RICA help.

[flufflepuff]

Hello,

I just wanted to ask, besides education and initiation into the Church what other purpose does RCIA serve? I hate to ask something that seems silly but I’m starting to wonder. I had some religion when I was really small so this is so new. Finally starting to notice this isn’t just a simple lecture class, this really is life changing. I pray now, something I’ve never done and think on Christ, trying to get to know him more but the rest is such a blank. As someone who lived a rather Godless life till now I’m trying to understand what it is when they tell me I need to get to know Christ, especially love and loving him. I had a rough life and am back in therapy hence one of the main reasons for doing this. Everything else in my life has failed so I’m giving God a try, now I’m trying to figure out how to get from point A to B.

 

[MyNameIsDan]

Hi, flufflepuff.

By no means am I an expert on RCIA but I hope my (name removed by moderator)ut will help. Your question is not silly at all.

I understand how RCIA may seem confusing. It seems like it leads to more than just initiation and education on their (the parish’s) part. I think that the people attending RCIA are there because they want to be there. So the Church gives them a starting point for their Christian life, and that is accomplished by giving them the basics and initiating them through the sacraments. Having this knowledge and the graces through the sacraments, I think it is their will that will carry them forward. So RCIA is for educating, initiating, but also directing. But this directing is in part dependent on the attendee’s will to act on God’s call. Since they’re adults and they’re there, chances are, they do want to follow God and weren’t forced to go there by a parent.

You are definitely right it isn’t just a simple lecture class. It’s also great that you have started to pray. See how the RCIA has already helped in your formation? It’s more than it looks! If you are unsure with some of the things they say, like getting to know Christ, it might be a good idea to have a one on one meeting with the coordinator or teacher to help you. They will be able to help you. Loving Christ and getting to know Him is done through many ways; prayer, action, etc. When you serve others as Christ did, you will understand Him a bit more. You will also come closer to God who is with all people, and Whom all people were made in the image of. These are some examples.

It’s also a learning experience – for all of us! How do I get closer to Christ? This is something I also have to pray about and think about. It is something all of us have to do. We all have different capabilities, different talents, personalities, and so on. There are many different ways to Christ!

Happy to hear you’re actively engaged. Don’t worry if it seems like it’s just education and initiation. If the value of all of that isn’t clear yet, it will be. RCIA is there to welcome you into the Church. It’s totally normal to start off and not get everything yet! But once you’re part of the Catholic community, you will have many options. After all, our faith is lived in community! As you know, your spiritual growth isn’t finished after RCIA. With your will, there will be growth!

I did RCIA too and it took time to see where things are headed! But I just went with it, got initiated, and THEN I found out where it was all going. For example, I’m a catechist now. Prayer definitely helps! Just don’t forget praying involves listening.

Praying for you. God bless!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

RCIA should also be a time of apprenticeship into the Christian way of life. That would include developing one’s prayer life, one’s life of service to others, one’s values and behavior, and one’s relationship with God and the Church. Those sound vague, but from what you said about this being life changing, it sounds like it’s taking hold.