Rcia confirmation

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Isla1

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Dear everyone, I’m an rcia candidate due to be received Holy Saturday, I was wondering what will be expected of me on the day/night? How long will the service be? Will I have to stand in front of everyone?

Many thanks for any advice it will be gratefully received, I’m very nervous about it x
 
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The Easter Vigil is pretty long, around 2 ish hours. It’ll be mostly like a normal Mass, with more readings than usual, and with the administration of sacraments for catechumens.
 
I can understand you being nervous. Not everyone is used to standing up in front of a lot of people and saying anything.

You will say a profession of faith; it is normally very short, such as “I profess and accept everything which the Catholic Church teaches and professes”, or something very similar.

Having been involved in RCIA for 25 years or so, we have given the candidates a “cheat card” - a file card, with that written out for them, so they don’t have a brain freeze. We ask them (as there usually is more than one candidate) to do it together. That prevents each one feeling they are “in the spotlight”, and might even be loud enough with the combination of them to allow the first row or two in the pews to hear it. 🙂

Seriously, unless someone has had experience speaking in front of a group, or is particularly self assured, most have appeared to have at least a bit of stage fright. No one is going to bite! Don’t panic (easily said, I understand).

Assuming none of the Old Testament readings are omitted, and no one is rushing things, it takes our parish an average of 2 1/2 hours; and we have a reception for those entering the Church afterwards. So a long evening.

God bless you on your journey of faith!
 
THIS^^^^

You need to bring all this up at your next session, They should have reviewed most everything with you by now
 
Your RCIA director should go over this with you.

My advice, wear comfortable clothes (Sunday best, but, comfortable). If you are a lady, don’t wear your highest heels, wear a shawl or wrap because you will begin outside where it might be chilly and come inside where it might be warm. Don’t wear anything that you need to mess with (I say this as I pull the neckline of my top as it moves over to reveal my bra strap!)

Eat before you go. This will be a long Mass, you don’t want your blood sugar to make you wonky.

I’ve been to Easter Vigils that last 90 minutes and to others that are 4 hours long. Your Pastor may be a “bare minimums” priest or a “let out all the stops” priest. Also, the number of baptisms, etc will impact the length of the Mass.

Bring a nice handkerchief. After you are anointed, wipe some of the chrism oil onto that handkerchief and seal it in a zip lock bag. You will be able to smell that chrism oil for a long time 🙂
 
Thank you so very much for the advice, I’m afraid there is only myself on the course… the cards sound like a very good idea …

Will I be seated at the front, as my usual place is at the back?

My priest has not informed me about any of the vigil yet…

Thanks so much for the well wishes x
 
Good luck, it will be fine, what is your confirmation name?
 
You will most definitely have a seat of honor in the front with your sponsor.
 
Thanks for the practical advice I appreciate it so very much:) yes I am female

What a wonderful idea, to bring a handkerchief x
 
Be at peace. You’ll be so happy on that night nothing and no one else will matter.
Welcome home.
 
🙂 that’s exactly how it feels, like I’m coming home…

Thank you so much x
 
You will have a reserved space on one of the front pews.

You will hear the The Exsultet: The Proclamation of Easter. It is so beautiful, I get teary eyed every year (you can listen and read it here)

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/easter/easter-proclamation-exsultet.cfm

Because many parishes do not use all of the readings, spend time and read them before the Mass. This Mass reveals Salvation History in a profound way:

 
I was so nervous before, but once it started, I experienced such peace. It was an amazing night. Relax, pray, and enjoy the night. Welcome!
 
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