I am returning Catholic and will be confirmed end of May. It was not required of me to attend RICA, but I have been studying the Catechism. And at first was going through many difficulties on all levels…personalities, conflicting information, wrong information. I was saying “really??” "and you want me to study what?"But I knew- I know- God’s will for me was to return to his church, after a lifetime away-that much I never doubted.
So first I centered on that. It was God’s will I was following. Then -belief that he would offer me his grace, it giving me the strength sufficient. And send gifts of the Holy Spirit
wisdom understanding counsel courage knowledge reverence and wonder and awe of our Lord…and really that is how I started when things became difficult confusing and all that.
I would say probably the most powerful teaching I have received so far is a group started at our parrish…we meet weekly and are studying
Farther Robert Barron’s Catholicism Series- which is the most amazing initiation one could receive-you can get more info at his website wordonfire.com -as well as see some clips.
I’ve said- and will say…RICA members and leaders…this series is it! older Catholics- cradle Catholics - lukewarm- just curious…this series is it!
A review from George Weigel - one of the leading authorities on the Catholic Church in the world. He is the author of more than 15 books, including Witness to Hope and The End and the Beginning, the two-part biography of Blessed Pope John Paul II, and most recently, *Evangelical Catholicism: Deep Reform in the 21st Century Catholic Church. *
says Weigel:**" Father Robert Barron’s “Catholicism” series—the DVDs and the book—is the best introduction to the Church of the future that I know. Every Catholic parish in America should junk its RCIA and adult education programs for a year and adopt “Catholicism” instead. The results would be, I think, remarkable." link attached:
**
catholicworldreport.com/Item/2133/evangelical_catholicism_pope_francis_and_the_21stcentury_church
One final word. For awhile I was experiencing what I can only believe was from the evil one…to be sure he will do whatever to derail you. Confusion, even use others to do so. someone on here suggested I just pray the rosary a lot when this happened and I think he has finally gotten the message. Mother Angelic says to just laugh at the evil one. I think God allows these things to strengthen us- helping us to decide to order our hearts to His will.
hope this helps and no matter the how difficulty may
appear, The angels in heaven rejoice! God Bless. praying for you~
