RCIA - Sudden Doubts

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toby585

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After much self study and internal soul searching, I have reached out to my parish RCIA program and have begun to study with the catechumens. While I missed the Rite of Election, the parish will allow me to go through this Rite in the next couple of weeks (I have researched much about Catholicism in the past, so the “Inquiry” phase for me was more of s self study program, with much learned from this very website!)

Now that I am about to formally begin my path to being initiated into the Church, I’m suddenly very nervous and afraid! I thought this was something I was being called to do, but now that the ball is in motion I suddenly have doubts.

My family has never been religious, I was not raised going to any sort of church at all, and when I did it was always of the more mega-church, evangelical sort. Taking this step would definitely come as a shock to my family and friends, and while my wife is not trying to stop me down this path I can tell she sees it as something unnecessary.

Any words of encouragement would be appreciated. Up until recently I felt called somehow to do this, but now that it’s actually happening I don’t feel that certainly I once had…
 
This is normal, and quite common. This means that you are probably taking your instruction seriously. A good thing! Keep in mind that the prince of lies absolutely doesn’t want you to go through with it. Factor that in.
Keep praying, meet with your priest when you can…invite him for coffee to discuss anything you don’t feel was covered well enough in class, and cultivate some knowledgeable friends at the parish.
Who is sponsoring you? This person also should field you questions and pray in earnest for you. Many of the people on CAF are RCIA catechists or Directors. Don’t be shy about posting if you struggle.
I’ll pray for you too!
Clare
 
I think your feelings are fairly common. It is a big step and a commitment to a new way of life. I don’t know how old you are but may I ask about what thoughts about Catholicism might be bothering you?
 
pianistclare said:
This is normal, and quite common. This means that you are probably taking your instruction seriously. A good thing! Keep in mind that the prince of lies absolutely doesn’t want you to go through with it. Factor that in.
Keep praying, meet with your priest when you can…invite him for coffee to discuss anything you don’t feel was covered well enough in class, and cultivate some knowledgeable friends at the parish.
Who is sponsoring you? This person also should field you questions and pray in earnest for you. Many of the people on CAF are RCIA catechists or Directors. Don’t be shy about posting if you struggle.
I’ll pray for you too!
Clare
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This is another thing that makes me nervous, I don’t have anyone that could be a godparent, so it going to end up being someone in the parish that I don’t know yet!
 
7_Sorrows said:
I think your feelings are fairly common. It is a big step and a commitment to a new way of life. I don’t know how old you are but may I ask about what thoughts about Catholicism might be bothering you?
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It’s the whole “new way of life” that scares me, and how people I know might react to it…
 
toby585 said:
This is another thing that makes me nervous, I don’t have anyone that could be a godparent, so it going to end up being someone in the parish that I don’t know yet!
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Also, a common occurrence. The RCIA Director will pair you with a wonderful person. The folks that step up to sponsor truly love the faith, and are very compassionate and gentle people.
All will be well.
 
toby585 said:
It’s the whole “new way of life” that scares me, and how people I know might react to it…
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You are doing this for yourself correct?
I really feel like if people question you, all you have to say is:
*I’m doing this because I’ve studied, and I believe it’s the right thing to do for my soul.
I would appreciate your support through prayer. I love God, and this is right for ME. *

true friends, who love you and care for you, will respond in kindness. If someone does not, 🤷 pray for them. The folks who oppose Catholicism often know very little about it.

What matters is how YOU feel. Take it one lesson at a time.
God bless you on the journey.
 
I converted in 2012. While I never had doubts, I was scared. It’s a huge commitment between you and God. Looking back, I think it was good for me to be scared, although all of my “fears” never came to be. I live in a very non religious area of the country, very liberal and I was worried how people would take it. Again, those fears in hindsight were unnecessary. Most people didn’t really care… I was more worried about what they would think than what they actually thought. Also, I didn’t know anyone who could be my God parent and I was assigned someone I the Parish, and it was fine. She became a dear friend.

Good luck and trust the Lord has lead you home to his Church. Things have a way of working out.

Hugs!
 
toby585 said:
It’s the whole “new way of life” that scares me, and how people I know might react to it…
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I am a convert myself of 6 1/2 years. I have not regretted my decision,
and I didn’t come from a very religious family I hust new the protestant churches never felt right to me and the Catholic church is where I belonged. I was in my late 50’s when I became Catholic and I was also concerned what others might say. So I understand.
 
toby585 said:
It’s the whole “new way of life” that scares me, and how people I know might react to it…
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For now don’t focus on what people might think. You are embarking on the journey of a lifetime, so what people you know may think is not important, you are doing this for you. Most people I know are fascinated and have questions.

The RCIA process gets more intense from here to Easter. The Rites have started so as many have said sudden cold feet are not uncommon. As PClare said, this IS a good sign. Frankly, I would be more worried if you felt casual about your journey.

Yes it is a way of life, yes it will change your life, for the better. You are also securing a spot in eternity for yourself. Holy week will be the best week of your life. In the end, you will want to shout about it from the rooftops!

You may find it helpful to take your mind of things for a while and watch a movie. Go out and eat… and RELAX! You are not where you are by accident!

Pax,
-E​

 
toby585 said:
After much self study and internal soul searching, I have reached out to my parish RCIA program and have begun to study with the catechumens. While I missed the Rite of Election, the parish will allow me to go through this Rite in the next couple of weeks (I have researched much about Catholicism in the past, so the “Inquiry” phase for me was more of s self study program, with much learned from this very website!)

Now that I am about to formally begin my path to being initiated into the Church, I’m suddenly very nervous and afraid! I thought this was something I was being called to do, but now that the ball is in motion I suddenly have doubts.

My family has never been religious, I was not raised going to any sort of church at all, and when I did it was always of the more mega-church, evangelical sort. Taking this step would definitely come as a shock to my family and friends, and while my wife is not trying to stop me down this path I can tell she sees it as something unnecessary.

Any words of encouragement would be appreciated. Up until recently I felt called somehow to do this, but now that it’s actually happening I don’t feel that certainly I once had…
Click to expand...
My friend, your uncertainty is being derived from your perception of how people close to you might re-evaluate you, how they might reconsider your value to them should you traverse this path. I went down this very same path last year, and yes it has cost me, but I would not change it. For me, one thing that helped me, when I felt alone on this journey, was the support of my other RCIAers. God be with you on this journey.
 
I believe taking this path is a gift and not one that Satan wants you to take. It is normal to be scared and to have doubts. Anyone entering into marriage will understand the emotions.
As for what others will say; do they pay your rent? You are making decisions about the fate of your immortal soul, not what style of pants to wear. Don’t worry, many will sneer; many will praise your wisdom to find truth in a world of lies. But it is what Jesus thinks of your decision that matters.
Doubts are an essential tool of wise discernment and as Catholicism is a religion of the intellect and the will as well as faith, you are wise to use your faculties to question and to learn within the supporting palms of faith.
God speed and may the Holy Spirit grant you peace in your welcome.
 
Wow! What a *great *thread. Every single posting is something I’ve been through or have felt or have thought about.

Our Rite of Sending Forth and Rite of Election will be held on March 1. So I still have a little time before those happen. As we get closer to that rather than starting to have doubts, I’m looking more and more forward to it as I am Easter Vigil.

Now, have I had some *concerns *about all this? Sure, here and there, which I’ve attributed to doing something new and unknown as well as to the evil one trying to distract me. But I’m quite sure of my path and am determined to follow it.

The way I look at it is where else do I go? I’ve done a lot of reading and studying and as pianistclare states it so well: I’m doing this because I’ve studied, and I believe it’s the right thing to do for my soul. Exactly. That puts into words what I’ve been feeling. I believe the Catholic Church holds the fullness and truth of Christianity. Why *wouldn’t *I want to be part of that?

As far as what others think, I have chosen not to tell most of those around me what I’m doing. Some wouldn’t like it, most wouldn’t care, and the ones who do care will be there anyway.

Thanks to all the posters, you’ve made my day!
 
Hi Toby585,

All the answers have been great so far. The only thing I can add or reiterate is that you’ve already decided intellectually, now getting your heart behind it is more difficult. Everyone gets cold feet or a case of the doubts before a major decision.

What other people think of you is none of your business. (I heard this a lot in AA.) This journey is between you and God.

Maybe a book such as “Home Sweet Rome” (Rome Sweet Home?) by Scott Hahn or another good apologetic book will help you be more convicted in your decision.

Your assigned sponsor will be someone God wants to put into your path, if not your life. Say a prayer for this kind soul. Maybe someday you’ll be a sponsor to someone.

Most of all, pray, pray, pray. I will dedicate my daily rosary today for your intentions, that God bless you and anoint you with His love and give you everything you need. All will be well.
 
Hodegetria said:
Hi Toby585,

…you’ve already decided intellectually, now getting your heart behind it is more difficult.
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This sums up my fears and reservations PERFECTLY!

I’ve intellectually come to the conclusion that God is real, Jesus is his Son, and the Catholic Church is the church that he founded. But I still struggle with “feeling” this truth. I don’t know if I’m waiting for some “lightning bolt”, if you will, to hit me and suddenly I’ll feel His power or what, but there are times when I just have trepidation about if this is indeed the path God intends or not…
 
You will feel it, in your soul. But don’t pin your hopes and dreams on “feelings”.
The truth is a reality. Your relationship with God is real, not a fleeting feeling of goodness…
Feelings come and go, like the wind. But the reality of God touching you and protecting you, loving you and inspiring you, is real.
This is something that many people have a hard time with. As humans, we know people by interacting and the feelings we get from them. It’s normal to want a “feeling” about God. Don’t be surprised if often God is fairly quiet! He can be serene, and He never forces Himself on us.
But I can tell you this for a certainty:
When you come into the Church, and you receive Jesus Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist…all the feelings in the world will not equal the reality of the love you will encounter. Jesus told us He is there. He promised never to leave us. He invited us to union with Him every day. What you will “feel” is wisdom and knowledge. God knows us. In time, we get better at knowing Him. It will come when you encounter Him deep within your soul.
Be at peace. Everyone on this thread is sending you warm, beautiful prayers.
Welcome home.
 
None from me. You’re so hooked into what other people think and feel about you that your doom is inevitable on some front. Might as well confront it here. Byron Katie’s tidy instant therapy program, “The Work”, is complemented by her one prayer: “God, deliver me from caring what anybody else thinks.” That is the most inhuman form of self-slavery. Love, and ponder but don’t doubt.

thework.com/index.php
 
I was received into the Church last year at the Easter Vigil. I experienced the same fears and doubts. What helped me was Adoration. Find out if there is a Perpetual Adoration Chapel in your diocese, and if there is, go and spend some time with Jesus.

I will pray for you.
 
Hello,
My advice after reading your concerns is you should take all the time you need to prepare. Your RCIA director and team members are certainly anxious for you to enter into full communion with the church but in no way should they make you feel compelled to go thru any of the rites until you have reached the appropriate time in your journey. Dont get hung up on these time lines the parish sets as these are not definitive. Your RCIA team should explain this to you. RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to mean it assumes or should at least assess that some people may not have any relationship with GOD at all. Hopefully you heard from parishioners testifying on their faith before you heard any formal instruction.
 
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