RCIA - A Refresher Course for Cradle Catholics?

Many of us were baptised as infants and are known as “Cradle Catholics”. Having grown up in the faith from a young age, we may sometimes take our faith knowledge for granted or realise later in life that there is still much more to understand.

Some even drift away, feeling that the Catholic Church does not offer what they desire. But have we looked deeper or enquired further within the Catholic Church itself?

At the parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church Ipoh, two participants joined the RCIA course as a refresher for their faith journey. Though baptised as infants, they had reached a stage in life where they wanted to understand the Catholic faith more deeply.

Here, they share their testimonies and experiences of journeying together with the RCIA candidates.

I wanted to join the RCIA classes for two main reasons. Firstly, I longed for a spiritual refresher—to renew and deepen my faith in God, and to reconnect more meaningfully with Him. Secondly, I wanted to accompany my friend on his journey as an RCIA candidate, serving as his sponsor and supporting him every step of the way.

Looking back on this journey, I am filled with deep gratitude. I truly believe that I have been led by the Holy Spirit to rekindle within me a renewed fire and passion for my faith. Throughout this process, I have experienced a profound transformation. Through Scripture, Church teachings, and shared reflections, I have come to better understand the way of Christ and what it means to live out that faith daily.

The RCIA team was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and compassionate in guiding us. Their dedication made me feel welcomed, supported, and truly part of a loving spiritual family. As a sponsor, it has been a privilege to walk alongside my friend in his faith journey. Witnessing his growth, from knowing very little about the faith to becoming fully immersed in it, has been both humbling and inspiring. Seeing him receive baptism during Easter was a deeply moving moment, one that filled me with joy and gratitude. To have played even a small role in his journey of conversion is something I will always cherish.

Beyond that, I have also found a new sense of belonging among my fellow RCIA members, both candidates and catechists alike. Each Thursday became something I eagerly looked forward to: a time to gather, to learn, to share openly, and to grow together in faith. The sense of community, mutual encouragement, and genuine care for one another has been truly meaningful to me.

Out of this deep sense of gratitude, I feel inspired to give back. I have decided to join the RCIA team as an accompanier for the next intake. In doing so, I pray that I too can play a small part in spreading the Good News and building a stronger faith community.

My Dad was a Catholic, but my two siblings and I grew up in a household where Taoism was practised. I have always known that I was baptised into the Catholic faith, but I hardly led a “Catholic life”. There were times I questioned God, but He remained silent. And life carried on until my Dad passed away. There were some episodes during that time that prompted me to connect the dots. Finally, it dawned on me that God had been leading and guiding me throughout my life, and so I began to accept the path He has laid ahead for me. I felt liberated.

I decided to go back to Church and eventually signed up for RCIA. The sessions were an eye-opener. It gave me a better understanding of the faith and brought me much closer to God. I am more confident to respond now when non-believers question me about the faith.

Credit must be accorded to the facilitators, not forgetting the Fathers, who turned up unannounced. They put in so much effort and time. They guided us with patience and with clarity. There were Q&A sessions. What made it livelier was the singing, slide shows, and group discussions and, of course, the fellowship. Because of the RCIA sessions, I have been attending Mass more regularly.

A shout out to all RCIA ECs!

Heartfelt thanks to all the RCIA Evangelizing Catechists who have generously answered God’s call to serve. You are missionary disciples, serving with love, humility, and purpose. Your commitment, sacrifice, and dedication have touched many lives.

You have spent countless hours preparing materials, thoughtfully structuring lessons, and ensuring that each candidate not only understands the teachings, but also develops a deeper hunger for God’s Word.

Through you, many have encountered God personally and chosen to follow Him more closely. Carrying forward the kindness and guidance they have received, they too can now journey with others as they come to know God, grow in faith, and experience His love.

Glory to God in the highest!