Dropping out of RCIA

[ralphinal]

I teach the Confirmation class at my parrish, so I can sort of relate. Every year, I stress to the class that it has to be their decision and that it is one that they should be sure that they are ready to make. The trick on that is that if they say they are not ready because it is so serious, it proves how ready they are.

There is no harm is staying in and not becoming Catholic. There is no harm in doing RCIA again. The harm is if you decide to turn from God because you decide to do it. I do not see that in your posts.

As far as the henotheistic thing goes, many people see henotheism in ancient Judaism. In fact, it does look that way. However, as time went by, the Jews became less henotheistic and more monotheistic. You can see it in the Psalms. Christianity was born of that era, and Jesus never said anything to indicate that there were really other gods.

 

[Randy_Carson]

I began the RCIA process several months ago. While I felt very drawn to Catholicism at first, as time has gone on, I find that I am having some problems accepting some of the Church’s teachings in regard to marriage, as well as letting go of my previous (polytheist) beliefs. As it stands, while I want to be a Catholic, and those Catholics I know have a faith and belief that I hope to have someday, I don’t feel like I am yet in communion with the Church — I might be later on, but I’m not right now. My RCIA group has been nothing but helpful and has answered all of my questions and then some. I’m just not there yet.

Here’s my problem: We’re approaching the Rite of Election, as well as baptism, first communion and confirmation. I am feeling very, very uncomfortable continuing with the process at this time, given my personal difficulties. I feel as if it would be extremely disrespectful and dishonest, if not outright sacrilegious, to participate in these steps at this point in time.

Am I wrong in this? Should I grit my teeth and continue, and hope that stronger faith will come later? Or should I bring up my reservations with my RCIA leaders now and bow out, and then return when I feel more ready?

This is called spiritual warfare. You should expect to be attacked by Satan as you approach the sacraments.

Continue in RCIA, go to mass as often as possible, and get prayed over by everyone involved including your parish priest(s).

Remember this: Satan does NOT want you to be received into the Church, and you do NOT want what Satan wants for you.

“Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:8)

 

[osddso]

its not the churchs teachings about marriage.

its the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus said that under moses all you needed was a bill of divorce. but in his covenant, no one should divorce. man and woman, husband and wife become one.

as for giving up other polytheistic beliefs you cant have both. either one of the other.

it sounds like you got into this for the entertainment. a priest once told me people do that. its not entertainment like you dont believe. i think you are a good kind genuine person, otherwise you wouldnt be here posting. its just you like the idea, you like what its about, but on your terms. you enjoy the teaching, you like to learn about them, even use them in your daily life, but on your terms (polythestic beliefs you wont give up)

its hard, because i look at your situation and i think of how Jesus sent out his apostles and how he said to them “if a house wont except your peace shake the dust off your feet”
but its hard on this one, because you seem like good hearted person, and you are excepting his peace, but by not giving up your polytheism roots you arent accepting him.

usually people accept Jesus, but not his peace. they still sin and dont care, but recognize Jesus. this time its the other way around.

i wish you the best of luck

 

[SingleMomMonica]

I began the RCIA process several months ago. While I felt very drawn to Catholicism at first, as time has gone on, I find that I am having some problems accepting some of the Church’s teachings in regard to marriage, as well as letting go of my previous (polytheist) beliefs. As it stands, while I want to be a Catholic, and those Catholics I know have a faith and belief that I hope to have someday, I don’t feel like I am yet in communion with the Church — I might be later on, but I’m not right now. My RCIA group has been nothing but helpful and has answered all of my questions and then some. I’m just not there yet.

Here’s my problem: We’re approaching the Rite of Election, as well as baptism, first communion and confirmation. I am feeling very, very uncomfortable continuing with the process at this time, given my personal difficulties. I feel as if it would be extremely disrespectful and dishonest, if not outright sacrilegious, to participate in these steps at this point in time.

Am I wrong in this? Should I grit my teeth and continue, and hope that stronger faith will come later? Or should I bring up my reservations with my RCIA leaders now and bow out, and then return when I feel more ready?

You don’t need to bow out, but you can tell the RCIA leaders that you are not yet ready to proceed with any Rites this year and continue RCIA this year and go again next year. When my mom was looking at the Catholic Church she went through RCIA for 2 yrs before deciding that the Catholic Church wasn’t right for her. She’s now looking at Orthodoxy, but that’s her. You should give RCIA a chance by going through it more than just one year before deciding to just quit. Some people’s journey just take longer than others and there is nothing wrong with that. Be encouraged!

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

Seekers26; You are almost there! eternal salvation is not a feeling or competition of who has the greater faith. The Sacraments is where you personally meet God. You dont need a rocket science degree to enter into God’s kingdom.

Couple of things that are happening to you at this time. One, the enemy is hard at work to keep you from the Kingdom of God. The serpent will always try to decieve us in believing we are not worthy or God does not care, this is a Lie from the serpent. Christianity is a life long life into eternity. God wants to be with you, to guide you, teach you and protect you during this life’s journey. Saying “yes” or “I do” believe to God, and enter the baptismal waters to wash all your sins and guilt away, because nothing unclean can go before God.

Let this trial of doubt and fear, be your test to let God know you really seek him, and want to become his child. Jesus suffered the same thing in the desert, a dark night of the soul. Let God know you have hope, and refuse to obey the enemy from the concerns of the flesh.

Talk to your R.C.I.A instructors. A weapon that can help you, is prayer, fasting during the upcoming lenten season. Remember, the sacraments is where God touches our humanity. Seek out the Father, he awaits you on your journey, to recieve you with loving arms. It is then “fear” is no more, death has lost its sting over you, for fear comes from the evil one not God. The Power and principality that keeps you from God, has no power over you once you recieve God’s seal of eternal life from your baptism and confirmation.

If you know your rosary prayers, begin those and see walls tumble before you. I will pray for you. We cannot learn in one lifetime all the blessings of the Catholic Church and teachings, the Church will be here until Jesus returns for his bride. It does not take a feeling to graduate in the mysteries of God, it takes your “will” to be in God’s perfect “will”, then let go and let God teach you and reveal himself to you, all we do is obey his son Jesus to be baptised, consume the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world to recieve power and grace to proclaim the Kingdom in your confirmation. We cannot share Christ if we do not have him.

Seek your Christian instruction, and leave the rest to God, this is the beginning of “FAITH”.

Peace be with you