Why don’t we make disciples in the summer? The core fear that prevents a year-round RCIA process

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4 thoughts on “Why don’t we make disciples in the summer? The core fear that prevents a year-round RCIA process”

  1. Thanks for today’s post Nick. After Mass yesterday, a young man asked if I could meet with him in the evening to talk about what happens at Mass. I hesitated. This is so very “inconvenient”. Then the Holy Spirit, who works through my wife, nudged me and said- “just do it. He looks troubled.” Turns out it was an amazing encounter, which would have been missed if the Spirit didn’t whisper. Thank you Lord!!

  2. Just this weekend three more people have inquired about entering the Catholic Church! It is so exciting. Someone asked me if they have to wait until September. Of course not!
    Yes, we will need more resources but I do believe in what I heard many years ago: God is not interested in our ability but in our availability.
    Blessings and prayers as you continue to serve our Lord.

  3. In my daily reflection book there was a question to the effect of: “Whom would you rather walk around than encounter? ” I felt like congratulating myself as all the people I encountered that day, came to my mind and I felt grateful for their presence in my life.
    Then, I thought of those I know…all clear. Then those folks I really don’t know…no problem. Until one person came to mind. Yah. o.k. I WOULD walk around this person.

    I prayed for grace and sent a friendly text: “Hi. Just thinking about you and wondering how you are.”

    Back snapped a text. “Why are you texting me now?” (It had been sometime since I last saw this person.)

    I texted back ” I’m reading a reflection and realized how poorly I keep in touch. So I thought I would just say Hi.”

    There was a long silence.

    Then my phone dinged as another text arrived. “I am so lost. My grandpa died. The funeral is tomorrow. My kids are too young for a funeral. I am all alone. My mom will be there and I haven’t seen her in 12 years.”

    There was a long silence on my end as I cried my repentance and begged God for words to reply. I started to text my thoughts but found myself texting other words. Apparently they were just the words the person needed to hear.

    The person has never had any church affiliation yet at the end of texting the person offered to pray for me.

    Do I trust the Holy Spirit? Him only. Him completely.

  4. I have started Year Round and have gotten several inquiries since making the change in August. I am on my third Inquiry stage since August, and just met with someone else. I’m planning to start next Inquiry in January. The big challenge is getting the parish onboard since they are so used to the school year model and can’t see the vision.
    Another example of following a ‘school year’ model is not holding any meetings in the summer. Faith, the Mass, the Eucharist, etc, is not just 9 months/year so why do we stop doing everything else in the summer? Why shouldn’t Liturgy Committees and Pastoral Councils meet all year? When encountering this years ago in a former life, I challenged our pastor to stop having Mass in the summer. After he thought about it, we started doing more things year round.
    Thank you for all you do!

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