Yesterday,
concluded my third year assisting the RCIA ministry. On the last day we hand out the Sacrament
Certificates to each student in a like graduation style celebration. First we open the day with prayer, then we
watch a slide show of the whole year, then we give recognitions to the top
students. Finally, handing out their
initiation to the Catholic Church “diplomas,” before closing with a potluck
style luncheon (families and sponsors are also invited). It’s usually a day full of smiles and a bittersweet
closure, because as excited as we are for the summer break it’s an ending to
our class gatherings. Lots of hugs are
given and then we head to Mass to close with the celebration of celebrations.
Given that
my commitment to RCIA is done and I get a couple months break in addition to
also having a break from my classes at the diocese – I have extra time to fill
with new activities. At a parish near my
home on Thursday nights they are showing “The Pivotal Players” videos
accompanied by classroom discussion.
Last week I attended my first night, there’s about twenty of us in the
class. We usually watch a portion of the
series then we have an open classroom discussion. I love that it’s done this way because I am
not fond of small groups. It also feels
more efficient to share our thoughts from our seats. Last week I was given a booklet that goes
with the videos, there’s summaries of the pivotal players in addition to
questions for discussion and application.
I really like that the program is so organized and our facilitator is a sweet,
older lady. In fact, my class is mostly
retired folk, but I enjoy being around people of much wisdom. Though I started the series two weeks late, I
am so looking forward to viewing Bishop Barron’s wonderful series.
Recently, I
also started my Third Order Franciscan journey.
It took me awhile because I didn’t want to commit to the drive- I know I
can be so lazy! They also meet on the
second Sunday of every month so with RCIA it was a little overwhelming. Thus, I decided to wait until the RCIA year
was over so that I could go to the meetings with a more energized mind. Last month due to Mother’s Day the meeting
was held on the third Sunday and I went for the first time. I received such a warm welcome that I knew I
had found the fraternity I had been looking for. I love how the meetings are organized, there’s
even a moment for a photo op because we have a member who writes a newsletter
for our fraternity and she publishes a picture of each meeting’s group! Kindred Spirit for sure (smile). We also have a couple in charge of a
traveling library with every book relating to Franciscan spirituality! I am so looking forward to growing some roots with this group!
Los Alamitos Fraternity
Our faith
journey should always challenge us to grow, to try different paths that show us
a different angle to our Creator. I am
lucky that I live in an area where there’s so many different opportunities, so
many different activities and so many groups to help me get to heaven. Last week, I also attended a woman’s group that was a
really neat experience. It was more of a
Catholic social group where I got to have really deep, insightful conversations
with other women. The group is led by
Father Bartus’ wife. These new
activities have me extremely excited about my summer!
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