Holy Spirit Catholic Church - RCIA - Becoming Catholic - Initiation

Summary

Sally Golan Bieski shares her deeply personal journey of converting to Catholicism, reflecting on the emotional and spiritual milestones of receiving the sacraments of initiation. She recalls the struggle of being unable to partake in communion for almost a year, feeling a sense of separation from God. However, after her confirmation, Sally experiences the transformative power of the Eucharist, connecting deeply with Christ. Through the sacrament, she finds her soul nourished and strengthened, highlighting the sacred union with Jesus and the love that fills her heart, making the Catholic faith profoundly meaningful to her.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Period of Enlightenment marks the beginning of one's life as a Catholic, culminating in the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist.
• 😀 Sally Golan Bieski shares her personal experience of becoming Catholic, a decision that deeply impacted her life.
• 😀 Sally comes from a Protestant background and is the only Catholic in her immediate family.
• 😀 Before being confirmed, Sally was unable to celebrate communion for nearly a year, which caused her to feel a sense of separation from God.
• 😀 This period of separation led Sally to deeply reflect on her spiritual desires and grow closer to her faith.
• 😀 After receiving the Eucharist at her confirmation, Sally experienced a profound connection with God, feeling spiritually nourished and strengthened.
• 😀 The Eucharist, as described in John 6, is central to Catholic belief, symbolizing Christ as the 'bread of life' that nourishes the soul.
• 😀 Sally feels the closest to God during the moment of receiving the body and blood of Jesus, experiencing a deep spiritual connection.
• 😀 The Eucharist is not just a ritual but a sacred moment that unites believers with Christ, as He fills their hearts with His love.
• 😀 Sally appreciates the Catholic Church’s focus on the Eucharist, where everything in the Mass points to Jesus and the divine connection it provides.

Q & A

What was Sally Golan Bieski's motivation for joining the Catholic Church?

Sally's decision to join the Catholic Church was a deeply personal and significant one. She comes from a Protestant background and, to her knowledge, was the only Catholic in her immediate family. Her choice to join was an important step in her spiritual journey.

How did Sally feel when she discovered she couldn't partake in communion for almost a year?

Sally felt a sense of separation from God, which was an emotional experience. She was moved to tears and felt distant, but this time of waiting also allowed her to reflect and search her heart.

What did Sally learn about herself during the time she couldn't take communion?

During this waiting period, Sally took time to reflect deeply on her soul and her desires, helping her grow in understanding and connection to her faith.

What is the significance of the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church?

The sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—mark the beginning of a person’s full participation in the Catholic Church. These sacraments help an individual grow in faith and become part of the Catholic community.

How did Sally feel when she was finally able to receive the Eucharist?

When Sally received the Eucharist after her Confirmation, she experienced a profound spiritual connection. She felt as though she was participating in a sacred rite, and her soul was nourished and restored through the Body and Blood of Christ.

What is the meaning of the Eucharist for Sally?

For Sally, the Eucharist is a sacred moment of union with Christ. It represents the point where Christ is within her, and she is within Him. This moment brings her the closest to God, filling her heart with His love.

Why does Sally consider the Catholic Church’s focus on the Eucharist to be special?

Sally loves the Catholic Church because of its focus on the Eucharist. She believes everything in the Mass points toward Jesus, and the Eucharist is the central act where she feels closest to God.

What biblical passage does Sally reference in relation to the Eucharist?

Sally references John 6, where Jesus says, 'I am the bread of life.' She connects this passage to her understanding of the Eucharist, recognizing it as spiritual nourishment for her soul.

What was Sally's emotional experience when she was confirmed into the Catholic Church?

Sally's Confirmation was a deeply emotional experience for her. It marked a new beginning in her spiritual journey, and receiving the Eucharist afterward brought a sense of peace and closeness to God.

How does Sally describe her connection with God after receiving the Eucharist?

Sally describes feeling spiritually restored, nourished, and strengthened after receiving the Eucharist. She feels a deep connection with God, and this sacrament is the moment when she experiences His love most profoundly.