RCIA class 2018-2019 ✝️

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To be on the safe side, before next week I’m writing out my own copy of it all. No more flipping back and forth in the tiny booklet. 😄
 
Maybe I was just “that guy with the radio voice”. In which case I ought to feel used. 😄

Afterward I did feel I should tell them my name. I guess I’m semi-officially a part of that parish community now.
 
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I’ve seen the leaders of the Divine Mercy here with a laminated sheet of the Chaplet written out. I think the same thing for the Rosary would help eliminate the jitters.

And not “used,” but honored! 😁
 
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I just have to say that this thread has put such a huge smile on my face. Like you said @mrs.dizzyd, so encouraging!
 
So I just discovered the fisheaters website, and I thought I would post this link here for everyone involved with RCIA:

Thinking Catholic: Catholic Worldview 101

I thought this was a great summary of the Catholic worldview for those coming from a Protestant background. (There are many more really helpful links on the site, but do be aware that it is very traditional in outlook. You’ve been warned.)

Even when we decide to convert and we assert our belief in Catholic dogma, I think it can take some time to adjust our thinking to the Catholic way.

We have to think bigger about so many things–Mass, the Saints, the Church, Redemption…there is so much to learn.

Anyway, give the link a read, and I hope you all have a great time in your RCIA class this week!
 
After much research, YouTube videos, and reading on this forum I attended my first Mass this evening. I am also starting RCIA in two weeks. Thank you all for your help!!!
 
nightshade said:
After much research, YouTube videos, and reading on this forum I attended my first Mass this evening. I am also starting RCIA in two weeks. Thank you all for your help!!!
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That is awesome! Welcome home!
 
Bear in mind that the entirety (and I would venture possibly even the majority) of the faith can’t be taught in a couple dozen class sessions. It really is what the person puts into it. It would be perfectly ok to feel like even the best of RCIA classes could leave one later saying, “well, they didn’t teach us that.” The ideal is to expose you to the major themes and topics and point you on the path to learning more.
 
Exactly! For me, a good RCIA program would focus on the basics of the faith, what we believe and why we believe it. It would teach the 7 sacraments, especially on sin in regard to being able to receive the Eucharist and on marital situations. It would teach the Mass, the dos and don’ts of Mass, when to sit, stand, kneel; observing sacred silence, proper attire regarding modesty, etc…

There is so much to learn about the faith it can’t be done in a few months.
 
Yes! RCIA is the jumping off point. Easter Vigil is not a graduation ceremony. We are called to a lifetime of formation. Catholicism is so rich that we couldn’t learn it all in ten lifetimes. There are more of God’s wonders around every corner if we are disposed to look for them.
 
I don’t expect to be taught everything in 36 class sessions. I intend to spend the rest of my life learning, growing, and deepening my faith. On my deathbed, I’ll still wish I’d had more time to learn.
 
RCIA needs people are really are dedicated to the role of sponsor. When I went through RCIA in 2008-09 I was assigned a sponsor. She showed up 2/3 of the time. Barely bothered to get to know me. When we went through the Rite of Election (though in my case I was a candidate, not catechumen/elect) she was a no-show. Someone else had to stand in for her. She came late on the Easter Vigil. She disappeared after that and I went through Mystigogy alone. And I’ve only spoken with her 2 or 3 times since 2009.
 
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I really believe that the candidate or catechumen should choose their sponsor. In my parish, I have noticed that the ones who talk with the newcomers, sit with them during Mass and talk during coffee after mass are very often chosen as the sponsor by the candidate or catechumen when the time comes for having a sponsor. There are some who need a little help with being introduced to a sponsor and the parish should be open to that.
 
HeDa said:
I really believe that the candidate or catechumen should choose their sponsor.
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See, that’s the thing. Many of us don’t know anyone at the parish.

In my case, not only do I not know anyone at the parish, I only know one Catholic where I live and she is not a practicing Catholic.
 
In a perfect world… I knew no one at the parish. The only Catholics I knew otherwise was (1) 20+ year ex-Catholic brother-in-law who hates Catholicism, (2) former coworker I had not seen since circa 1990, and (3) guy who would angrily yell at me in 4-letter words. … Didn’t have a choice.
 
This is too bad. I am glad that RCIA in the parish where I was received takes two years. This gives us plenty of time to get to know the parish people and also visit neighbouring parishes.
 
We are having our first meeting tomorrow. I am one of the teachers along with another woman and two men. Father comes by when he can, and our deacon too when he can. I love teaching - I read a lot and have a whole bookcase of Catholic books. I can’t wait to get started.
 
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