A View from Inside RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, is the Church’s comprehensive process for welcoming candidates and catechumens into the Catholic faith. I chose the word ‘welcoming’ very deliberately, because to welcome means to receive or accept gladly. My experience with members of the Winton Culver Catholic Community has been nothing short of welcoming. You have embraced me and my fellow candidates and catechumens and that is a wonderful testament to the quality of character each of you possesses.
I’d like to share some insight into my experience in the RCIA process. RCIA is, as you may know, the process by which adults accept the Church, become confirmed, and accept communion. It is a lengthy process, involving a series of rites and periods of learning, and essentially provide the foundation for faith formation and for confirmation into the Church. The process, from start to confirmation can take a year or more, depending on when the candidate or catechumen begins the journey. Additionally, a year of study gives the newly confirmed continuing instruction and support in our journey.
So, why would anyone want to go through this rigorous process? It looks like a lot, and it is. The biggest thing that brought me to the Church was the death of my husband’s uncle, Fr. Alphonsus Trabold, a Franciscan Friar who taught at St. Bonaventure University. I had always adored Fr. Al, he was a sweet, kind, loving man and I always looked forward to seeing him and talking with him. I only wish I had known him better.
When my husband and I went to Olean for Fr. Al’s funeral last April, I could not believe the expression of love for him. One woman told me a story of Fr. Al’s relationship with her disabled son. She told me, with tears in her eyes, that Fr. Al had said, “There are angels with him all the time.” She told me that Fr. Al visited her son many times and that her son loved him dearly. Even now, many months later, I get chills when I think of this moment. It was one of those truly moving moments in life, when everything seems clearer. Looking back, it was at that exact moment I started to think that I might convert. All that weekend, I couldn’t get the thoughts of conversion out of my head. I meant to speak to one of the Friars about it, but couldn’t work up the nerve.
Imagine, not being able to ask a Friar about God. You see, I grew up in a family that did not embrace God. In fact, belief in God or religion in any form was considered stupid and pointless—it still is. Anyone who went to church regularly or mentioned involvement in any church activities in public was labeled a “Bible-Thumper.” I’m still not sure what that term means exactly, but if I am a “Bible-Thumper”—and I don’t believe I am—I will proudly wear that badge if it means that I have developed a relationship with God. I have accepted that these family members will not support my quest for salvation and for true meaning in life or involvement in Church activities. All I can do is do what I believe is right and pray for them, so that God will accept them as well.
The RCIA process involves a great deal of work, reflection, introspection, and time. It is also worthwhile, rewarding, and truly inspiring because of all these reasons. I feel that the time I spend on RCIA activities, reading, studying, and praying is helping me to become a better, more caring, more patient person. I’ll admit there are times when I feel overwhelmed by just how big and important the process is. This process reinforces our need to be prepared and open to the power of a kind and loving God. Every day, I feel more inspired and every day, I feel I am making progress.
I honestly believe that I am changed forever because of my involvement in RCIA. I do not regret for even one day that I decided to do this. Yes, it is a lot of work. Yes, at times it feels like a chore. But, except for choosing my husband, it is truly the most rewarding experience of my life.
For those who are considering participation in RCIA, I can highly recommend it. You will find a community of support and friendship you never knew could exist anywhere. You will meet people who are in similar situations and you will develop relationships that are grounded in belief in God. I love the community I have found in Winton-Culver Catholic Community. I feel closeness to my RCIA peers that I have not found in other groups. Although we are not all in exactly the same place in our studies, we are on a similar path to learning and enlightenment. I know I still have a long way to go (especially when I am driving in my car), but I already feel that I have come a long way from where I started.
This process is not for the weak of heart, although I believe it is the weak that need it most. I say this because I am weak and I need this very much. I know that God will welcome me and forgive me when I stray. What a wonderful feeling!
—Allison Moreland is a parishioner of St. John’s and a member of Winton-Culver Catholic Community’s Web Committee. As a participant in the RCIA, she is preparing for her Confirmation during Easter Vigil.