediately after. 🙂
 
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The Lord works in mysterious ways. 😉

These folks sound very friendly. That’s not all that common in this world.
 
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I don’t know how you all feel about it, but it is so comforting to see so many still responding to grace in spite of satan’s best efforts to disrupt God’s church! ❤️
 
I asked afterward if I’d overlooked anything. One of the ladies said, “Don’t worry, you can say an extra one next week”. LOL
 
Haha, I love it!!

Nice little push forward from the Holy Spirit!

Sounds like the people are welcoming you in with open arms–I’m so glad.
 
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