My RCIA Diary

One day before baptism. Things have been hectic around the house trying to get ready for Easter dinner plus baptism at Easter Vigil. We did make it a point to attend Good Friday service today. It was interesting to be a part of. It was also nice to be able to answer my son when he asked why the church was so bare and all the statues were covered. We have been talking a lot about the passion and why it is referred to as such. As I previously discussed, this process has been a blessing in so many ways not the least of which has been the discussion as a family that it has inspired. As I sit here and contemplate exactly what this means to me, the end answer is...I don't really know. As I said previously, I have found so much room for growth in this process that I really can't ever see it ending. Just when I thought I was getting a handle on saying the rosary I am hit with a new set of prayers to say with their own intention. These things are so deep and so spiritual that they literally do seem to have a life of their own. I used the example last week in class that the passion is so mysterious that I am almost 40 and every year I look at it in a different way or discover something new. I think that God has always had a purpose for my life and I now see that in some ways it is probably better that I went through this process at this stage in my life.

As this may be my last post for my RCIA diary, I do feel the need to thank some people. Jack, Frank, Joe, Lydia, Kelly and all my classmates.....this class was always a blessing and I always walked away learning something. As I have said before...my experience with the Catholic religion has always been that I have felt welcome and never looked down upon. You not only teach well but you all have provided an excellent example of what it means to be Catholic and promote your faith to be inclusive not exclusive. To all of you THANK YOU!

To my mother-in-law...pretty much the same thank you. There have been many times since I have known you that you could have been very judgemental toward me. You have always welcomed me into your family and treated me with dignity and respect. You never once questioned my beliefs even though you are so devout in yours. I truly respect this and that is why I asked you to be my sponsor.

To my wife, Lora, I know that this has often been a difficult process for you to. I have seen you grow in faith right beside me, and that has proved to be a wonderful example also. You came to classes when your mom couldn't. You participated right beside me which again was an unanticipated blessing. THANK YOU!

To Father Dan.... Please let me say that when you are not Catholic, interacting with a priest can be a little intimidating. I suspect this can also be said for a lot of "Cradle Catholics" as well.....Father Dan has been beside us all along this process. Working in a hospital I do get to see just a small part of what you must go through on a daily basis. You have made time for us and made us feel truly appreciated. Some people exude confidence, strength, determination, etc. When I see you...I see sincerity which has been the ribbon on this present. Saint Michael's Parish is lucky to have you...a deep and heartfelt Thank You. I am honored to be in your first class.

Thank You!

Jason Jay Thomas Shrock