What a beautiful journey I was starting on. Oh how very much I had to learn. I started my research on the Internet. I joined Catholic chat groups, placed prayer requests on Catholic sites, and asked for any kind of help on the Catholic Convert site. Here the Lord led me to one of my best friends, Linda. (I thank God that he brought us together and led me to that site.) She lives in Alabama and I in Pennsylvania. We became instant friends and chatted daily over the net. We have so very much in common. We are both converts and we even share the same birth date. Which is December 8th, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. When I found out that Dec. 8th was a Catholic holy day, I knew that I was born to be Catholic. And that I was following His will.
RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults, the process by which interested persons gradually become members of the catholic Church) started in August meeting every week. There were four of us in this year’s class. There are five phases in RCIA, they are; (1) The Period of Inquiry (also known as the time of Evangelization or Pre-Catechumenate) during this period we were introduced to the Catholic Church and it’s beliefs and look deep within our self on our relationship with God, and make sure we are truly ready to continue on. (2) Catechumenate, during this period we were encouraged to attend Sunday Mass, we attended the first part of the Mass and were dismissed after the homily to discuss the Scripture readings of that day with one of our teachers. (3) Period of Purication and Enlightenment/Scrutinies, during this period, the Rites of Election was held, our Diocesan Bishop was there and accepted us as candidates for the Sacraments, this was an exciting day for me, to be meeting and receiving a blessing from the Bishop. (4) The Paschal Triduum with the Sacraments of Initiation, the Sacrament of Initiation is held at the Easter Vigil, my dear friend Linda, my Internet friend, came to PA to celebrate my Initiation and my First Eucharist. Also sharing my day was my husband, my cousins from Erie, and my sponsor Sally. (5) Mystagogical Catechesis, this period last throughout the Easter season and it gives us a time to look back and reflect on what we have learned and how we can use this knowledge to serve the Church and God as He so wills.
I was not prepared for the beauty and awe of the Easter Vigil Mass. I never saw a service that was so filled with the love of the Lord, and love for the Lord. The only way to describe this Mass is to say go attend one for yourself, whatever the religious belief, I think you will say it is truly something. During the service I cried not only because I was excited, I cried because of what He did for us. For me, a humble sinner, God sent down His Son, our Lord Jesus for me, and He gave up His life to save me!
This was in 1999, and since then I still have been learning and doing my best to do the will of My Lord. Although it has not been the easiest at times, I remain His to do as He so wills… |
