What can I do prior to/ during RCIA?

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Religious_Girl

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Hey all. I’m hoping start the RCIA soon… Just going through some last minute things to make sure I’m fully ready.

My question is - as I am still a non- catholic, what are the things I can do? I understand I cannot receive Mass, but can receive a blessing and I can’t go to Confession.

Can I pray the rosary? Will priests be happy to meet with me for guidance should I need it?

I think not having the sacraments is a struggle, but one that I should be able to overcome shortly.
 
Welcome home!

While you are preparing to enter the Church you can certainly attend Mass, pray, talk to a priest, etc.

You won’t be able to receive the sacraments so you’re right that you can’t receive communion yet or go to confession. The idea of going up for a blessing during communion is controversial on CAF. Do whatever your parish does but be aware that if you are visiting another parish they may not offer blessings. If that’s the case, you can simply stay in your pew and pray during communion.

You can also get involved in many parish activities. Keep an eye out for what interests you and go to meetings or whatever they have. It’s a great way to meet people as well as build your own spiritual life. Your parish may have things like a group that gathers to pray the rosary, educational activities like Scripture Study, service groups (everything from preparing the church for Sunday Mass to making sandwiches for the homeless), days of reflection and prayer, weekend retreats, and more. Activities that involve service at Mass (like lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy communion) will have to wait until you are fully Catholic, but many other activities are open to you and will welcome you.
 
Welcome! I converted Easter of 2009, so I know this is a very exciting time for you!

Definitely pray the Rosary - it is an amazing way to start this new journey. It will be especially wonderful during Lent, but the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other prayers are great meditations as you work through the learning in RCIA.

I bought a pocket book of Catholic prayers that included the full explanation of the Mass - it was very helpful to me. Go to Mass, meet new people - if your Parish has the Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes, they are a great way to meet devoted Catholics and get involved, although you wouldn’t be able to officially join until after your Confirmation.

Just my :twocents: as a fellow convert. Feel free to message me if you have questions!

Forgot to add that I will pray for you!
 
First thing to do is take a deep breath and relax. Its an easy process. I did it last year.

Your priest may meet with you or may assign others to guide you instead. Take no offense if they don’t meet directly. They are busy.

Yes you may pray, and should.
 
Welcome Home!

My wife, son and I came in the past Easter and it has been the best thing we have ever done! Absolutely go to Mass, pray the Rosary and ask as many questions as you need to of the Priest or the RCIA instructor. You will enjoy this and, it is awe inspiring, especially once you hit Holy Week!
 
Religious_Girl said:
Hey all. I’m hoping start the RCIA soon… Just going through some last minute things to make sure I’m fully ready.

My question is - as I am still a non- catholic, what are the things I can do? I understand I cannot receive Mass, but can receive a blessing and I can’t go to Confession.

Can I pray the rosary? Will priests be happy to meet with me for guidance should I need it?

I think not having the sacraments is a struggle, but one that I should be able to overcome shortly.
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Good for you. Just be a good example for all us born to the Faith and tend to be too non-chalant about it at times. New comers give us zest and renewed Hope.

Linus2nd
 
Another wonderful thing you can do is to go to Eucharistic Adoration.

Whilst there are thousands and thousands of prayers you could say before Our Lord – many especially written for Holy Hour – don’t forget that it’s perfectly alright to just sit there in His presence. You don’t have to say anything in particular, or ask for things. You can just be there, existing in Holy Silence.

Think of the Blessed Virgin at the foot of the Cross, or at the crib, or when the Magi came. In all these instances, Mary was silent, but she was present before Christ. We can do the same in Adoration, and the spiritual rewards and blessings of being with Our Lord are simply sublime.
 
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