Need clarity

[Wiseguy]

If someone is living in a situation where they are considering the Catholic faith but living in a situation that is opposed to the Church’s teachings, is it best for them to get out of the situation and then begin the process of coming into the Church or begin the process first and then get out of the situation?

 

[LSK]

Well, I can share with you what we do at the RCIA program at St. Joseph’s.

When someone approaches us about the Faith we begin them in Inquiry classes. This phase allows them to learn about the Faith in a general way in order to give them time to pray and discern if this is the correct path for them. During this time they may come to realize that certain aspects of their life may need correction. We help them in this area, i.e. do they need a convalidation of a marriage? do they need help with paperwork to request a nullity of marriage? do they need to look for another place to live, to get married in the first place, to bring their children into the faith, etc…etc…As they advance through the educational process their lives usually begin to conform to Church Teachings. We have only ‘lost’ one person during this process in the past 3 years. Everyone else, by the time they receive their Sacraments of Initiation, are living lives in conformity with Church Teachings.

Does this help?

 

[Wiseguy]

Well, I can share with you what we do at the RCIA program at St. Joseph’s.

When someone approaches us about the Faith we begin them in Inquiry classes. This phase allows them to learn about the Faith in a general way in order to give them time to pray and discern if this is the correct path for them. During this time they may come to realize that certain aspects of their life may need correction. We help them in this area, i.e. do they need a convalidation of a marriage? do they need help with paperwork to request a nullity of marriage? do they need to look for another place to live, to get married in the first place, to bring their children into the faith, etc…etc…As they advance through the educational process their lives usually begin to conform to Church Teachings. We have only ‘lost’ one person during this process in the past 3 years. Everyone else, by the time they receive their Sacraments of Initiation, are living lives in conformity with Church Teachings.

Does this help?

Yes it does, thank you very much. That is very encouraging actually!

 

[Keikiolu]

If someone is living in a situation where they are considering the Catholic faith but living in a situation that is opposed to the Church’s teachings, is it best for them to get out of the situation and then begin the process of coming into the Church or begin the process first and then get out of the situation?

OK wiseguy…!

(( Just had to say that… sorry. ))

First, get into the Church,… which means read the Catechism, ask a LOT of questions of knowledgable Catholics, attend daily mass if possible to get used to the wonderful “routine”, etcetera…

Then, figure out the implications of them being a Catholic in the “situation” that they find themselves in.

Getting out of the “situation” before having a reason for getting out of it is not the way to motivate getting out of the “bad” situation.

A natural dam on a river doesn’t burst because it COULD burst if it rains really hard,… it bursts because it HAS rained really hard, and there’s this huge pile of water pushing on it.

Fill 'em up, and the natural consequence of knowledge of the truth will provide the most “kind” solution to the “situation”.

Mahalo ke Akua…!
E pili mau na pomaikai ia oe. Aloha nui.

 

[Wiseguy]

OK wiseguy…!

(( Just had to say that… sorry. ))

First, get into the Church,… which means read the Catechism, ask a LOT of questions of knowledgable Catholics, attend daily mass if possible to get used to the wonderful “routine”, etcetera…

Then, figure out the implications of them being a Catholic in the “situation” that they find themselves in.

Getting out of the “situation” before having a reason for getting out of it is not the way to motivate getting out of the “bad” situation.

A natural dam on a river doesn’t burst because it COULD burst if it rains really hard,… it bursts because it HAS rained really hard, and there’s this huge pile of water pushing on it.

Fill 'em up, and the natural consequence of knowledge of the truth will provide the most “kind” solution to the “situation”.

Mahalo ke Akua…!
E pili mau na pomaikai ia oe. Aloha nui.

I think you are the “wise” one! Thanks.