For most of today I was involved in the Rite of Sending at my local church, and then the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates to the Catholic Church at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Harrisburg, PA. Both ceremonies were beautifully done, but especially the latter with its huge-sounding organ and massive choir. Click HERE for the virtual tour of St. Patrick's.First the 9am service at my local church had both the catechumens (unbaptized RCIA members) and candidates (previously baptized, like me) step forward and be recognized, along with our sponsors, at Mass. Then later in the afternoon, we all traveled to Harrisburg to stand before the Bishop himself, Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, who gave a very stirring homily for the occasion.
Afterwards I stood in line for nearly a half hour waiting to have my picture taken with Bishop Rhoades, a very nice fellow, who also honored me by blessing my rosary. I was so nervous I had trouble smiling during the meeting, but the Bishop was a very good sport and took it well.
While I was waiting in line to see him, some of the RCIA staff members were betting on whether or not I would be taller than the Bishop with his hat on, once we stood together. See pic with handshake. See also HERE.
What is that book you're holding? Did he give that to you? Did you get a calling???
ReplyDeleteIs Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest?
ReplyDeleteIts a booklet for those who believe they may have received a calling to the priesthood. It can be difficult to tell for a while if the calling was real or if it was simply RCIA zealousness.
Mine happened while listening to the end of a CD from the Mary Foundation called John Corapi's Amazing Story. Admittedly I had been considering the vocation before then, but never too seriously. Then I heard this CD and it floored me.
So now I wait a year and let the new-catholic-glow recede, and to see if I receive another calling. If another doesn't come, then it was probably zealousness.
Maybe its what this country needs now anyway. A little more of God and a lot less of politicians. I think it is of great importance for the Catholic church to recruit. Our congregations, at least in Florida, seem to be older and conspicuously laking yonger members and clergy alike. I'mnot sure what the cause is but I think it is a symptom of a greater problem.
ReplyDeleteI should mention that the Bishop did not give me that booklet. My sponsor, who is working toward joining the priesthood, gave it to me after he heard of my calling.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous, Matt. You'll soon be home all the way (and you're already there in soul and spirit.)
ReplyDeleteRe the height difference: I wouldn't sweat it. I hear there are some denominations where the bishop towers over the laity simply because of her (or his) high heels.
God bless you, good friend.