Saved from RCIA cold feet

[casslean]

And don’t feel afraid to talk to the RCIA people about your concerns, like feeling lonely or out of place. A lot of times, they know friendly people who can take you under their wing and introduce you to everybody. Some Catholics are afraid to be too pushy about introducing themselves and making friends, because it scares some people off. So you will probably find them very friendly if they get an excuse!

This is the best advice I’ve ever heard. I mentioned to the priest handling our classes that I was shy, I didn’t know anyone, and I found it hard to meet new people in the church. Within a couple of weeks, a couple in the parish had pretty much “adopted” me and introduced me to everyone they knew (which was everyone).

I think the important thing is to try to communicate how you feel. No one is psychic, and so if you don’t say anything, they have no way of knowing you feel rushed or like you are an imposition.

 

[Mike_Dye]

Beginning the RCIA process is sometimes a little intimidating, everything is so new and different and seems hard to understand. My advise is to hang in there, you will find that soon you are forming a bond with your fellow RCIA members as well as your instructors. Soon enough you will feel more and more at home, not only with your RCIA group but with your Catholic parish, after all that is where you are…Home.

 

[DakiniArtist]

Phemie,

Thanks a million. Very thorough and very appreciated.

 

[Peterson04]

Cold feet person here. Long story short, I came here after a religious experience sort of shocked me out of my atheism. I struck up a dialogue with someone, we became fast friends, and they were helping me with my faith and encouraging me to go to a church in my area. I went once, it was beautiful, but I nearly had an anxiety attack for some reason and when it was over went home and haven’t been back. My friend managed to get me to contact the RCIA director over there, but I’ve been either legitimately unable to make time to meet them or literally just chickened out. My friend, unfortunately, passed away last year and I haven’t really had the same encouragement to try to meet the RCIA director again. I’ve tried, but ultimately been unsuccessful.

If you could recall what yours said to you that kept you on the right path that might be useful to someone like me!

And John, if you’re reading this from heaven I could use another nudge, old friend.

 

[CalCatholic]

Cold feet person here. Long story short, I came here after a religious experience sort of shocked me out of my atheism. I struck up a dialogue with someone, we became fast friends, and they were helping me with my faith and encouraging me to go to a church in my area. I went once, it was beautiful, but I nearly had an anxiety attack for some reason and when it was over went home and haven’t been back. My friend managed to get me to contact the RCIA director over there, but I’ve been either legitimately unable to make time to meet them or literally just chickened out. My friend, unfortunately, passed away last year and I haven’t really had the same encouragement to try to meet the RCIA director again. I’ve tried, but ultimately been unsuccessful.

If you could recall what yours said to you that kept you on the right path that might be useful to someone like me!

And John, if you’re reading this from heaven I could use another nudge, old friend.

Peterson04, welcome to the forums! There is no obligation to become Catholic when you start attending RCIA. You are inquiring about the Church and at anytime you feel it is not for you, you can walk away and there are no hard feelings. So there is no pressure what so ever! Feel free to contact the RCIA director and ask any question or let him/her know about your anxiety.

 

[njlisa]

If you could recall what yours said to you that kept you on the right path that might be useful to someone like me!

I’m sorry it took me so long to answer your question. I don’t remember exactly what she said. But the bottom line was, I needed to educate my conscience according to the teachings of the Catholic Church. She gave me some breathing room to grow into the faith, if that makes any sense. God bless you on your spiritual journey. And again, I’m sorry I missed your response.

​