Around this time of the year, it is common to see they ’shepherd’ the catechuments into the church for the rites before their baptism. If I remember correctly, I was at St. Ignatius church in PJ recently when they had their first rite. It was so nice to see the rite where the ‘new kids on the block’ have to ‘knock’ on the church door before they can co. Thereafter, they were asked by the priest what they were seeking.
Anyway, I cannot remember all the rites in RCIA because I was either bed ridden, in hospital or had my baby and was in post-natal care when those rites were carried out. I missed most of my RCIA rites except a few last ones.
Still, being a convert, my heart leaps with joy when I see the catechuments (spelling?) rehearse. Usually, I would be at choir practice when they go into the church for their rehearsal. Being a six years old convert, it is like watching babies taking their baby steps while I am the six years old kid.
Strangely, I have not attended any mass lately where they have the rites. Anyway, I am also a little glad because it will be a long drawn mass due to the number of people. I notice that the number of people seems to be increasing year by year. During my year, there were less than 20 people and my sons and I already made up five of them. Now, there are 50-60 of them. Of course, praise the Lord for the increase in numbers. I think I will skip Easter vigil where they get their baptism because the mass will probably be a very long one. However, I love Easter vigil mass because it is the most meaningful of all.
Anyway, baptism is just the beginning of being a Christian and it is a life changing decision that one should ponder and reflect before they take the leap. It is not easy to be a Catholic and I personally feel young people, especially those who expect the ‘Hollywood style Christian’ to find out what’s it like being a Catholic before they commit. It is sad when I hear them ‘leaving the church’ for something ‘more meaningful and lively’.
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