Going through the RCIA is a wonderful journey of faith for both candidates and sponsors. I have had the honour of being a sponsor in the last two years and the experience has truly strengthened my faith and love of Christ as I “hold the hand” of the other in the journey of faith through prayer and fellowship.
Once requested to support a candidate, I found it helpful to attend as many RCIA sessions as possible with my candidate right from the beginning of the program. This opened the door to regular sharing of our faith experiences and journeys thus allowing my candidate to see me for who I am as a practicing person of Catholic faith and as a person. We quickly became faith friends and had lots of laughs along the way. Being present/available allowed deeper sharing and growing together spiritually and was also assuring as they know that you are readily available to provide timely support at every stage.
Candidates' curiosity and eagerness to learn about the Catholic faith greatly encouraged me. Acknowledging the importance of questions asked was critical because they are on a learning curve and need all the information and support available. I did not always have answers to the questions (in most cases, I didn’t have the answers) and that is ok because I am also on a journey of faith and learning in the process, but I committed to seeking answers. In knowing that I am just one member of the faith community I asked other Catechumens and our Parish Priest to help. Our Parish priest was always readily available to answer the tough questions so I encouraged my candidates to write questions down and we would jointly raise these with him. I am also a spiritual knowledge seeker and because I love conducting research, every question asked got me interested in finding out more information and this led to my deeper understanding of the teachings of our Catholic faith. Bottom line is there is always something new to learn for everyone and I always looked forward to attending the session because I know I will learn something I did not know!
Candidates may sometimes need help with church protocols, such as following order of Mass or even receiving Holy Communion. As a sponsor, it is assuring for the candidate to know that you are there and will hold their hand as they go through these beautiful milestones. They may not feel confident when trying something for the first time so gently guiding them through is paramount.
Easer Vigil has been a joyous and special occasion as I get to witness my candidates get baptised and/or confirmed and make their First Holy Communion, thus becoming full members of the Body of Christ, the Church. Witnessing candidates’ respond to God’s call and follow the way of Christ makes a beautiful and rewarding occasion. A truly heart-warming, joyful experience and testimony to the transformative presence and work of God in our lives.
By Wangui Gaciabu, Parishioner of St Patrick's Parish Pakenham
