RCIA Sound Off!

[mcrow]

Hello

 I'm having a horrible experience. I only need confirmation but I was advised to go through the process to better prepare me. Ugh! I'm not liking it at all. Here's why:

1- The other people in the group don’t take dismissal seriously and often make light of what we are doing and use dismissal as a time to complain about their problems, make jokes about the faith and bash on other religions. I hit the ceiling when a gal grabbed the bible and flipped to the scripture smirked and said " I guess I’ll do story-time today." My mouth is still on the ground.

2- Never let the parish provide you a sponsor. I don’t have a sponsor and am now stuck with a gal who totally dislikes me. Please find a nice catholic peep who is willing to hang out with you. Never let a stranger be your sponsor. It would have been better to have just not started RCIA at all. I wish I knew someone who was catholic to sponsor me. This feels like an arranged marriage and we are both miserable.

3- No one makes a peep or ask any questions but complains bitterly after class that they are not being catechized well. In short people dislike a lot of the tenets of the faith but don’t want to admit it but don’t mind whining later on about not understanding.

4- The communion of saints. Oh good gravy! The recoil when we hit that subject was visible from outer space! No one seems to dig this aspect of the faith and has done nothing but complain about why we revere the V.M. Ugh! When those rosary pamphlets came out all heck broke loose. We lost one gal because of it. I adore the saints and have a strong devotion to the V.M. and I don’t understand why there is such a closed minded attitude about it. The V.M. is the mother of our Lord sheesh get over it!

Take Care M

Well, it sounds like you need to get a new sponsor and/or find another church that does RCIA. The problem is that RCIA is supposed to be where people can ask questions and get answers to things they might get hung up on. So, if these people have hangups about the Catholic Faith they need to ask questions, get answers and figure out if it’s a deal breaker or not.

As far as the person saying calling the bible “story time”, that person shouldn’t even be there if they don’t have the basic belief that the bible is sacred scripture. It’s very disrepectful to make such a comment among faithful people and those forming their faith. I would have probably gave him/her an ear full for that.

 

[TracyR]

Started RCIA in October. A little late but the Deacon thought it just fine since they were still in the Inquiry phase and that both my husband and I were very familiar with the Catholic faith. I was baptized Catholic, attended Catholic school off and on throughout my childhood. My mother and father were Catholic but my mother converted when I was around 10. My dad wasn’t much of a church goer. Was brought up in the Protestant faith ( various ones , Assembly of God, Methodist, Evengelical and some where they liked to force kids to teach speaking in tongues, not sure what denomination those were… yikes!)

My hubby went to Catholic grade school and high school though he was baptized and brought up in the Presbyterian church.

Anyways we are really enjoying our RCIA class. Its a small class of 4 ( was 5) and the Deacon and Priest teach the class. We’ve had many wonderful conversations. Of course some things my husband and I do know but that’s okay. We are very much enjoying the fellowship, and just learning new things when new things are brought up. Its a small church but seems to be growing a bit lately. It is ran by a wonderful and well respected priest and the Deacon is just a great guy, very personable and loves to talk about the Faith. Definitely someone who is on fire about the Lord.

As for our sponsor, well, we chose her and I was hoping she would be supportive and a good example. Problem is they like to leave church after Communion. Something very foreign to me having been brought up mostly in the Protestant church. They left to go and get a Christmas tree. Having been Protestant, both my husand and I, we see is as very disrepectful to leave until church is finished ( of course barring there is a true emergency). She doesn’t come to the class with us and I have invited her,. I know she is busy with her family and work but hasn’t attempted to come to at least one. I just feel like they are sponsor in name only. But really I don’t even focus on it beause its not why my husband and I are there anyways. We are doing just fine.
I will admit though that our sponsor would greatly benefit from taking the class as well.

The deacon was talking about starting some programs because they do see the need for their ‘cradle’ Catholics to relearn their faith because some just don’t get it. I agree.

 

[Limette]

Hello all

I started RCIA in early October. We are officially 5 of us, although only 2 or 3 show up at one time. I am the only new person. Everyone else has already been baptized and confirmed, except for one girl who is a cradle catholic and needs confirmation so that she can be her niece’s godmother.

The “process” is ok. The class is taught by a truly gifted nun who is a former protestant, and really knowledgeable. It meets once every 2 weeks for 1 hour. I can only attend once a month because there is no where to put my kids during the classes.

My expectations were not too high (thank God) so I am not disappointed. The content is very “LIGHT” lol compared to the intense Bible study meetings I was used to I guess.

As far as obstacles, yes… right now, I am considering just going back to my pentecostal church. It all seems so empty right now. I am not sure anymore whether this is God’s leading or if I am going astray … Attending masses is a struggle, and so are RCIA classes. I get annoyed by the obvious lack of interest shown by the other catechumens. I don’t show it though. So I listen, take notes, and go home.

Hoepfully, God will help me discern whether I should join the catholic church or not… Funny how 1 month ago I was so sure… and now, all I can think of is my former pentecostal church…

 

[Anrando]

Dear Limette,

Having been raised a German Baptist I would ask what is it that you miss? I suspect that it is the emotional high, the “thrill” if you will of the big happy hand clapping, praising the lord, struck by the spirit “experience” of some Protestant services. There is a definite emotional experience in non traditional Protestantism. The Catholic experience is different, at least for me. Yes it can be “dry”, and RCIA classes can be good or bad. For me it is not a matter any longer of “feeling” good, or feeling that I have accomplished something as in Bible study, no it is a matter of believing that I know the truth.

Personally I enjoy quiet meditation and the Eucharist. I am old, and old fashioned. I went through catechism back in the early 60’s but only underwent RCIA recently. I actually LIKE Latin, incense, candles, chanting, and yes even the rosary. Is it the same “excitement” as an evangelical service, maybe the answer is NO. But, the excitement and thrill of the evangelical service always comes to an end, whereas the conviction that I have found the truth will not.

Many of the big mega churches have fallen on hard times as they are not able to maintain the “high” the congregants expect. It’s like a drug rush. Feels good at first but over time takes more to get back the same feeling.

Of course I cannot speak for you, and I have no idea of your circumstances. As one who has gone through the process though I would invite you to approach the Church for her content, NOT for how she makes you feel right now, and certainly not for the content of RCIA classes. I don’t concern myself with others at Mass, only my own attitude toward G-d. Indeed many seem to lack commitment to the faith, but there is so much more to it, and that “more” can be very fulfilling on a personal level.

Catholicism to me is a personal introspective journey, whereas my Protestant experience was totally communal and “emotional”, if that makes sense. Only you can decide where the truth is.

Good luck,
W.Unland

 

[TracyR]

Hello all

I started RCIA in early October. We are officially 5 of us, although only 2 or 3 show up at one time. I am the only new person. Everyone else has already been baptized and confirmed, except for one girl who is a cradle catholic and needs confirmation so that she can be her niece’s godmother.

The “process” is ok. The class is taught by a truly gifted nun who is a former protestant, and really knowledgeable. It meets once every 2 weeks for 1 hour. I can only attend once a month because there is no where to put my kids during the classes.

My expectations were not too high (thank God) so I am not disappointed. The content is very “LIGHT” lol compared to the intense Bible study meetings I was used to I guess.

As far as obstacles, yes… right now, I am considering just going back to my pentecostal church. It all seems so empty right now. I am not sure anymore whether this is God’s leading or if I am going astray … Attending masses is a struggle, and so are RCIA classes. I get annoyed by the obvious lack of interest shown by the other catechumens. I don’t show it though. So I listen, take notes, and go home.

Hoepfully, God will help me discern whether I should join the catholic church or not… Funny how 1 month ago I was so sure… and now, all I can think of is my former pentecostal church…

I agree. Seek what it is that is making you miss about your former church. If it was for the pastor then, well, you’ll continue to search until the end of time. Like the poster above me mentioned if your focus is on the person doing the ‘preaching’ then your focus isn’t really focused. Your depending on someone else to entertain you.
Learning the truth is not about entertainment. Though sometimes some does help:

The one thing I always tell my daughters who are ages 12,11, 7 and 4. Don’t focus on other people. If the other catechumens aren’t focused that would not be your or anyone’s else’s problem. It would be their own problem for which they need to know why they aren’t focused. You could mention it during your class with something to the sort of " I notice as though others here aren’t very focused, why is that? " But then I’m a no holds bar back type of person. I always want to know why. It could possible show the others that they aren’t and they might not be realizing it, or not. In the end you need to focus on yourself and your journey with God. Not everyone else.

You didn’t state why Mass is a struggle. Like I said I have four girls that range in age. I have taught them from a very early age on how to behave in public. Granted they do get a little wigglie but they are very good while we’re at Mass. There have been times I’ve brought some coloring books along with us just in case but haven’t really had to use them because even my 4 yr old gets involved during Mass. I have her fold her hands during prayer, sing while she sits on my lap, kneel during communion, etc. They aren’t to young to ever learn it. We don’t have a seperate children’s church , yet. But the Deacon said Monday he is noticing more younger families with children and they want to start a little something for the kids. Which would be very nice. Just have to get people organized and willing to do it, the tough part.

Even if they are wiggly and fussy honesty if you have a good priest they don’t mind. The Deacon and priest of our church said they love it when the little ones are there making noise and it doesn’t bother them at all. Its signs of life. If going to Mass is important you can and will always find a way to make it work.

 

[Andrew2009]

The Sister leading our RCIA classes is a religious relativist. The first two classes were painfully boring ‘self examination’ classes that boiled down to her asking us how we feel about a song, or a single bible verse, and an endless explanation on how to journal.

After that classes picked up but the more we actually study religious things (We’ve discussed who Jesus was and what the Bible is) the more her relativism peeks out.

Quite frankly I find her frustrating BUT I am refusing to sit in judgment and declare everything she says as useless because of her obvious confusion. Instead I look for the pearls and because I’ve been doing this I"ve been enjoying myself.

A month in and I haven’t learned ANYTHING yet but I’m hoping things start to get more interesting soon!!!

OH BOY - I started RCIA in September this year, and I’ve had much the same experience! I’m glad I’m not the only one!!

My classes are run by a relativist Nun (great term!) and we have endless self-examination sessions, and feel-good, happy-clappy talk. No Catholic doctrine or dogma. No substance or “meat”.

I’m really not enjoying the process and I regret to say I haven’t come across any pearls in all the dross. I haven’t learned a thing and I spend the whole time squirming in my chair! I’m finding the whole thing extremely discouraging and depressing. I don’t like to be negative, but what can I say…

Just the other day I started another thread on this called “Baptism without RCIA?” Which says it all really. For anyone who’s interested, please go here:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=7369608#post7369608

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

All I can say is that I hope we start getting some REAL meat soon! I did enjoy the 2 times that Fr. was in. One of those was about Marian doctrine…which I found interesting. I’m hoping for more of those REAL soon!

 

[CalCatholic]

I went through RCIA in 2004, I started late in the process and spent 14 months in the process. I read a lot before I entered RCIA; Church history, Catholic doctrine, etc because I had no Christian background growing up (though I was baptized a Lutheran). Class at times was repetitive because I had to go through a couple of cycles due to the overlap in classes. RCIA is not about how much you can learn or how much you already know, it is about becoming Catholic, belonging to the body of Christ, Christ’s world wide Church and becoming an active member of your local parish. RCIA is not perfect, it is run by volunteers with good intentions. Some are run very well, others not, and a lot in between. If you have a need to learn more than you are now, read, study on your own. There are good books out there that are very readable such as: ‘Catholic and Christian’ by Alan Schreck. Buy a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and read and pray your Bible. Attend class and make the best of it (carry your cross if you must), but don’t give up on Christ’s Church because of some poor teaching!

 

[maryharket]

Hello All!

I posted on this thread a bit ago and unfortunately I ended up having to step away from the process for now. My sponsor and me did not get on well. I think she might have a few issues. I wasn't willing to put her through the drudgery of having to go to a class with someone she didn't like-me! I'm really sad and getting kind of fed up. When I tried to reach out to the Sister who is running the program she just kind of blew me off and acted like it was my fault that things went downhill. I guess I know where I stand. I was reading another post about a "relativist" Nun and ya that is the atmosphere I was in. Not much meat and too much of an almost metaphysical vibe. I would really like to confirm but maybe it would just be best for me to just stop with the sacraments I already have. I can still confess, receive absolution and communion and since I'm not planning to marry or an yother vocation I guess I'm ok. I don't really know what the church envisioned when it started RCIA but I get the feeling this isn't it. I watched a DVD called **Come To The Water**. It's an officially sanctioned dvd and let me tell you, it is very misleading. It portrays RCIA in a very positive way and makes it seem that it's a process that is uniform in all parishes and diocese. I guess I had my hopes up too high. Maybe it's my area of California-I don't know but so far I've experienced a few of the RCIAs in this diocese and they are all bad! Even Catholics Come Home was a hostile experience.

If you want to convert, revert, confirm don't come to Northern California. That's all I can say.

Take Care M.

 

[lufty]

Hello All!

I posted on this thread a bit ago and unfortunately I ended up having to step away from the process for now. My sponsor and me did not get on well. I think she might have a few issues. I wasn't willing to put her through the drudgery of having to go to a class with someone she didn't like-me! I'm really sad and getting kind of fed up. When I tried to reach out to the Sister who is running the program she just kind of blew me off and acted like it was my fault that things went downhill. I guess I know where I stand. I was reading another post about a "relativist" Nun and ya that is the atmosphere I was in. Not much meat and too much of an almost metaphysical vibe. I would really like to confirm but maybe it would just be best for me to just stop with the sacraments I already have. I can still confess, receive absolution and communion and since I'm not planning to marry or an yother vocation I guess I'm ok. I don't really know what the church envisioned when it started RCIA but I get the feeling this isn't it. I watched a DVD called **Come To The Water**. It's an officially sanctioned dvd and let me tell you, it is very misleading. It portrays RCIA in a very positive way and makes it seem that it's a process that is uniform in all parishes and diocese. I guess I had my hopes up too high. Maybe it's my area of California-I don't know but so far I've experienced a few of the RCIAs in this diocese and they are all bad! Even Catholics Come Home was a hostile experience.

If you want to convert, revert, confirm don't come to Northern California. That's all I can say.

Take Care M.

I’m not sure where you are in NorCal, but I can tell you that many RCIA programs in San Francisco are awesome. You may want to contact Doug Benbow at the Archdiocese of San Francisco. He can help you with a personalized, one on one RCIA experience. Or St. Dominic’s in San Francisco has an amazing program.

I’m sorry to hear you have had a difficult time in your area, or the Parrish you chose, but keep in mind that RCIA can be very different from Parrish-to-Parrish and from diocese-to-diocese. I discovered this while “shopping around” for an RCIA program that would fit me, and the questions I am seeking. Having a Priest whom is available for one-on-one meetings, and a RCIA director who runs a large program are my #1 recommendations.

I am in Northern California, and I don’t think turning people away from faith based on your bad experience is really very helpful, or Christian. Sometimes finding the right religious study, or RCIA program can take some time, it took me 2 years to even get into a program that fit me well.

Peace,
Lufty

 

[larsenl1]

Hello All!

I posted on this thread a bit ago and unfortunately I ended up having to step away from the process for now. My sponsor and me did not get on well. I think she might have a few issues. I wasn't willing to put her through the drudgery of having to go to a class with someone she didn't like-me! I'm really sad and getting kind of fed up. When I tried to reach out to the Sister who is running the program she just kind of blew me off and acted like it was my fault that things went downhill. I guess I know where I stand. I was reading another post about a "relativist" Nun and ya that is the atmosphere I was in. Not much meat and too much of an almost metaphysical vibe. I would really like to confirm but maybe it would just be best for me to just stop with the sacraments I already have. I can still confess, receive absolution and communion and since I'm not planning to marry or an yother vocation I guess I'm ok. I don't really know what the church envisioned when it started RCIA but I get the feeling this isn't it. I watched a DVD called **Come To The Water**. It's an officially sanctioned dvd and let me tell you, it is very misleading. It portrays RCIA in a very positive way and makes it seem that it's a process that is uniform in all parishes and diocese. I guess I had my hopes up too high. Maybe it's my area of California-I don't know but so far I've experienced a few of the RCIAs in this diocese and they are all bad! Even Catholics Come Home was a hostile experience.

If you want to convert, revert, confirm don't come to Northern California. That's all I can say.

Take Care M.

Dear Mary

Your post breaks my heart. I am in Iowa and a volunteer on our RCIA team. This Easter will be my fourth year in the church. There are really good charitable and hospitable Catholics. There are also bad and clique-y Catholics. I will be praying for you to find a sponsor. Look for an angel.

God Bless, Mrs. Larsen

 

[Andrew2009]

Hello All!

I posted on this thread a bit ago and unfortunately I ended up having to step away from the process for now. My sponsor and me did not get on well. I think she might have a few issues. I wasn't willing to put her through the drudgery of having to go to a class with someone she didn't like-me! I'm really sad and getting kind of fed up. When I tried to reach out to the Sister who is running the program she just kind of blew me off and acted like it was my fault that things went downhill. I guess I know where I stand. I was reading another post about a "relativist" Nun and ya that is the atmosphere I was in. Not much meat and too much of an almost metaphysical vibe. I would really like to confirm but maybe it would just be best for me to just stop with the sacraments I already have. I can still confess, receive absolution and communion and since I'm not planning to marry or an yother vocation I guess I'm ok. I don't really know what the church envisioned when it started RCIA but I get the feeling this isn't it. I watched a DVD called **Come To The Water**. It's an officially sanctioned dvd and let me tell you, it is very misleading. It portrays RCIA in a very positive way and makes it seem that it's a process that is uniform in all parishes and diocese. I guess I had my hopes up too high. Maybe it's my area of California-I don't know but so far I've experienced a few of the RCIAs in this diocese and they are all bad! Even Catholics Come Home was a hostile experience.

If you want to convert, revert, confirm don't come to Northern California. That's all I can say.

Take Care M.

Hi there - I’m sorry to hear about your bad experiences. I’m having similar problems with the RCIA program I’ve been doing since October last year. It’s currently in recess but starts again in February - I thinking of not going back. I too have found the RCIA process to be disillusioning, disheartening, frustrating and a waste of time.

So - I just wanted to let you know - you’re not the only one! And it’s not just Northern California - I’m in Australia and we have the same problems here, believe me.

Another poster has suggested that you look around and find an RCIA program that “fits”. I think that’s good advice and that’s what I think I’ll be doing. I’m not going to give up on the “journey” - it just might take a bit longer than I thought it would, and there may be some twists and turns along the way. I’m also in the process of finding a good Priest who I can talk to about this and get some advice.

I wish you all the best, and I hope you don’t get too discouraged. Don’t give up - hang in there!

 

[Marie5890]

Hello All!

I posted on this thread a bit ago and unfortunately I ended up having to step away from the process for now. My sponsor and me did not get on well. I think she might have a few issues. I wasn't willing to put her through the drudgery of having to go to a class with someone she didn't like-me! I'm really sad and getting kind of fed up. When I tried to reach out to the Sister who is running the program she just kind of blew me off and acted like it was my fault that things went downhill. I guess I know where I stand. I was reading another post about a "relativist" Nun and ya that is the atmosphere I was in. Not much meat and too much of an almost metaphysical vibe. I would really like to confirm but maybe it would just be best for me to just stop with the sacraments I already have. I can still confess, receive absolution and communion and since I'm not planning to marry or an yother vocation I guess I'm ok. I don't really know what the church envisioned when it started RCIA but I get the feeling this isn't it. I watched a DVD called **Come To The Water**. It's an officially sanctioned dvd and let me tell you, it is very misleading. It portrays RCIA in a very positive way and makes it seem that it's a process that is uniform in all parishes and diocese. I guess I had my hopes up too high. Maybe it's my area of California-I don't know but so far I've experienced a few of the RCIAs in this diocese and they are all bad! Even Catholics Come Home was a hostile experience.

If you want to convert, revert, confirm don't come to Northern California. That's all I can say.

Take Care M.

Mary, talk to the pastor of the parish or perhaps another parish. If you already have been baptized and received 1st Communion, you really dont need to go thru RCIA (at least in my diocese you dont. They have a 6th month program done by the diocese and not the parishes.)

Or contact your diocese to see what other options are available to you.

God Bless

 

[maryharket]

Thank You Lufty

 What's sad is I used to live in San Francisco and St. Dominics was my parish. I still listen to the recorded homilies every week and have a great respect for the Fr.'s at the parish.  I had to leave for economic reasons. I would have loved to continue but was told that it would not be a good idea to commute to attend an RCIA where I didn't live. I do miss San Francisco I great deal and felt more at home in the Dominican parish than I do in the Franciscan, maybe that's the root of the problem. 

 I'm a little confused about what you said in regards to "turning people away from the faith..is not very christian." I wonder if you thought that my post was me somehow turning others away from the faith. I hope not. I'm sorry if that's how it appears. I was more or less just stating my difficulties and how I may or may not continue with confirmation but I would never suggest that anyone leave the faith. On the contrary I will always be in the faith and not abandon my participation in church activities. Not being confirmed has not dampened my love for the church one bit. Sorry for any confusion.

Take Care M

 

[kentuckyliz]

I didn’t read that criticism as being directed to you–I understood it to be aimed at the unaccommodating parish who aren’t very welcoming to you.

Sometimes I think the church can be more attached to programs than the people they’re supposed to benefit!

 

[lufty]

If you want to convert, revert, confirm don’t come to Northern California. That’s all I can say.

Take Care M.

I apologize for the criticism, but this statement I thought would be discouraging to others in the NorCal area. A reminder on being judgmental or careful with one’s words for me!

I will agree though that the RCIA process can vary wildly from parish to parish, and I can understand the frustration. I myself had to shop around allot, and completely change my work schedule, after months of battling with the boss to do it. I was considering attending an RCIA group over 60mi away at one point.
Perhaps in the future, the Church can develop a standardized RCIA process that all parishes can benefit from. You may be interested in contacting St. Dominics for guidance, or as I did when I was having difficulty, contact the Arch Diocese directly with your questions. At one point, when I was having a hard time, a friendly sister from the Bishops office returned my email/call and was very helpful in directing me to parishes that she felt had excellent RCIA programs.
I met with each priest associated with the parish RCIA program, so after a bunch of “interviews” I had a great feel for whom I wanted to participate with, and which program worked best for me.

I think the journey is a hard one anyhow, so when discouraged, look to your heart of hearts for guidance.

Hope that helps!

 

[lufty]

Maryharket,

I had another thought that may be helpful. I’m sorry to hear you had difficulty with your sponsor. If it helps, I still do not have a regular sponsor. I am assigned a “stand in” sponsor, so far it has been one of the RCIA volunteers that I appreciate, that stands with me during the rites.
At first this bothered me, but as I know no other Catholic Christians, or Christians for that matter in my personal life, nor do I have any personal friends or acquaintances in the parish, I get the “stand in” guy. I feel blessed though, that I do have the parish RCIA Director, volunteers, and my parish priest to meet with, for direction, whom are happy to assist me in my personal journey.
I guess that’s what I’m getting at, is that for me, the sponsor is less important then the personal journey that I am on, with the support of the parish, in my discovery.

 

[johnr55]

I really like the RCIA program I’m in. First, we do catechism and Scripture on separate days-terrific. Second, we have some real Catholic biblical mentors, and I’ve heard all RCIA programs don’t. Third, no one is guaranteed to go in at Labor Day and get out at around Easter. There are some people who have been 2, 3, 4 years in RCIA. And, I may end up one of them, even though I have spent decades in a Protestant church. It’s okay with me; if it were so easy to get in would we appreciate it?

 

[de_Tocqueville]

Ya know, I have been somewhat discouraged by my RCIA experience thus far and the lack of a community atmosphere at my parish, but I’m really learning that this is what God is using to form me and I should be thankful for it. I’m going to an urban parish in one of these old Northeastern cities that is steadily shrinking as people go out to the suburban parishes and nicer parts of the city. (We’re kind of on the edge of the ghetto downtown.) So there aren’t many families at this church. It’s kind of a motley crew of single people and older people. As for the RCIA, it’s me, another woman, and the priest! It’s very informal, we just meet once a week and he asks us if we have any questions. He doesn’t seem to really prepare, but he’s very knowledgable and we always seem to have a well focused and educational session. One session might be spent on the sacrament of reconciliation and baptism, one on the liturgical calendar and communion of saints, another on the mass and some Catholic devotions, etc. I have kind of regretted that it’s been just me and this other woman, because meeting people has been a challenge and this small informal RCIA hasn’t helped in that.
But I’ve realized that I am actually learning, and I could be in a more outwardly enjoyable RCIA but with bad teaching. So I shouldn’t get too discouraged. I’ve started attending daily mass there early in the morning before work, and found that this is the best way to meet real dedicated Catholics (although they’re mostly old duffers and I’m only 25). But it’s allright. I’m taking it all in stride and leaning on the Lord. And oh yeah, I’m still looking for a sponsor and time is running short! Please pray for me that things will work out and someone in my parish will be moved by the Holy Spirit or an angel to come to be my sponsor!

 

[LisaA]

Dear de Toqueville I hope and pray that you will receive the kind of sponsor you deserve. I was incredibly blessed with my RCIA experience. My sponsor, a convert herself was always available to answer questions, to stand with me during the various rites and to be a mentor and guide on my journey. Our parish uses a variety of presenters so if one person’s style doesn’t appeal to you, there will be another presenter who will. My group was large and we ‘bonded’ so closely. Even though it’s been five years whenever we see each other at mass there is the instant connection.

On the issue of getting to know others in the parish, check the bulletin or website or ask your priest about ways you can serve the parish. You don’t have to be a Catholic to participate. I am an accountant so I helped with our counting team (after a background check of course) also the social justice committee before entering the Church. Since then I’ve become a Sacristan and I am on the RCIA team. With each activity I get to know more people. Like everything else, you get out of it what you put in!

Bless you and all of the other RCIA candidates and catecumens and of course the RCIA team. I remember appreciating all of the effort they put into my journey and I am “paying it forward” by being on the RCIA team.

Lisa A