Journey into faith: this year's experience
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the journey by which Adults are received into the Catholic Church. The journey is marked with celebrations throughout to sustain and support the seekers in their desire to share in the sacramental life of the Church.
Beginning with a period of inquiry, the seeker has time to ask questions and find out where God is calling in their lives. This leads to the Rite of Acceptance when those seeking baptism are formally accepted by the Church and the community as catechumens. A period of formation follows in the parish community where the deepening of faith continues with the help of priests and people who accompany the catechumens and candidates (those already baptised and seeking full communion with the Catholic Church).
Prior to the First Sunday of Lent, the catechumens and candidates, together with their sponsors and those who are accompanying them on the journey of faith, are invited to participate in a day of retreat. This took place at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Govanhill on Saturday 9th February. It was the first time that those candidates and catechumens assembled together in the same place as a Diocesan community. About 150 people in total. Having come from their parish communities and small groups (5 or 6 people) of formation, it was a daunting experience to be gathered in such a large crowd. The day offered the opportunity for participants to pray, to share their experience and to enhance their journey in preparation for the Rite of Election and indeed, their Christian Initiation.
Yvonne Hodgson from St. Paul’s parish in Shettleston was received into the Church at the Easter Vigil:
“God called me very suddenly. I was amazed. I didn’t realise that it could happen so suddenly and definitely and I quickly realised that I wanted to serve him as well as I could. Through the RCIA, I have learned to act upon my faith which gets stronger every day. I can sit and talk to my RCIA group about anything and feel I have had a lot lifted from my shoulders. I can pray at anytime, day or night. I talk to God normally, because He is my Father and I know he understands me. I can’t describe how I feel now. It’s like God has taken me over and at last I am on the right road. I will be with him all my days on earth and for all eternity.
I can’t thank the RCIA group enough for helping me to realise that I HAVE taken the right path. I know there are a lot of people praying for me which fills my heart with happiness."
Yvonne has also been happy to share her experience of the Easter Vigil and the weeks that followed her Christian Initiation:
“The moment Father Campbell baptised me, I felt the Holy Spirit entering me from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes. The feeling was so emotional I wanted to cry. Every part of the Easter Vigil made my heart swell as though it was about to burst. I know Jesus accepted me as I accepted him, before I was baptised, but I feel now that I am truly one of his disciples.
I was a bit down for about a week after the Easter Vigil, but I have realised that I was on such a high after the months leading up to it. Although that didn’t last long, having realised that God is with me and helping me through those difficult times. I just want to carry on doing his work from now until the day I die, when I will be with him for all eternity!
When I received Holy Communion for the first time, I got such a beautiful feeling: Jesus in body and soul forever. I got the feeling his arms were wrapped around me, welcoming me. It’s a feeling I will never forget. I felt the prayer of all those at the Easter Vigil and the Holy Spirit in me and all around me.”
Edna Spence from Holy Cross Parish in Glasgow shares her experience too:
"For many years I was interested in becoming Catholic. I would attend Mass with family and friends. Quite often they would ask: “Why not become a Catholic?” But at that time in my life, it was easier doing nothing.
Many years later I was no longer living in Glasgow and being away from family and friends, I found myself praying for them and indeed myself. During this period of prayer and mediation I found true peace in my life. I found this was God.
A few days after my return to live in Glasgow, through a family member, I was introduced to Fr. Donnachie, parish priest at Holy Cross, who introduced me to the RCIA and the support given to people enquiring about the Catholic Church.
The parish RCIA group meet every Wednesday and I felt that within minutes I was at ease in their company. The meetings became a great source of spiritual benefit and with an introduction to the Holy Trinity, I experienced an awakening to the Holy Spirit who I believe had guided me to become a catechumen. Every Wednesday, a new and wonderful experience was granted to me and with the help of the RCIA team and the parish clergy, it was always a peaceful and enlightening experience.
The recent retreat day at Our Lady of Consolation for all the Catechumens, Candidates, Godparents and Sponsors was a wonderful day with plenty of fun and meeting other people going through the same journey was inspirational. There were workshops and open discussions on all our hopes and thoughts. The retreat also helped us to prepare for what was to come.
Having celebrated the rite of sending to the Cathedral for the rite of election at Holy Cross, we made our way to the Cathedral and were made very welcome. The Rite of Election was a very peaceful and spiritual celebration which will be memorable in my heart forever. It was another step on the journey to becoming a member of the Church.
I am grateful to the parish community and particularly the RCIA team and my Aunt Mary (godmother) for all their guidance and prayers."
Edna experienced great joy on celebrating Christian Initiation. She shares her inspiration:
"Easter is early this year and the Vigil begins with the lighting of the new Easter Candle followed by a candle lit procession into the darkness of the Church. Suddenly, new light and as if new life has come into the Church with the beautiful flowers and a real serene feeling. When the celebration began, I tried to relax and enjoy the night. As Fr. Donnachie baptised and confirmed me, I felt humble and very grateful of God’s great love. When I received the Eucharist for the first time, I felt the seal of acceptance and commitment in joining the Lord’s wonderful community.
At the end of our RCIA meetings we had a great wee party and another retreat day when we met up again with all the other people who had been received into the Church from all over the Archdiocese. It was a marvellous day full of prayer, fun and laughter. Archbishop Conti invited us all along to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost which was a very spiritual day and a lovely lunch followed.
My family and friends see a great change in my life and for the first time I feel great contentment, peace and tranquillity and I would urge anyone who feels that this is what they seek in life to go along and speak to their Parish Priest.”
Donald Patrick was received into the Church at St. Andrew's in Bearsden:
"My experiences relating to the RCIA have been wonderful. There were three of us in the same position this year, each of us had our own reasons for joining the catholic faith, we were all different, but had this one clear aim in common. Over the course of the year we developed a close bond and supported each other along the way. However, none of us could have done it without Margaret
Barton, who guided and directed us throughout the year. Margaret gave of her time willingly and was always there for us if we required assistance or instruction. I will be forever in her debt.
Following the Easter celebration, we were invited to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost with our Archbishop, Mario Conti. It was a wonderful ceremony and whilst the Archbishop was giving out communion, my 7 year old who was at my side commented loudly that the pope was waving to him. I had to clarify this later, that indeed it was the Archbishop and that he was giving him a blessing !!.
There followed a buffet in the Cathedral Square and the sun shone brightly for all those in attendance. A great time was had by all."
Perhaps, you have experienced Christian Initiation as an adult and might be willing to share your experience to help others who are seeking God in their lives. If so, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch liturgy@onetel.com
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"From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic Communion."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1229.
What is the process of the RCIA?
This is a time of no fixed duration where the seeker or inquirer has the opportunity to be opened to the values of the Gospel and the beginning of the journey of faith.
This is the first public step taken by the seeker and marks the beginning of the period of the catechumenate and acceptance of the seeker by the Church and indeed the worshipping community.
During this period, the faith and growth of the catechumen is nurtured and strengthened. This is enhanced by celebrations of the Word of God and prayers of blessing.
This rite is celebrated in the Cathedral every year of the First Sunday of Lent. For the first time, all those seeking initiation into the Church community from each parish in the Archdiocese come together. It is during this celebration that the catechumens and candidates are declared "elect" to receive and share in the sacramental life of the Church.
During the season of Lent, the elect are called to deeper reflection and conversion in preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. This is helped by the celebration of "scrutinies" and presentations of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer.
The Easter Vigil is the highlight of the Church's year, and it is normally at this celebration that the Christian Initiation of Adults take place. Those who have been elected are initiated into the Church by Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The time following Christian Initation is a time of celebration for the newly baptised and initiated into the Church and also a time for them to adapt to their new role within the community of the Church. This stage in the journey is normally concluded with a diocesan celebration of the great feast of Pentecost.
If you would like any further help or information, please contact:
liturgy@onetel.com
