RCIA - Day 1

September 20, 2011

I attended my first day of an RCIA program, which is a program that people go through to convert to Catholicism.  I have never felt so good about something in my entire life.  I've never felt so....right.
I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be.  I'm beginning a journey of faith.  And it's such a big step for me, because no one is asking me to make this journey.  The only person motivating me and pushing me is...well, me. 
I crossed myself today.  This may seem like a little thing to most people, but it was an incredible moment for me, and I can't exactly explain why.  It just impacted me in a big way.  I felt God.  I felt like I was a part of something larger than myself. 
Tonight I have to fill out a form with all of my information so that I can be eligible for the Rites of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist).  I also have to name two god-parents, and a sponsor.  These will be people who I feel comfortable going to when I have questions about Catholicism and life in general. 
Another thing I have to write down (which I'm pretty excited about) is my Confirmation Name.  A religious name that I identify with, that somehow speaks to me, and represents who I am as a new Catholic man.
These are all very important things to me, and will require a lot of thought and consideration.  The form is due next Tuesday, at our next meeting.
My fellow Journeyers are a wonderful group of people.  I feel like I belong with them.  We come from many different backgrounds, and yet I feel a connection with each of them.  We are all going through this together, and hopefully we'll come out at the end as new people. 
One thing that I'm looking forward to learning from these classes is what the various rituals are that take place during a Mass.  As a non-catholic, I felt very left out during my first few Masses.  It seemed like everyone knew what to say, when to kneel, and all of the prayers.  And I didn't know a thing!  Our priest said that during one of the upcoming classes, we are going to go into the church and he will walk us through everything that goes on for a Mass.  I'm excited. :)
Hopefully, I'll be able to keep this blog going as I make my journey towards becoming Catholic.  But, you know how that goes...
Until next time!