This program prepares the candidates who need the Sacrament of
Initiation – Baptism,
Confirmation, and Holy Communion - which are the three primary sacraments.
There are other candidates coming into the Church through Sacrament of
Confirmation.
Our main objective is not to convert them but to carefully guide
them in their soul-searching for truth and assist them in discerning what they
are entering into. The RCIA classes are also to answer their questions
pertaining to their believe in God and help them to have an increase of a
strong conviction of their faith. In the past years there were many students who
have discontinued their classes and did not feel ready to be baptised. If they
are not ready we usually advise them not to become Catholics. We don't pressure
them and we don't even baptise them if they are inadequately prepared. They can
always continue their classes at another time or another year.
RCIA is a great time for the candidates to search for truth and to
know about the God they believe in. The RCIA students should not stop asking
questions from the priest and RCIA instructors. They can always rely on or ask
questions with their assigned sponsors or godparents as they progress in their
faith journey. During this nine-month preparation process, as these candidates
are progressing in their faith, we parishioners should reach out and offer our
friendship to them and welcome them with kind hearted to ensure they have a
very comforting and spiritual discernment before they become Catholics.
After
going through all the RCIA classes and receiving the Sacrament of Initiation on
Easter Vigil they are fully entered into Catholic faith. Once they have
professed the Catholic faith and entered into the Catholic Church they should
not stop learning more about the Catholic faith. Many of the RCIA converts to
the Catholic faith fall through the cracks after being initiated and they stop
learning the Catholic faith and also stop fulfilling the Sunday obligation. By
participating and sharing in the Sunday Eucharist is a state of grace.
Many
of these converts including the adult Confirmation candidates do think that
becoming Catholic or receiving confirmation is a type of ceremony. They must
remember that it is a continual call for conversion. It is not the ceremony but
it is a call of God to be a Catholic. It is a life long journey and a life-long
commitment to witness Christ in your life through words and deeds.
If
anyone who is thinking seriously to become a Catholic, please do contact our
parish RCIA facilitators or priest or nearest Catholic Church for further
details. We as members of this parish do remember to pray for these RCIA
candidates and for those who are still contemplating becoming Catholic. Do pray
for them always to allow God moves their hearts and discover the truth that
they are searching for.
“Seek
out and surrender your heart to Christ to find joy…and you will also find
happiness!
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