This is the 15th year that I’ve helped with the R.C.I.A. program, and all except one, with Fr. Hilton. Looking back over time, I can see the changes and the sameness.

The sameness: the Holy Spirit continues to call, thanks be to God, and there’s no point in trying to guess who will come forward to learn more about the Catholic Faith. The two most unusual were women, well, at least one of them was; the other was a seven-year old girl who announced to her parents that she wanted to know more about the Catholic Church. Thank God, the parents were open, and brought her to the R.C.I.C. classes (for children from 7 to 16). But… the parents did not want to leave her alone, so they took turns staying with her. You guessed it, the one who was not Catholic joined the R.C.I.A. the following year, and the entire family began seriously practicing their Faith (“and a child shall lead them”).

The other most unusual catechumen was a 90-year old woman who had never been baptized. She faithfully attended all the sessions and washed away 90-years worth of sin, including all the consequences, on one glorious Easter Vigil.

The changes that I noticed as the years go by is the increasing difficulty of commitment. Many folks sign up in the beginning, but then attendance begins to drop off, mostly among the young. True, the young tend to be involved in more activities, such as sports, evening working hours and at times school requirements that unfortunately take priority over R.C.I.A. Sadly, they end up opting not to receive the Sacraments, at least for the time being. We all pray that they will decide to come back in good time.

However, every year there is a core of converts who are determined to stick it to the end, no matter how tired they are after a day’s work or study, and who make attendance to R.C.I.A. a priority. These are the folks whom you will see at the Easter Vigil, eager to receive the Sacraments that God gave us to help us on our way to Heaven. And what a journey they’ve had! As they discover the beauty of our Faith, they realize that the Church is truly the beautiful Bride of Christ. As they learn what She proclaims, and why, they become aware that what they hear or read about Her from the media is mostly lies, or at best misunderstandings. The Church is never hateful, bigoted, mean-spirited. She always has a reason to say what She does, and it is always said with love and kindness. She holds the Truth up to us, and then it’s up to us to accept Him or to reject Him.

Then, on a Saturday morning in Lent, we have the “big event,” a/k/a, the R.C.I.A. mini-retreat. What do we do? Simply, Fr. Hilton speaks to us about Confession, the history of this Sacrament, the requirements, and answers all the questions that are burning in the participants’ mind. Those of us who are cradle Catholics, and who made our First Confession when we were children, cannot fathom the nervousness of adults who, for the first time in their lives, prepare to bare their conscience.

Then comes the moment that everyone is waiting for, and dreading at the same time. Father goes to a separate room, ready to meet privately with all those who wish to do so, whether to go to Confession or simply to ask questions that could not be asked in public. One by one, they step forward, while the rest remain behind. Those who do decide to take “the big step” come back to the common room in a cloud of joy and… relief. Joy that they heard the words “your sins are forgiven, go in peace,” and relief that the hurdle that they had dreaded was over, and much easier than they had anticipated. And no, in case you ask, those who have not been baptized do NOT go to Confession. They’ll be eligible only after Baptism… should they sin).

Every year, several Catholics also attend R.C.I.A., both to learn more about their Faith and to encourage the candidates. Often, these Catholics are asked to be sponsors: this is both an honor and a commitment. Until death does them part, they are required to pray for their godchildren, be of good example to them and of encouragement to persevere in the Faith.

The most encouraging part about being involved with R.C.I.A. is seeing the “graduates” come back to Mass year after year. I watch out for them, and rejoice every time that I see them. I remember all of them, and pray for them. In fact, I sit up front for Mass, partly because I’m short and I don’t want to miss anything. But also because, after I give thanks after Communion, I look to those who go up after me. I pray for every one of them, asking the Lord to keep them safe, to help them in their needs, and I especially give thanks to Him every time that one of “my pups” (as I call them) steps up to receive Him.

Dear R.C.I.A. graduates of years past, I remember everyone of you, and love you dearly.